Burke Virginia
Burke is nestled just miles outside of Washington DC yet retains a small town neighborhood feel. It has convenient transit options including both bus and rail. Burke is also located right next to the Beltway in case you prefer to drive. There are many great neighborhood parks and recreational activities to do in Burke. The popular Burke Lake offers boating, fishing, golf, Frisbee and much more. Burke is located close to both DC and Tyson’s Corner so shopping at Tyson’s or taking a drive to DC are easily accessible. Many technology firms have called Burke home in recent years, which has strong job market. Overall the neighborhood is great if you prefer to be close to the city but still enjoy a small town feel and that is probably one of the reasons why it is routinely mentioned in CNN’s top 100 places to live.
Burke VA History
Burke is located in Fairfax County and was named for Silas Burke who built a now historic house overlooking Pohick Creek in the 1800s which became the beginning of the community. In the late 1840s when the Orange and Alexandria Railroad built a station at the base of his property they named it Burke’s Station. Burke had donated that land to the railroad company and this is where the original area known as “Burke” was built around. As of today, that station is still part of the VRE rail system, which is home to two different stations in Burke. Up until the 1950s Burke had remained mostly untouched, rural land with some government employees moving there to enjoy the “country” feel while still being able to take the train to DC. Because of all the unused land the US Civil Aeronautics Administration had plans to take about 4,500 acres of land in Burke to construct a major airport for the DC area. Eventually in 1958, through community activists and lobbying, the Aeronautics Administration decided on building further away in Dulles, Virginia in what is now known as Washington Dulles International Airport. Shortly thereafter the first residential development was built in Burke (King’s Park) and since then it there has been a lot of building activity. Still, Burke has remained an escape for the city for some and still feels like you are detached from the hustle and bustle of a large city.
Recreation options in Burke VA
Burke is best known for being home to Burke Lake, however it also home to many other great activities. According to Century 21 Redwood Realty agent Shelly Porter “Burke Lake is one of the biggest stars of the entire Fairfax County Park system.” The park at the Lake is nearly 900 acres and includes boat rentals, fishing, a jogging trail, picnic area, golf, Frisbee golf, an ice cream parlor, and an amphitheater. The site of this park was actually the area the government wanted to use in the late 1950s to build the eventual Dulles Airport. Although the park is not free (10$/car) it is a very affordable and relaxing area that offers numerous fun activities for people of all ages. In addition to this park there are also several swimming and tennis clubs including Burke Station Swim Club and Old Keene Mill Swim and Racquet Club. If you enjoy shopping then you are in luck! Tyson’s Corner Mall which happens to be the largest in the entire Washington DC-Baltimore Corridor is just minutes away from Burke. The mall is most notably anchored by an AMC Theatres, Nordstrom’s, a Lord and Taylor and Tyson’s II, a luxury option. Many residents in Burke live there because of the quick drive to downtown DC where day trips and nights out on the town are very popular. DC is home to a plethora of museums and the Verizon Center where you can catch a basketball game or concert.
Where do people live in Burke Virginia?
The real estate in Burke is mainly single family homes and there are also several townhouse communities. Some condos are available as well. Burke is more affordable than many Arlington neighborhoods since it is slightly further away from DC. Potential homebuyers can expect to get more house for their money while still having the benefit of being close to downtown Washington.
Transportation options in Burke VA
The transportation options in Burke include two VRE stations, three Metrobus lines, or you can drive a short distance to downtown DC. The VRE stations are the main Burke Centre station and the Rolling Road station, which are on the Manassas line. With the Metrobus you can take the 18P, R, or S route to get you into the city.
Burke, Virginia Boundaries
Burke is a Census Designated Place (CDP) located in Fairfax County and according to the US Census bureau it is 11.6 square miles. It is located about 20 miles outside of downtown DC and is in between Clifton and Springfield Virginia.
Entertainment & Restaurant options in Burke, VA
Some of the attractions and entertainment in or near to Burke include vineyards, neighborhood restaurants, shopping, or day trips to the city and surrounding areas. Paradise Springs winery, which is right outside of Burke, offers an excellent selection of wines and even features live music every Friday night. Besides the tastings and live music offered here you can also take tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, or enjoy a classy dinner. A local restaurant favorite is Rosemary’s Thyme Bistro which offers a wide selection of Mediterranean food and drinks. Other popular eateries are Glory Days Grill, Rafagino Italian Restaurant, and Villa Bella.
Conclusion about Burke Virginia
Burke provides a more affordable housing stock than Arlington while being close to a major mall, downtown DC, and numerous outdoor parks including Burke Lake Park. The neighborhood feels like you are in a small town miles away from any urbanization. Burke can be great if you like to escape the city life and enjoy a relaxing day on the lake or at a wine tasting. Overall it is a great neighborhood and is almost always mentioned in CNN’s top 100 places to live study.