Clifton

Clifton has been around for a long time, but it was the introduction of the railroad during the Civil War that started to shape Clifton into the town we know today. During the war, Clifton was known as Devereux Station. In 1868 the Devereux Station name was retired in favor of a new name, Clifton Station. Incorporated by the General Assembly on March 9, 1902, Clifton is one of only three towns in Fairfax County (along with Vienna and Herndon). Now living in Clifton is like stepping into a charming slice of small-town America, with all the advantages of a peaceful, rural setting while being just a stone's throw away from the vibrant hustle and bustle of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. 

Despite its rural character, Clifton does not lack modern conveniences. The town center is small but offers a variety of dining options, local shops, and boutiques. Residents take great pride in their local businesses, including the cozy, historic Clifton Cafe and the Clifton General Store.

What makes living in Clifton truly special, though, is its sense of community. The town organizes several annual events like the Clifton Day Festival, Fourth of July Parade, and the Caboose Run, bringing residents together to celebrate and strengthen their ties. Moreover, the town's efforts to preserve its historic character—seen in the well-maintained historic district—demonstrate the collective commitment to honoring the past while looking forward to the future.

Northern Virginia is known for great schools. All of the public schools in Clifton are operated by Fairfax County Public Schools. You can explore the zoned schools for each home you are considering using their helpful boundary finder tool. I recommend carefully researching area schools before making a home purchase since where you live will have a big impact on the type of education your children will receive. If you live in Clifton, here is a list of the schools that your children could be districted to: 

Elementary Schools:

Centreville Elementary School

Fairview Elementary School

Union Mill Elementary School

Willow Springs Elementary School

Middle Schools:

Bull Run Middle School

Katherine Johnson Middle School

Liberty Middle School

Robinson Secondary School

High Schools: 

Centreville High School

Fairfax High School

Robinson Secondary School


To learn more about Private Schools in Northern Virginia, Click Here!

Life in Clifton is about enjoying the charm of a small town while having easy access to big-city conveniences. It's about engaging in community traditions, appreciating natural beauty, and valuing a lifestyle that balances history with modern living.

Find the newest homes for sale & real estate listings in Clifton! If you would like more information on any of these Clifton homes for sale, just request information on the listing details page of the property.