There is a little known secret about Reston; parts of it do not belong under the jurisdiction of the Reston Association and parts of it do. Within the accepted boundaries of Reston, all homes use the Reston name and zip code, but all do not have to adhere to the Reston Association rules--nor do they all get to use the Reston Association amenities (which include their pools and tennis courts).
If you are considering a home in Reston, there is a very good chance it belongs in Reston 'proper.' That means that it automatically has membership in the Reston Association and means that, as part of a Property Owners Association, the owner must make sure that the house complies with their rules. These rules include, but are not limited to maintenance, additions, parking rules, signage and improvements. For the price of the annual dues (in 2008 they were $475), the residents of each home have unlimited access to all of the Reston Pools and Tennis Courts and can take advantage of other benefits offered to the community. The Association also maintains the beautiful common areas and paths.
The non-member portions of Reston are not so obvious. They can sometimes appear to be in Reston, but they are not. This means that the owners are not members of the Reston Association and do not have access to the Pools and Tennis courts and additional amenities. Sometimes--but not always--the non-Association portions of Reston will have a private neighborhood pool. Many of those living in these 'non-member' neighborhoods will opt to join the pools and tennis courts as non-Reston residents (the cost for the most expensive membership type was $595).
Often people who move to Reston chose to do so for these amenities. Make sure you confirm that the property is located within the Reston Association boundaries. There is a simple way to do that; all purchasers must receive a Reston Association Disclosure package. Have your agent ask the question and confirm that you should be getting this package. If it is not required for the home you are purchasing, you will not be part of the Reston Association.
You can find out more information about the Reston community at:
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