Living in Middleburg, Virginia 

(Or: How to Live in Hunt Country Without Actually Owning a Horse)

by Jillian Bull

If you’ve ever wanted to live somewhere that feels like a Nancy Meyers movie but with more Jack Russell Terriers and fewer dramatic monologues then welcome to Middleburg.

Middleburg isn’t loud about itself. It doesn’t try to impress you. It just exists quietly, confidently, with stone walls, rolling hills, and people who somehow look polished even in mud boots.

First Things First: It’s Not a Suburb

People sometimes ask, “Is Middleburg like Ashburn?”

No.

Ashburn has data centers.

Middleburg has fox hunts.

That should clarify things.

Middleburg is technically Loudoun County, but culturally it feels like its own world. You’re in Northern Virginia, yes, but you’re also in horse country. It’s slower, prettier, and a little more intentional. You don’t accidentally end up in Middleburg. You choose it.

The Charm Is Real (And So Are the Stone Walls)

The town itself is small (like actually small). You can walk the main stretch in under 10 minutes. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in aesthetic commitment.

You’ll find:

• Historic brick buildings

• Boutique shops where the candles cost more than your first car payment

• Coffee that tastes like someone actually cared

• And yes, people in riding boots who genuinely just came from the barn

And then there’s the surrounding countryside. The views aren’t “nice.” They’re cinematic. Rolling hills. Board fencing. Perfectly placed barns that look like they were curated for a Ralph Lauren campaign.

The Social Scene (Subtle, But Strong)

Middleburg is not nightlife.

It’s dinner-party-with-good-wine energy.

There’s a strong equestrian culture, but you absolutely do not need to ride to live here. Many people just appreciate the open space, privacy, and that slightly European countryside feel without moving to Europe.

You’ll run into:

• Long-time locals whose families have been here for generations

• Weekenders from D.C.

• Entrepreneurs who can work remotely but want quiet

• And yes… the occasional person who owns more Barbour jackets than necessary (I never heard of Barbour before moving here).

It’s understated. And that’s kind of the point.

Schools, Community, and Everyday Life

Families love Middleburg for the space and the community feel. You get room to breathe. Kids grow up seeing fields instead of strip malls.

But let’s be honest.. you are not walking to Target (but sometimes I wish I could!).

Living here means:

• You plan your errands

• You value privacy

• You don’t mind a scenic drive

• You probably own at least one pair of boots

 It’s intentional living. Not convenience living.

Real Estate in Middleburg

Homes here range from historic in-town properties to sprawling estates with acreage, barns, guest houses, and names like “Somerset” or “Fox Hallow.”

You’re paying for:

• Land

• Views

• Privacy

• And a lifestyle that feels removed without being isolated

And yes, properties can sit longer here than in more suburban areas. It’s a niche market. Buyers are specific. But when it’s the right buyer? It’s the right buyer.

The Honest Take

Middleburg isn’t for everyone.

If you need constant activity and instant delivery for everything, this might feel too quiet.

But if you want:

• Beauty

• Space

• A strong sense of place

• And mornings that feel calm instead of chaotic

It’s hard to beat.

There’s something about driving home through rolling hills at sunset that just resets your nervous system.

(And as someone who studies the market obsessively, yes, I notice when homes sit. Yes, I notice when they fly off the market. But I also notice something else: people who move here tend to stay.)

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If you’re curious about living in Middleburg, whether you ride horses or just admire them from afar,  I’m always happy to talk through what makes sense for you.

Because Middleburg isn’t just a location.

It’s a pace.

— Jill