Marivi Mata, teacher, Reston resident for 8 years
“My family loves living in Reston. The first thing that motivated us to look for a house here were the summer concerts at the Reston Town Center. During our house-hunting trip my husband and I had dinner there, and the music and the people really appealed to us. We also love the trails. My husband mountain bikes and my sons are cross-country runners. They are on the trails all the time. As a family we go on walks and bike rides. It is a perfect combination of outdoor living and city life. Growing up the children took advantage of the sport facilities and sampled numerous sports. Our neighbors are very friendly and supportive. From the day we moved in, when they welcomed us with a pie from the farmers market, to other difficult times, they have been supportive every step of the way.”
Kerry Storey, marketing, years lived in Reston: 2
“I love the outdoor life with all of the trails, the lakes, the healthy lifestyle, and the fact that everything is so convenient. You can get anywhere very quickly, whether it’s to the grocery store or Home Depot or wherever you need to go. Reston is very social and my neighbors are great. We all talk, it’s very neighborly, and it’s a planned community so you don’t feel like you’re in Stepford, if you will. Out in some of the outer communities they are creating these new home developments and everything has been bulldozed. Reston is much more secluded and well maintained, and it’s a really great place to live. It’s very beautiful.”
Joanne Becker, retired school teacher, years lived in Reston: 4
“What I love about Reston is the open spaces, and the people are so friendly and helpful. I also love all the programs that I participate in. I’m a senior citizen and a retired schoolteacher, and at the Reston Community Center they offer so many things for people of all ages, but particularly for senior people. I like the water aerobics, day trips and all the classes. I’ve taken computer classes and brain exercising classes. They offer very nice things, and the people you meet there are very friendly. My daughters and grandchildren also live is Reston, and they love the pool and how close knit the area is. I actually just came back from the pool with them now. I’m able to see them a lot, which is great.
Mark Mohr, retired from U.S. Foreign Service; years lived in Reston: 14
“My family takes advantage of the tennis courts and swimming pools. It’s great to have them nearby. I used to play tennis, but I don’t any more. Now I joined a senior slow pitch softball league. Reston is great if you have little kids because they have organized sports, which is really good. There are restaurants and lots of places to walk and bike ride. There are Reston arts; the Reston Community Center (RCC) has plays, singing groups and entertainment. They have an orientation at the RCC, and it’s good to go to that because it will help a lot.”
Lexi Hilton, psychologist, years lived in Reston: 6 1/2
“What’s great about Reston is how convenient everything is. Everything is very close whether it’s daycare, summer camp, or shopping. I feel like I don’t have to go very far, and I can walk to a lot of places. It’s a great community. I feel like everyone here is friendly and supportive, and even though we’re so close to D.C. it still feels small. I always recognize faces and everyone is really nice.”