Franconia

“Frankhonia Farm” dates to 1859 when 191 acres was purchased by two Alexandria businessmen, and a rail station named after the farm began operations there in 1871. Located just south of the Capital Beltway and east of I-95, it’s only fitting that a community that has its roots in a rail stop is home to stops for Metrorail and the Virginia Railway Express commuter train. It began its development as a suburban community in the 1950s.

Franconia is home to three Fairfax County public parks – Monticello Woods, Franconia and Franconia Forest Parks. The regional Springfield Shopping Mall is on the western side of the Franconia community, and there is an assortment of local shops, including the very popular Nall’s Produce and Nursery that has been serving area gardeners and homeowners for two generations. Most of the housing is either single-family detached homes or townhomes, with very few condos.

Since the community is next to both the Beltway and I-95 getting around by car is a breeze – and expect some traffic at rush hour. And that’s what makes the convenience of the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station so attractive. The station is also home to a stop on the Virginia Railway Express line, providing a direct rail commute from as far south as Fredericksburg all the way into Union Station, D.C. The Franconia - Springfield Metro station is where the Blue Line begins, so you can access all that the metro has to offer without the crowds.