Ranked the 4th best town in Virginia, Annandale is ideally located in the heart of Fairfax County, only minutes from every major highway. Its prime location, just inside the Capital Beltway, makes it a thriving community for residents and businesses alike. It is a family-oriented town with a wide variety of home styles, excellent shopping venues, extensive public parks and hiking trails, plenty of recreational facilities, the county’s only horticultural center, and a wonderful choice of restaurants.
A Closer Look at Annandale, VA
Just 12 miles from Washington, D.C., unincorporated Annandale has a uniquely attractive core, a reputation for arts and culture, and is of immense historic interest. Though the cost of living, traffic snarls, and summer heat are favorite complaints, the residents are always quick to sing its praises. That may be because the median household income here is over 90% greater than the national average, and the unemployment rate is at an enviable 2.9%. Annandale is served by the Blue and Orange Metro lines, as well as the Washington Metropolitan bus service.
History of Annandale
Annandale’s history dates back to 1685, when Colonel William H. Fitzhugh purchased 24,000 acres known as Ravensworth, one of the largest tobacco plantations in the state. In 1830 the land was sold off and shortly thereafter, businessman William Garges opened a livery stable, saw mill, and blacksmith shop. The town was on its way! Since its beginnings, Annandale has been celebrated for its hospitability and celebration of diversity.
For those interested in learning more about the area’s rich history, there’s the nearby National Women’s History Museum and the Fort Ward Museum with its Civil War exhibits. Every October, the community puts on the popular Annandale Parade, a 60-year tradition that’s been voted one of the best small town parades in America. From May through early November, local vendors showcase a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Annandale Farmers Market.
A Lovely Place to Live
The residents of Annandale cherish how quiet, safe, clean, and beautifully wooded the area is. The local people are known for being friendly and committed to taking care of the neighborhoods they live in. The town – one of the most well-educated areas in the nation – has a high rate of ethnic diversity, with over 40% of its residents of international origin. Though English is the most common language you’ll hear, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Arabic can often be heard around the neighborhood.
Northern Virginia has one of the strongest residential real estate markets in the United States, and Annandale is no exception. Today, home values have recovered nicely and remain steady. Neighborhoods here include Aspen Hill, Bradfield, Camelot, Leewood Forest, Kensington Square, Lafayette Village, and Long Branch. The median house price is $540,000 and the average house size 2,100 square feet.
Annandale is well-known in the area for its entertainment and recreational offerings. The Ernst Community Theater at Northern Virginia Community College hosts theater, dance, and folklore performances, conferences, and screenings. There’s an abundance of shopping opportunities, including the Annandale Shopping Center, unique boutiques along the Little River Turnpike, and plenty of Asian-inspired fashion.
For those with exercise in mind, there’s Wakefield Park with its mountain bike trails, tennis and basketball courts, recreation center, and skateboard park. Mason District Park has a playground for the kids and plenty of nature trails. Accotink Stream Valley Park’s lake offers fishing and other water sports. The recreation area has an antique carousel and mini golf course for both the young and young-at-heart. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center is a great place for kids to explore and learn about nature, with plenty of open areas for picnicking.
Remodeling Your Annandale, VA Home
Annandale is a well-situated, family-centric town with great schools and active residents. It’s a quiet oasis in the middle of the D.C. Metro area’s rapidly expanding environment. If you’re ready to build or remodel your Annandale home, why not schedule an in-home consultation with us today? We’d love to help you bring to life the home you’ve always dreamed of.
