Best Gated Communities in Northern Virginia

If privacy, a more controlled neighborhood feel, and strong amenities are high on your list, gated communities in Northern Virginia can be a smart fit. They tend to appeal to buyers who want a little more separation from through-traffic, along with community standards that protect the overall look and feel of the neighborhood.

A quick note before we jump in. In Northern Virginia, “gated” can mean a few different things. Some communities have controlled access at main entrances, some have a mix of gated and non-gated sections, and some are private residential communities built around a club. The right fit usually comes down to lifestyle: how you want to live day-to-day, what amenities matter, and what you want your home to feel like when you pull in at the end of the day.

Below are several of the most well-known gated communities in Northern Virginia, plus what to know before you commit.

What to know before choosing a gated community

Before you fall for the photos, here are the questions we recommend asking early:

Is the community fully gated or partially gated? Some neighborhoods have a gated main entrance but additional access points, or a mix of gated and non-gated areas. Belmont, for example, is specifically described as an award-winning “gated and non-gated” community.
What costs are involved? Most communities have an HOA. Some also have separate club dues for golf and social membership.
What amenities are included vs optional? Pools, tennis, fitness, and dining may be tied to club membership rather than the HOA.
What does the lifestyle feel like? Is it quiet and private, or active and social?

If you answer those four questions, your list usually narrows quickly.

River Creek (Leesburg)

River Creek is one of Loudoun’s most recognizable gated communities, set at the confluence of the Potomac River and Goose Creek. The community highlights a strong connection to open space, noting that nearly half the property remains community-owned open land.

Why buyers love it:

A gated setting with a true neighborhood identity
Natural beauty and a strong sense of place near the Potomac
Country club lifestyle options, including golf, tennis, dining, and social programming through River Creek Club

Best for:
Buyers who want a polished neighborhood experience and like the idea of optional club living as part of the lifestyle.

Belmont Country Club (Ashburn)

Belmont is a large, established residential country club community in Ashburn with 2,157 homes arranged around an Arnold Palmer 18-hole golf course and a sizable clubhouse. The HOA explicitly describes Belmont as an award-winning community that includes both gated and non-gated sections.

Why buyers love it:

A well-known community with long-term resale familiarity
Country club amenities and neighborhood cohesion
Strong location for access to Route 7 and the broader Ashburn and Loudoun corridor

Best for:
Buyers who want a recognized community name, a club lifestyle option, and a more established neighborhood feel.

Creighton Farms (Aldie)

Creighton Farms is a private residential community in the Aldie area that attracts buyers looking for newer luxury homes, more space, and a quieter setting. Membership options are a core part of the lifestyle, with the community actively marketing club membership opportunities.

Why buyers love it:

A more private, retreat-like feel
Strong “arrive and exhale” setting in Loudoun’s countryside
Country club amenities tied to membership, depending on what level of access you want

Best for:
Buyers who want luxury, privacy, and a community built around high-end amenities and golf.

Raspberry Falls (Leesburg area)

Raspberry Falls is a smaller residential community in Loudoun, described as a community of about 200 single-family homes with large lots, situated around the Raspberry Falls golf course. The golf club itself is known for its Gary Player-designed course.

Why buyers love it:

A lower-density feel with larger lots
Golf nearby with a setting that feels more “quiet Loudoun” than suburban
A community scale that can feel more intimate

Best for:
Buyers who want space and scenery and do not need a massive amenity complex to feel at home.

Lake Manassas (Gainesville area)

Lake Manassas is a gated community that emphasizes views of Lake Manassas and its golf setting, describing itself as “a gated community to call home.” This can be a strong option for buyers who want a gated neighborhood experience with more house-forward value compared to some closer-in markets.

Why buyers love it:

Gated community setting
Scenic lake and golf-course environment
A good fit for buyers who want space and are comfortable being farther out from DC

Best for:
Buyers who prioritize home size, privacy, and a gated environment, and who want to be in the Gainesville and Prince William corridor.

How we help clients choose the right gated community

The best gated communities are the ones that match how you actually live.

If you tell us:

where you need to be for commuting and daily life
whether golf, tennis, pool, and dining matter
your preferred home style (townhome vs single-family, newer vs established)
and how much privacy you want day-to-day

We can narrow this list quickly and focus your search on the communities that genuinely fit.

Why Work With The Goodhart Group

Gated communities in Northern Virginia vary widely, from access and HOA structure to amenities and overall lifestyle. We help you compare the options, understand the true costs, and focus on the communities that best match what you want day to day.

If you are considering a gated community move, we would love to help you build a smart plan. Whether you are just starting or ready to tour, we will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.