Reston neighborhood guides / Guide five
South Lakes
Lakes Thoreau and Audubon
| Village center | Opened in 1984. |
|---|---|
| Housing stock | Largely 1980s construction, single family and townhomes. |
| Distinguishing | Set between Lake Thoreau and Lake Audubon, near the Walker Nature Center. |
What it is
South Lakes sits between two of Reston’s lakes and next to the Walker Nature Center. The village center opened in 1984, and most of the surrounding housing reflects that era rather than the founding years.
Daily life
This is one of the greener parts of a green community. Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau are both here, the nature center runs year round programming, and the trail access is direct. South Lakes High School anchors the area for families.
What buyers ask
Buyers ask about water access and what it actually means, since lake frontage, lake view, and lake proximity are three different things with three different price implications. They also ask about 1980s systems, because homes of this vintage are at the age where original HVAC and roofing have typically been replaced once and are approaching a second cycle.
What sellers should know
If your home has a genuine water relationship, that needs to be described precisely rather than generously, because a buyer will see it in person and any overstatement costs credibility on the whole listing. Service records matter here.
Questions about South Lakes, or a home you are thinking of buying or selling here? We are glad to walk through it with you. Talk with Clare and Kimber