Reston, Virginia, is a planned community founded in 1964 by Robert E. Simon, Jr., a real estate developer. Reston’s name stems from Robert E. Simon’s initials combined with the old-English suffix “ton,” meaning town. It was designed to be a model for suburban development that incorporated elements of a traditional town center and mixed-use development, as well as a focus on open space and the natural environment.
One of the core principles of Reston is the idea of “balanced living,” which means that it is designed to provide a variety of housing options, job opportunities, and recreational and cultural amenities, all within a short distance of each other. This helps to create a sense of community and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing the need for long commutes.
Reston also strongly emphasizes the preservation of open space and the natural environment. The community was designed to incorporate a large amount of green space, including parkland, forests, and wetlands. There are many trails and paths for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
In addition, Reston is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. From its inception, the community has welcomed people from all walks of life, and it has a diverse population that includes people of different races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
