At its heart, Leesburg is a charming historic town that was first established in 1758. For many years, it was surrounded mostly by open farmland and woods, but in the last 20 to 30 years, that has changed dramatically. Today, this historic town is now encircled by scores of new communities bearing Leesburg addresses. You'll find a variety of housing in these communities, including townhouses, single-family houses, and executive estates situated on large lots. The Leesburg of today is now an interesting blend of the past and the present, the old and the new, and the quaint and the elaborate. It is also still a mix of rural and suburban living. For example, this area, which is just 30 miles from Washington DC, is still home to a healthy deer population. And, although rare, bears are sometimes sighted in the remaining wooded areas surrounding Leesburg, VA real estate.
Leesburg is very family-friendly. Many of its restaurants, for instance, are fast-casual chains that are geared towards working families. And the town's Park and Recreation Department offers an excellent selection of programs for children, including arts and crafts and dance classes, as well as day camps during the summer months. Leesburg children also have a large number of sports leagues to choose from, including but not limited to football, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse. And because Leesburg is located in the middle of horse country, there are also numerous barns in the area where equestrian lovers can take horseback riding lessons or board their own mounts.
Leesburg is also home to the 42,900-square-foot Rust Library, which boasts a large children's area and ten study rooms. Additionally, a teen center, which features a lounge area, rooms for group study and rows of computers, was added to Rust in 2009. This library also offers residents a full slate of interesting programs, including story times for children and lessons on how to use computers for adults.
As for high schools, teens who live in homes with Leesburg addresses attend several different ones in Loudoun County, including Riverside, Heritage, Loudoun County, and Tuscarora High Schools. According to the Washington Post, Loudoun County boasts the highest graduation rate in the Washington, DC area, with 95.6 percent of its students graduating on time.
This town is also home to the Leesburg Animal Park, which features a petting zoo and hosts one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the Washington, DC area during the fall months. And for your furry family members, there is a large, well-maintained dog park at Olde Izaak Walton Park.
Leesburg is named in honor of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer on the Declaration of Independence, who owned property in the area. Many of the buildings in downtown Leesburg date back to the 18th Century, and much of the area has been designated as a Historic District. This town's greatest claim to fame occurred during the War of 1812, when it served as the temporary Capital of the United States after the British set fire to Washington, DC. One of the most interesting ways to get to know downtown Leesburg's history is by partaking in a ghost tour, As a guide weaves you past the historic courthouse and homes, you'll learn about the residents who once lived (and many still do) in the area.
Leesburg is also home to Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, which was the site of the first Civil War battle to occur in Loudoun County. The Union soldiers lost this skirmish, and many drowned when they were forced down the bluff and into the Potomac River by the Confederacy. There are interpretive signs along trails in the park that describe what happened during this battle.
What Healthy Lifestyle Options Are Available In Leesburg?
There are many opportunities for residents to enjoy the great outdoors in and around Leesburg. For instance, the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) bike trail, which stretches from Arlington County to Purcellville, runs through the town. Hiking is another popular activity for Leesburg residents, and there are several sites in and around Leesburg that offer excellent trails, including Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. This 725-acre park boasts more than 20 miles of trails. There are also numerous trails in Balls Bluff Regional Battlefield Park.
For those who prefer to exercise indoors, the town's Ida Lee Recreation Center boasts a large gym filled with state-of-the-art equipment and two pools. And, of course, there are also numerous private gyms, cycling, Pilates and yoga studios scattered in and around Leesburg.
Loudoun County has become a "breeding" ground for wineries and breweries, and Leesburg has several of both. These venues, especially the picturesque wineries, have become very popular for weekend outings, and many serve food and welcome children and pets.
Love live musical acts? Leesburg is home to several restaurants and bars that play host to live bands, but the biggest is the Tally Ho Theatre. Originally built in 1932 as a movie theater, the Tally Ho was renovated in 2013 and now hosts live bands and comedy acts. Some of the bands that have hit Tally Ho's stage include the Psychedelic Furs, Blue Oyster Cult, and the Marshall Tucker Band.
Leesburg also offers numerous family-friendly events every year, including a large 4th of July celebration that is held at Ida Lee Park and a popular Halloween parade. Then there are the town's free First Friday events. As the name implies, this event is held on the first Friday of each month -- except January -- and features live musical acts and other entertainment throughout the downtown area.
