Northern Virginia (NOVA) can be a challenging real estate market for military families. NOVA is one of the most expensive regions in the country, and the location’s cost often pushes military members’ housing budgets well past their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
To help remedy tight budgets and find larger homes with more land, home shoppers stationed in the Washington, DC, area looking for housing near Fort Belvoir or MCB Quantico often head to Woodbridge, Virginia, to search for housing. But affordability is just one of many reasons military families love living in Woodbridge.
Get to Know Woodbridge, Virginia
Woodbridge, Virginia, sits right off I-95 between Alexandria and Stafford and has straight commutes to:
- Fort Belvoir: 10 miles
- Quantico: 15 miles
- The Pentagon: 19 miles
The commutes range from 20 to 30 minutes on perfect traffic days, but it’s more common to experience longer drives during peak traffic time frames. And if there's an accident or road construction, it’s routine for the drive time to push to 45 minutes or more.
While driving can offer door-to-door convenience, Woodbridge is home to the Woodbridge Amtrak Station and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station, providing additional access to DC and other nearby areas.
Many of those living in Woodbridge agree that the area offers a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas, and it’s worth the sometimes grinding commute to access larger, more affordable homes. Here are a few more things military families love about living in Woodbridge.
1. Strong Community and Support
With many backgrounds and cultures here, residents of Woodbridge quickly mention how much they enjoy the diverse group of people they call neighbors. The area’s local businesses, schools, and community events reflect this defining characteristic, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community.
Overall, young families mixed with mid-career professionals seeking a work-life balance make up most of the population here.
For families interested in public schools, Woodbridge is part of the Prince William County Public Schools, one of the largest in Virginia. The city has even added several new schools to accommodate a recent growth spurt. Overall, families seem happy with the educational opportunities in the area. However, families looking outside the public school system will find many private schooling options nearby to consider.
2. Area Amenities
Woodbridge is located in Prince William County and has a population of 4,300, which is not indicative of the large number of shopping and restaurants in the area. You'll find all the big names in retail and well-known eateries and grocery stores.
And, if you're familiar with the popular Mills Malls dotted across the country, you’ll feel right at home at Potomac Mills. Potomac Mills is an anchor location in the middle of a wide selection of retail choices that spreads for miles, including the region’s closest IKEA, perfect for redecorating after a PCS!
3. Endless Outdoor Adventures
Though Woodbridge is a busy city with plenty of people going about daily activities, tranquil parks and countryside settings are just around the corner. This bustling DC suburb offers quiet and serene moments if you know where to look.
- Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visitors enjoy more than four miles of trails to watch water birds, especially ospreys and bald eagles. The views from the dock at Painted Turtle Pond are also crowd favorites.
- Prince William Forest Park: This park is part of the National Park System and is a quick drive to Triangle, Virginia. Camping, hiking, and events at the park are local favorites.
- Leesylvania State Park: Sitting in the southeastern portion of Prince William County, this park stands along the shores of the Potomac River. Historic ties are strong and reach back to Captain John Smith in 1608. Today, visitors hike, bike, picnic, fish, and boat.
- Lake Ridge Park: This park is a popular spot to unplug and spend the day fishing and boating.
After you find the perfect home with room to spare, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Woodbridge. Tight-knit neighborhoods, plenty of shopping and dining, and access to the great outdoors wait for newcomers to arrive.
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