It wasn't until 1962 that Sterling saw a transition from sprawling farmland to the commercial and residential area that it is today. The projects that led the push for development in Sterling were Washington Dulles International Airport and The Sterling Park Development. The Sterling Park Development was revolutionary for the area. M.T. Broyhill & Sons Corporation purchased 1,762 acres of the Jesse Hughes Dairy Farm along Route 7 to develop 3,500 houses, 3,000 apartments, a 100-acre shopping center, a 75-acre recreation area (including an 18-hole gold course and a two-acre lake), two elementary schools, a high school, and a 547-acre industrial park. Now, Sterling offers a charming blend of suburban tranquility and close proximity to the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.

Sterling's outdoor recreation activities make this community shine! The most notable Sterling Park, Algonkian Regional Park, offers twelve fully-equipped riverfront vacation cottages, miniature golf, boat/RV storage and ramp, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and nature trails. In addition, the Volcano Island Waterpark is located within the park and boasts so many fun attractions, including fountains, water slides, squirters, a giant 500-gallon dumping bucket, and a cafe. For golf lovers, Algonkian Regional Park also features its very own par 72 golf course, including a putting green, driving range, clubhouse, full-service pro shop, and Algonkian Grill. 

When it comes to shopping, Sterling does not disappoint. The Dulles Town Center is a large indoor mall with a wide array of high-end and budget-friendly retailers. From fashion(American Eagle, Express, H&M, JCPenney, Macy's), electronics(AT&T, GameStop, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless), home decor(Brilliant Curtain, Haverty's Furniture, Sleep Number), health/beauty(Avalon Lifestyle Nail Salon, Bath & Body Works, Eyebrow Designer 21, LA Fitness, Lenscrafters), and entertainment(Regal Dulles Town Center) to eateries(Benihana, The Cheesecake Factory, Kung Fu Tea, Los Toltecos, Red Lobster, Starbucks), residents have access to a wide range of products and services. There are also numerous smaller shopping plazas throughout the town, where you can find everything from antiques to boutiques with the latest fashions.

Northern Virginia is known for its great schools. All of the public schools in Sterling are operated by Loudoun County Public Schools. You can explore the zoned schools for each home you are considering using their helpful Boundary Locator 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 Sterling, here is a list of the schools that your children could be districted to: 

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

Ultimately, life in Sterling is about balance – between the tranquility of suburban life and the excitement of nearby cities, between natural beauty and modern convenience, between a close-knit community and the opportunities of the wider Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Find the newest homes for sale & real estate listings in Sterling! If you would like more information on any of these Sterling homes for sale, just request information on the listing details page of the property.