Belmont, VA
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Colleges
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Belmont is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Loudoun County, known for its historic manor and suburban character near Washington, D.C.
About the city
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Belmont is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States . It does not have its own municipal government and is administered as part of Loudoun County. The community is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Leesburg, the Loudoun county seat, and about 31 miles (50 km) northwest of Washington, D.C. . Loudoun County itself is one of the fastest-growing and most affluent counties in the U.S., known for its blend of historic towns, horse country, and technology corridors along the Dulles Tech Corridor.
Date Founded and Age
While the CDP of Belmont was established for census purposes much later, its history is centered around the Belmont Manor House, built between 1799 and 1802 by a son of Richard Henry Lee, a member of the prominent Lee family of Virginia . This makes the historic core of the area over 220 years old. The name "Belmont" itself is of French origin, meaning "beautiful mountain," and was likely chosen by early settlers to describe the scenic, rolling landscape .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Belmont is located in Northern Virginia at the coordinates 39.0622° N, 77.4985° W . The center of the CDP sits at an elevation of approximately 90 meters (295 feet) above sea level . The area's terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills and lies within the Piedmont region. The land drains primarily east via several streams toward Broad Run, a north-flowing tributary of the Potomac River, while the westernmost part drains west to Goose Creek, which also flows north to the Potomac .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Belmont is primarily a residential suburb and a bedroom community for nearby employment centers. Its economy and identity are tied to the larger Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The major subdivisions within the CDP are the Belmont Country Club, a gated golf community built around the historic manor house, and Belmont Greene . The area's economy is therefore focused on residential services, local retail, and the amenities associated with planned communities.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2010 United States Census, the population of the Belmont CDP was 5,966 . As a suburban CDP, its population density reflects its planned community character, with approximately 2,208 people per square mile . It is considered a small-to-medium sized community within the context of Northern Virginia.
"City's Business Card" (In Short)
Belmont, Virginia, offers a quiet escape into Loudoun County's historic and scenic landscape. Centered around the Federal-style Belmont Manor House, this suburban community provides residents and visitors with a blend of countryside charm and modern convenience. It's a gateway to the wineries, horse farms, and historic estates of Northern Virginia, all while being within an hour's drive of the nation's capital.
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
While there are no mountains within the Belmont CDP itself, the community lies in the Piedmont region, with the Blue Ridge Mountains visible in the distance to the west. The area's "rolling hills" are part of the scenic landscape that inspired the name Belmont, meaning "beautiful mountain" . Outdoor enthusiasts can drive about 20-30 miles west to reach the foothills and access points for hiking in areas like the Blue Ridge.
Water Bodies
The Belmont CDP is situated between several streams that feed into the Potomac River. The area drains mainly east via several streams toward Broad Run, and the westernmost part of the CDP drains west to Goose Creek . Both of these are scenic, north-flowing tributaries of the Potomac. While not within the CDP, the Potomac River is a major regional water body located a few miles to the north and east.
Climate and weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Belmont has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cool to mild winters . It experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, typical of the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Average Temperatures by Month
The climate in Belmont is temperate. The warmest months are typically July and August, with average high temperatures reaching into the high 80s°F (around 30-31°C) . The coldest month is January, when average lows can drop to around -1°C (30°F) .
| Month | Average High (°C / °F) | Average Low (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 / 43 | -1 / 30 |
| July | 31 / 88 | 21 / 70 |
Precipitation and Humidity
Belmont receives a moderate amount of precipitation spread fairly evenly throughout the year. The estimated annual rainfall is over 1,200 mm (approximately 47 inches) . The late summer months can be particularly humid due to the influence of warm, moist air from the south.
Seasonal Information and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, and the landscape becomes lush and green. This is an excellent time for visiting nearby historic sites and enjoying the blooming flowers. Average highs range from the low 50s°F to the mid-70s°F.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm to hot and humid, with average highs in the 80s°F (around 29-31°C) . Afternoon thunderstorms are common. It's a good time for golfing at the Belmont Country Club or enjoying water-based activities on the Potomac River.
- Fall (September-November): Autumn is a beautiful time to visit, with crisp, cool air and spectacular fall foliage in the surrounding countryside. Temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor exploration.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are generally cool and can be cold, with average highs in the 40s°F (4-6°C) and lows below freezing . Snowfall is possible but often light. The best time to visit is during the milder months of spring and fall for comfortable weather, or in the summer for golf and other warm-weather activities.
Landmarks
[Belmont Manor House]
The most significant historical landmark in the community is the Belmont Manor House itself. Built between 1799 and 1802 by a son of Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, this Federal-style mansion is a prime example of early American architecture in Loudoun County . It is located in the northeast part of the CDP and has been adaptively reused as the clubhouse for the private, gated Belmont Country Club golf community . Its presence serves as a physical link to Virginia's plantation history and the prominent Lee family.
[Nearby: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens]
For those interested in exploring more historic estates, Oatlands Historic House and Gardens is located just a few miles away in Leesburg. This National Trust Historic Site is an early 19th-century mansion surrounded by extensive formal gardens and greenhouses . It offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural and social history and is a popular venue for events and weddings.
