Reston

South Lakes, Reston Neighborhood

Reston offers a peaceful neighborhood featuring a variety of housing options, including townhouses, small apartment buildings, and single detached homes mostly built from the 1960s through the 1980s. Many properties provide spacious layouts with three to four or more bedrooms. A highlight of this area is its abundant public green spaces, such as Wilder Point Tot Lot and Walker Nature Education Center, with around 30 parks nearby for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. The neighborhood also includes numerous bike lanes, making it convenient to navigate by bicycle. A mix of public and private elementary schools adds to the community’s appeal.

Reston offers a relaxed environment and will appeal to those who enjoy spending time in green spaces. This part of the community is excellent for those who like quiet surroundings, as the streets are usually very calm. Lastly, it is very easy to get to parks from numerous locations in the neighborhood since there are approximately 30 of them nearby for residents to explore.

Highlights of South Lakes

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 South Lakes Park & Pavilion

Tucked along South Lakes Drive, this waterside park offers lush walking trails, a playground, picnic areas, and scenic views over Lake Thoreau, making it a favorite spot for family gatherings and outdoor relaxation right in the heart of South Lakes.

🏫 South Lakes High School

Serving as an educational and community anchor on Seahawks Drive, South Lakes High School is renowned for its strong academics, diverse student organizations, and active sports teams, attracting families who value a vibrant school environment.

🍽️ South Lakes Village Center

Located at the intersection of South Lakes Drive and Twin Branches Road, this bustling shopping and dining complex features local favorites like Red’s Table, Cafesano, and Starbucks, providing the perfect spot for lakeside meals and casual community meet-ups.

🛒 Safeway and Local Shops

Residents enjoy everyday convenience with a Safeway grocery, CVS pharmacy, and a range of specialty shops situated right within South Lakes Village Center, making errands quick and easy without leaving the neighborhood.

🚴 Washington & Old Dominion Trail Access

The neighborhood boasts direct access to the W&OD Trail near the intersection with Sunrise Valley Drive, offering miles of paved biking and jogging paths that connect South Lakes to regional parks and other Reston neighborhoods.

A Reston Neighborhood

This August in South Lakes

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

August 1, 2026

Ace Monroe – Reston Concerts on the Town

RTC Pavilion, Reston Town Center • 7:30 PM–10:00 PM

A free, high‑energy rock & roll concert just a short drive from South Lakes, perfect for locals looking to enjoy live music under the stars in a vibrant town‑center setting.

August 8, 2026

Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta

Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Museum • 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

A festive, family‑friendly event where neighbors build and race decorated cardboard boats—great for South Lakes residents seeking creative outdoor fun within walking distance.

August 15, 2026

The Ocean Blue – Reston Concerts on the Town

RTC Pavilion, Reston Town Center • 7:30 PM–9:00 PM

An alternative rock concert featuring The Ocean Blue, offering residents of South Lakes a chance to enjoy live music in a relaxed, free outdoor venue close to home.

August 20, 2026

Kensington Reston: Rhythms of Summer Concert – John “The Whistling John” Cropp

The Kensington Reston courtyard • 4:00 PM–5:00 PM

A mellow courtyard concert series offering residents—including those from South Lakes—a charming mid‑afternoon live performance and community connection just minutes away.

August 22, 2026

Almost Queen – Reston Concerts on the Town

RTC Pavilion, Reston Town Center • 7:30 PM–9:00 PM

The grand finale of the summer concert series with a dynamic Queen tribute band—perfect for South Lakes locals wanting an iconic, high‑energy evening out close to home.

August 23, 2026

Sunday Art in the Park: Sounds of the 60s

Reston Town Square Park • 7:00 PM–8:00 PM

An outdoor performance featuring the music of the 1960s by musical theatre students—ideal for families or music lovers living in South Lakes seeking a nostalgic cultural outing nearby.

From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in South Lakes

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for South Lakes

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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