📍 About ZDC & Leesburg
Washington Center (ZDC) is located in Leesburg, Virginia, a historic town in Northern Virginia about 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. Leesburg offers a blend of small-town charm, suburban comfort, and easy access to major cities and outdoor recreation. It's popular with professionals, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Downtown Leesburg – Walkable, historic, lively restaurants and shops
- Ashburn – Modern condos, popular among young professionals, good food scene
- Reston – Vibrant, near Metro, shopping and nightlife
Best for Families
- Lansdowne – Master-planned, top-rated schools, safe
- Purcellville – Quiet, rural feel with great schools
- Brambleton – Family-friendly amenities, great parks and trails
🚗 Commute Times to ZDC (Leesburg)
- 5–15 min: Downtown Leesburg, Lansdowne
- 15–30 min: Ashburn, Brambleton, Purcellville
- 30–45 min: Reston, Sterling, South Riding
🎓 Top School Districts
- Loudoun County Public Schools – Highly rated across the region
- Fairfax County Public Schools – More eastward, great if you live near Reston
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Balls Bluff Battlefield, Red Rock Wilderness, Sugarloaf Mountain
- Winery Tours: Loudoun Wine Trail (dozens of vineyards nearby)
- Scenic Drives: Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive
- Kayaking: Potomac River & nearby lakes
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Leesburg Premium Outlets: Discount shopping destination
- Village at Leesburg: Movie theater, restaurants, events
- Day Trips: Washington, D.C. museums, concerts, and history (~45 mins)
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Washington Dulles International (IAD): ~20 minutes
- Reagan National (DCA): ~50 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO): General aviation, ~5 minutes
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Leesburg: Generally very safe, especially in residential neighborhoods. Low violent crime rates, moderate property crime in commercial areas.
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Leesburg: Median home price: $550,000. 1-bedroom rent: $1,600–$2,200/month
- Groceries: Slightly above national average. Milk ~$4.00, eggs ~$3.00
- Gasoline: ~$3.90/gallon
- Utilities: ~$200–$300/month depending on the home size and season
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Leesburg: Historic charm, great dining, walkable
- Lansdowne: Upscale homes, golf course, quiet
- Ashburn: Suburban with lots of new development and tech jobs
- Purcellville: Rural appeal, family-focused
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold, light to moderate snow, temps 20s–40s°F
- Spring: Mild and rainy, great for wildflowers and festivals
- Summer: Hot and humid, 80s–90s°F
- Fall: Crisp, colorful foliage, great hiking and winery season
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Public Transit: Limited; Loudoun County Transit offers commuter buses
- Metro Access: Silver Line terminates in Ashburn (~20 min drive)
- Car Needed: Yes, especially outside of Reston and Ashburn
- Traffic: Moderate in town, heavy near D.C. corridor during rush hour
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Inova Loudoun Hospital – Full-service hospital in Lansdowne
- StoneSprings Hospital Center – 30 min away in Dulles/Sterling
- Urgent Care: GoHealth, AFC, and other clinics throughout Loudoun
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Ashburn breweries, Loudoun Kitchen & Bar scene
- Families: Parks, libraries, rec centers, weekend farmers markets
- Culture: Tally Ho Theater, local art festivals, car shows, history tours
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Local Favorites: Fireworks Pizza, Tuscarora Mill, Shoe's Cup & Cork
- Breweries/Wineries: Vanish Brewery, Stone Tower Winery, Flying Ace Farm
- Markets: Leesburg Farmers Market, seasonal wine/beer festivals
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Weather: Seasonal fog, snow in winter, summer storms common
- Shifts: Early morning shifts require reliable transportation — IAD corridor can back up
- Community: Many ZDC staff live in Ashburn, Lansdowne, and Leesburg proper
📦 Moving Tips
- Winter: Ice and snow can make moving tricky in January–February
- Best time to move: May–October
- Storage: Plenty of secure facilities in Leesburg and Ashburn
❓ FAQs
- Is Leesburg expensive?
More affordable than closer-in suburbs like Reston or Arlington, but still higher than the national average - Is it family-friendly?
Extremely. Great schools, parks, and neighborhoods - How far is D.C.?
About 45 miles – ~60+ minutes depending on traffic