Falls Church, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Falls Church is a charming and vibrant location that offers a delightful combination of urban and suburban living. The city is filled with tree-lined streets, historic homes, unique shops, and a variety of dining options. Falls Church is also home to several parks and outdoor recreational spaces, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. It is conveniently located near Washington, D.C. for easy access to all of the attractions and activities of the nation's capital. Residents can enjoy the small-town feel of the area while still having access to all the amenities of a major city.

Resources for visitors and potential residents:

• Falls Church city website
• Falls Church Chamber of Commerce
• Falls Church News-Press

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Falls Church is 55.6 percent higher than the national average. Much of the reasons is the cost of housing which is 139 percent higher than the U.S. average and the cost of groceries which are about 16 percent higher. Utilities, healthcare and other costs are right around than the national average with the exception of transportation which is 23 percent more expensive. 

Virginia's income tax ranges from 2 to 5.75 percent, Social Security is not taxed and seniors can deduct up to $12,000 per person of other retirement income. Virginia's sales tax is fairly low, the average of the combined state and local sales tax is 5.75 percent. The statewide average for property taxes is 0.74 percent although this varies greatly by exact location. There are property tax assistance programs for qualified seniors. Virginia no longer has an estate or inheritance tax although there is a probate tax on estates valued at more than $15,000.

 For more information on local taxation in Falls Church, visit the City of Falls Church Commissioner of the Revenue website.

Climate and Geography 

Summers in Falls Church are hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s and an average humidity of 60 to 70 percent. Winters are generally cold with average temperatures ranging from the low 20s to mid-40s and average annual snowfall amounts of around 15 inches. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially during the fall when the foliage is colorful.

Falls Church is located in Northern Virginia and is surrounded by beautiful forests, parks, and waterways. The city is situated just minutes away from the Potomac River and several scenic hiking and biking trails. The nearby Shenandoah Mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping.  

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Falls Church, VA offers a wealth of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping opportunities, and entertainment options. Here are some highlights:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Westwood Country Club
• Jefferson District Golf Course
• Tysons Sport & Health Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• W&OD Trail
• Great Falls Park
• Burke Lake Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• Cherry Hill Farmhouse
• Falls Church History Museum
• The Freeman Store and Museum

Performing Arts

• The State Theatre
• Creative Cauldron
• Tinner Hill Blues Festival

Shopping

• Eden Center
• Falls Church Farmers Market
• Tysons Corner Center

Parks and Gardens

• Upton Hill Regional Park
• Cherry Hill Park
• Mason District Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Falls Church Festival
• Taste of Falls Church
• Fall Festival at Tinner Hill

Health and Wellness 

Falls Church is an excellent location for 55+ active adults looking for health and wellness opportunities. The city is home to several major medical centers, including Inova Fairfax Hospital and Virginia Hospital Center, which provide state-of-the-art medical care to residents. 

Falls Church is also home to several yoga studios, fitness centers, and wellness centers, including YogaWorks and Orangetheory Fitness. There are many parks and trails, such as the W&OD Trail and Cherry Hill Park, which are perfect for walking, running, and cycling. In addition to these physical activities, the area is home to several farmers markets, including the Falls Church Farmers Market, which operates year-round and features fresh, locally-grown produce. These markets are perfect for 55+ active adults looking to maintain a healthy diet with fresh, seasonal produce. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Falls Church is a great place to consider moving into a 55+ retirement community. With its many recreational activities, cultural events, and nearby major cities, it's a wonderful place to live. If you're considering a visit to the area to see if it's right for you, we've put together a two-day itinerary that will help you get a feel for the area and all it has to offer.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at The Original Pancake House. This restaurant is known for its delicious pancakes and other breakfast foods.
• Head to the Falls Church Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays from 8 am to noon. Here you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.

Afternoon:

• Visit the The Freeman Store and Museum in nearby Vienna which features exhibits on the history of Falls Church and the store's role in the Civil War.
• Grab a to go order from BorekG and enjoy a picnic and stroll through Cherry Hill Park.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Dogwood Tavern, a restaurant that has a variety of American food options.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at La Côte D'Or Café, a French café that has a variety of breakfast items.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss any questions you may have about the area and the retirement communities.

Afternoon:

• Head to D.C. for lunch and sightseeing.
• Grab lunch at Mitsitam Cafe which is located inside the National Museum of the American Indian and offers a variety of indigenous cuisines.
• Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which has a variety of exhibits and displays related to aviation and space travel.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at The Liberty Tavern, a restaurant that has a variety of American food options.

Getting to Falls Church, VA

Falls Church is conveniently located near several major highways, making it easy to access by car. The main highways include I-66, I-495 (Capital Beltway), and Route 50. If you are driving from Washington, D.C., it should take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located about 10 miles away from Falls Church. DCA is serviced by most major airlines and is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Alternatively, Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 20 miles away and is a hub for United Airlines. Both airports offer ground transportation options such as taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars.

If arriving by train, Amtrak provides service to Union Station in Washington, D.C., which is approximately 9 miles away from Falls Church. From there, you can take the metro or a taxi to Falls Church. The Washington Metro Rail also provides service to the Falls Church area via the orange and silver lines.

For those arriving by bus, the Washington, D.C. area is serviced by Greyhound and Megabus. Both offer service to Union Station in Washington, D.C. where you can take the metro or a taxi to Falls Church.