Clifton, Virginia Property Management Services

Located just 21 miles outside of Washington, D.C., sits the small All-American town of Clifton, which many D.C. metro area residents consider to be the loveliest town in Northern Virginia. You won't find a traffic light in Clifton, but you will find a classic main street lined with white picket fences, rustic lanterns, and barrels full of colorful flowers.

With a population of just over 300 people, Clifton is small, quaint, and safe. Residents have a short commute into the capital, and it's a favorite day-trip destination of urbanites from Washington and Northern Virginia's larger cities.

Location of Clifton

 Clifton is located in western Fairfax County, six miles southeast of Centreville and seven miles southwest of the city of Fairfax.

The land surrounding Clifton is less developed than nearby areas. The southern and eastern portions of the town are heavily forested, and the northern portion has become an equestrian area.

Residents who commute generally take the Burke Centre Virginia Railway Express (VRE) to L'Enfant Plaza or Union Station and pick up the metro to their D.C. destination. The main arteries leading out of town can get backed up during peak times, and residents are known for being very strategic when organizing their driving and adjusting their commute times or taking the back roads.

Population and Demographics

 The population of Clifton is small yet affluent. Estimates put the current population at approximately 310 residents. The median household income is roughly $160,000. The cost of living in Clifton is considered high, with the area's index being 173 compared to the U.S. average of 100. Clinton has no residents living at or below the poverty line. 

Clifton's residents are highly educated. Almost 70% of adult residents have earned a 4-year college degree, master's degree, M.D., law degree, or Ph.D., compared to the national average of 22% for all U.S. cities and towns.

 Area History

According to the Town of Clifton's historical information, Clifton was originally known as Devereux Station and was borne as a direct result of the Civil War.

In 1861, the Union army incorporated the O&A (Orange and Alexandria) railroad company into their military system. Serving as the southern-most point of the Union army, Clifton housed soldiers placed to guard against a Confederate invasion. Frequently troops marched through town, fighting small battles and preparing to set up camp along the creek. 

After the war was over, Harrison Otis (commonly credited as being the original developer of the town) helped modernize the railroad, and in doing so, he purchased Devereux Station.

After failed attempts at cultivating grapes in his vineyard, Otis opened a hotel in the building that now serves as the Hermitage Restaurant. The town quickly became a retreat for the wealthy of Washington. Although its previous reputation preceded it as great hunting grounds (George Washington and Lord Fairfax used to ride here on their hunts), its new fame was the saloons, hot springs, and peaceful small-town pace. 

Clifton became the first community in Fairfax to have power in 1925 with the coming of the Bull Run power company. The first high school in the county was also opened here, with students shuttled in by train. The Buckley store, built-in 1900, was another major factor in the town's growth. Claiming to have "everything from a pin to a plow," the store was later closed and converted into the Heart and Hand restaurant.

In more recent history, a few of Clifton's most notable guests have included actress Helen Hayes who frequently summered here, Jeff Arch, who wrote his famous screenplay for Sleepless in Seattle in a house on Main street, and Nancy Reagan, who dined here occasionally.

Events throughout the year, such as Clifton Day, held on the second Sunday of each year, allow tourists to come and enjoy the town. Initially intended for the townspeople to become better acquainted with neighboring towns, as many as 20,000 people come to Clifton Day to enjoy the hundreds of craftsmen, artists, antique dealers, and food vendors. 

The Clifton Woman's club sponsors an annual Spring Home Tour and Christmas Candlelight Home Tour. In June, the 5K Caboose Run, hosted by the Clifton Betterment Association, fundraises proceeds to donate to local charities. 

The Community Hall, built-in 1995, is Clifton's most recent addition. It's decorated with four seasonal murals of the town painted by Lee Ruck.

Education

 Clifton boasts of having high-quality public schools. Fairfax County Public Schools serves the Clifton education system. K-6 students in Clifton attend Union Mill Elementary School, while middle and high school students attend Liberty Middle School, Centreville High School, or Robinson Secondary School.

Things to Do

 Begin your visit in Clifton's historic downtown, less than one square mile in size but packed with small town charm. There is plenty of free parking, and Clifton's walkable Old Town includes restaurants, shops, parks, and many restored buildings from the early 1900s.

Clifton is also home to Fairfax County's first and oldest destination winery, Paradise Springs.  Serving as the gateway to Virginia Wine Country, this family-run establishment offers tastings, wine tours, and intimate, wine-fueled dinners.

For rest and relaxation, head for Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, just 2 miles to the west of Clifton. Enjoy a variety of walking trails, mostly by the Bull Run River, as you soak in the park's tranquility. Views of deer are almost guaranteed.

Home Prices and Trends

In March 2022, Clifton's home prices were up 14.8% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $907,000. On average, homes in Clifton sell after two days on the market compared to 5 days last year. There were seven homes sold in March this year, down from 13 last year.

Clifton real estate dates back to 1771, and many centuries-old Colonial homes still line historic Main Street. The completion of the Clifton Heights development in 2003 began attracting new homeowners to the area. 

Homes for sale in Clifton range from traditional Colonials and European-inspired mansions to charming rambler-style properties; many feature large lots and outdoor living areas.

Is Clifton the Best Place for You?

You'll love living in Clifton if:

Safety is important to you and your family: Clifton enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in Virginia and the entire United States. It is in the 99th percentile for safety, meaning 1% of cities are safer and 99% are more dangerous. 

You want to live a quiet life in a small town: With a community consisting of predominantly single-family homes, most of the neighbors of Clifton are families with children, making it a great place for new residents with kids to develop social ties and find family-oriented services in the community.

Call the team at RentSimple today and let us know what you're looking for in Clifton or anyplace else you need property management services in Northern Virginia. We live and work in NOVA, and we're committed to helping people just like you make it the best place to own and rent real estate in the country.