Transport
Main Airports
Belmont is conveniently located near several major airports, making it accessible for national and international travelers. Being a suburb, residents and visitors rely on these nearby hubs.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) : Located approximately 57 miles from Belmont, this is the nearest major international airport, offering a vast network of domestic and international flights . Rideshare estimates from Belmont to IAD range from $20 to $86 .
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) : Situated about 72 miles from Belmont, this airport is a major hub for domestic flights and offers some international services, favored for its proximity to Washington, D.C. . Rideshare fares to DCA are estimated between $49 and $210 .
- Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) : Located about 68 miles away, this regional airport offers domestic flights and serves as an alternative for travelers heading to or from central Virginia .
Major Highways
The community is well-connected by road, primarily via State Route 7 and State Route 267 (the Dulles Toll Road) , which form its northern and southern borders . These are major arteries that provide direct access to Leesburg, Tysons Corner, and Washington, D.C. Belmont Ridge Road (State Route 659) runs through the center of the CDP, connecting these two main thoroughfares .
Rideshare and Taxi Services
As a suburban area without a dense public transit network, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a common mode of transport. These services are readily available for trips to and from local destinations, airports, and nearby towns . For instance, a trip to the Dulles Town Center shopping mall is estimated at $15-$29, and to the Ashburn Metro station (Moorefield Station) at $15-$33 .
Public Transportation
While there is no metro or train station within Belmont itself, the community is located near the Washington Metro system's Silver Line. The nearest stations are in Ashburn, such as the Moorefield Station stop on the Silver Line, which provides direct rail access to Tysons, Arlington, and Washington, D.C. . Local and commuter bus services, operated primarily by the Loudoun County Transit system, connect various parts of the county, including areas near Belmont, to the Metro stations and other destinations.
Museums
Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
The most significant cultural site in the immediate area is the Gari Melchers Home and Studio, also known as Belmont . Located at 224 Washington Street in the nearby town of Falmouth, this National Historic Landmark was the residence and workplace of the renowned American Impressionist artist Gari Melchers . He and his wife, Corinne, purchased the property in 1916 .
The site functions as both a historic house museum and an art museum . It houses a collection of approximately 1,600 works of art, including around 500 paintings by Melchers himself, as well as his sketches and studies . The collection also features works by other artists that the Melchers family collected and paintings by Corinne Melchers, providing a comprehensive view of their artistic world . Visitors can tour the artist's studio, which still contains many of his original tools and materials, and the historic home, which retains many original furnishings and personal belongings . The estate also features beautifully restored gardens, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, and walking trails .
The museum offers guided tours, which are often praised for being informative and engaging . General admission is $12.00, with discounts for AAA members and University of Mary Washington (UMW) alumni. Students 18 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult . The site is closed on major holidays including New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve and Day .
Universities and Colleges
While Belmont itself is a small community, it is within a reasonable driving distance of a vast number of higher education institutions. There are 54 colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius of Belmont, enrolling a total of over 460,000 students . This provides residents with access to a wide variety of educational opportunities.
Institutions within 40 Miles
The closest college to Belmont is Potomac College-Herndon in Herndon, Virginia, located 8.9 miles away . Several other institutions are located within a 40-mile drive:
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (Martinsburg, WV): A public 2-year college 37 miles away .
- Prince George's Community College (Largo, MD): A public 2-year college 38 miles away .
- Bowie State University (Bowie, MD): A public 4-year university, ranked #9 among Best Public Universities in Maryland by CollegeSimply, 40 miles away .
Prestigious Universities within 50 Miles
The area within 50 miles of Belmont includes some of the nation's most prestigious and well-regarded universities.
- Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.): Ranked #32 in the nation by CollegeSimply, this is the highest-ranked college in the vicinity of Belmont .
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) (Baltimore, MD): A public 4-year university ranked #3 among Best Public Universities in Maryland, 44 miles away .
- Mount St. Mary's University (Emmitsburg, MD): A private 4-year university ranked #5 among Best Private Colleges in Maryland, 43 miles away .
- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) (Baltimore, MD): A prestigious private art college ranked #4 among Best Private Colleges in Maryland, 50 miles away .
- McDaniel College (Westminster, MD): A private 4-year college 45 miles away . Other major institutions within this range include the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and Coppin State University .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Belmont has access to a well-developed regional healthcare system . While the town itself may not host a major medical campus, several prominent hospitals are located in the surrounding area.
Major Hospitals in the Region
The most prominent hospitals serving the Belmont community include :
- Augusta Health
- Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital
- LewisGale Montgomery
- Valley Health Warren Memorial Hospital
These hospitals provide a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatment and surgery, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care . In addition to these larger hospitals, the area is supported by numerous local doctors' offices, clinics, and urgent care centers .
Healthcare Accessibility and Quality
According to data from BestPlaces, the Belmont area has about 148 physicians per 100,000 people . The annual BestPlaces Health Cost Index for the area is 94.0, which is slightly better (lower) than the U.S. average of 100 .
Environmental Health Factors
The area's air quality index is 58, which aligns perfectly with the national average . The water quality index, measuring watershed health, is 47, compared to the U.S. average of 55 . The Superfund Index, which indicates the level of environmental contamination, is a favorable 97 for the Belmont area, better than the national average of 87 .