Booz Allen Hamilton’s Move to Reston Signals a “Flight to Quality” Moment — and a Big Win for Reston Real Estate

Northern Virginia’s office market has been undergoing a quiet but meaningful shift. Companies aren’t simply asking whether they need office space anymore — they’re asking where that space truly adds value.

That’s what makes Booz Allen Hamilton’s decision to relocate its global headquarters from Tysons to Reston so significant. The move, expected to be completed by 2027, is a textbook example of what commercial real estate experts call “flight to quality” — and it further strengthens Reston’s long-term appeal not just for employers, but for homebuyers and homeowners as well.

What “Flight to Quality” Really Means

“Flight to quality” refers to a growing trend where companies:

• reduce their overall office footprint

• consolidate into fewer locations

• choose higher-quality, amenity-rich buildings

• prioritize walkability, transit access, sustainability, and employee experience

Instead of spreading teams across multiple older properties, firms are investing in places employees actually want to go.

And increasingly, Reston fits that bill.

Why Booz Allen’s Move Matters

Booz Allen Hamilton is one of the region’s most influential employers. Its decision to leave Tysons — long considered Northern Virginia’s dominant business hub — and commit to Reston sends a strong signal to the market:

Reston is no longer a secondary option.
It’s a top-tier destination.

This move reinforces Reston’s growing reputation as a place where modern companies can support hybrid work, attract talent, and align their brand with quality of life.

Why Reston Is Attracting High-Quality Tenants

Reston’s evolution over the past decade has been intentional — and it’s paying off.

1. Transit Has Changed the Equation

With Silver Line Metro stations, including Reston Town Center, Reston is now far more accessible to workers commuting from across Northern Virginia, DC, and beyond. For employers thinking about regional recruiting and attendance, that access matters.

2. A True Live-Work-Play Environment

Reston offers something Tysons is still working toward: a fully integrated community.

Employees aren’t just coming to an office — they’re stepping into:

• walkable streets

• restaurants, coffee shops, and fitness options

• trails, lakes, and green space

• housing within minutes of work

This environment directly supports the flight-to-quality mindset.

3. Newer, Class-A Office Product

Reston’s office inventory increasingly reflects what today’s tenants want: modern layouts, natural light, sustainability features, and buildings that feel like an asset — not an obligation.

The Reston Real Estate Ripple Effect

Major employer moves don’t just impact the office market — they influence housing decisions too.

When a company like Booz Allen commits long-term to Reston, it can:

• increase demand for nearby neighborhoods

• encourage employees to live closer to work (especially with hybrid schedules)

• reinforce Reston’s appeal for relocation buyers

• support long-term home value stability

Neighborhoods near Reston Town Center, North Reston, South Lakes, and the Silver Line corridor often benefit the most from these shifts, as buyers prioritize shorter commutes, walkability, and lifestyle amenities.

For homeowners, this type of corporate investment strengthens Reston’s broader value proposition: a community that attracts both people and employers.

Tysons vs. Reston: It’s Not a Competition — It’s an Evolution

This isn’t a story about Tysons failing. Tysons remains an important employment center.

But tenant behavior has changed. Companies are choosing:

• fewer offices

• better locations

• places that support culture, collaboration, and retention

Reston is increasingly checking every box.

What This Means If You Own (or Want to Own) a Home in Reston

Corporate moves like this don’t cause overnight price jumps — but they reinforce long-term demand, especially for:

• homes close to Metro

• walkable communities

• neighborhoods offering quality-of-life advantages

If you’re a Reston homeowner, this is the kind of news that supports confidence in your investment.

If you’re considering buying in Reston, it’s another reminder that the community continues to attract high-quality employers, residents, and long-term growth.