Ashburn, Virginia

A newer planned community among many of Loudon county's villages, Ashburn is authentic small-town America. Nestled between the historic town of Leesburg, the Virginia/Maryland borderline and nearby village Sterling, Ashburn's peaceful neighborhoods offer plenty of eclectic shopping and dining, as well as easy access to several national parks and Dulles International Airport.  Considered one of the suburbs of metropolitan DC, Ashburn has quickly become a quiet alternative to big city living as it hosts commuters (about 35 minutes) to and from D.C. as well as Baltimore (about an hour) and Fairfax (30 minutes). 

Sportsmen, sportswomen and all other sportspeople alike will enjoy the plentiful golf courses speckled throughout north Loudon, from Woody's golf range to the Algonkian Regional Park and Golf Course, or the Ashburn Ice House, with two regulation-sized ice hockey rinks and a state-of-the-art ice skating arena. Of course there is the gorgeous W&OD trail, which is the expired Washington and Old Dominion railroad line turned hiking/biking/horse-riding/pet-walking/jogging/bird watching/anything else-ing that travels on for 45 miles from Washington to Purceville.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Also, Washington Redskins fans are proud to make Ashburn its home, as it contains the NFL team's headquarters and training facilities.  

Ashburn's approximately 73,000 inhabitants are largely families spread out among its many subdivisions and apartment homes, as they are attracted to the eleven or so elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools, as well as a handful of private schools.  George Washington University and Strayer University also have campuses in Ashburn.

Overall, I would classify Ashburn as country/suburban.  Since Loudon county is made up of country farms and wineries, Ashburn retains that same old homey feel without getting too big and cluttered.