Woodbridge, Virginia was mostly plantations for centuries, until it became farms and industrial complexes post-Civil War. In the 1980’s, urban sprawl arrived and Woodbridge grew to become a bedroom community for metro Washington DC. Neighboring Dale City and Lake Ridge were developed about a decade before Woodbridge but became part of Woodbridge as well.
This is a diverse community, with respect to geographical landscape and in attracting residents from various backgrounds. This diversity contributes to a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere. Geographically, there are waterfront properties and more suburban and rural properties on the western edge.
Location
Woodbridge is located 20 miles south of DC in Virginia. Interstate 95 and Route 1 both run parallel to each other in a north-south direction through Woodbridge. The Occoquan River is the northern border, and the Potomac River is on the east. Woodbridge is the first stop in Prince William County, just south of Lorton which is Fairfax County.
Woodbridge is situated along the Potomac River and offers access to scenic areas and outdoor recreational opportunities. It has parks, hiking trails, and waterfront views, providing residents with natural beauty to enjoy.
What’s the draw for people to move here? Historically, Woodbridge has offered more affordable housing compared to other areas in the metro DC area. Woodbridge is pretty sizable, with 45,000 people calling it home. There are another 45,000 people in Lake Ridge and in Dale City there are 72,000 people. If you’re a math wiz, you already added up that there’s over 160,000 people who call Woodbridge, Virginia home.
There are really three parts to Woodbridge. There is the area of the CDP (Census Designated Place) which is east of I-95. Then Dale City and Lake Ridge, which were conceived as planned communities in the 1960s and 1970s, were annexed into Woodbridge as well.
Transportation
Traffic in, around and through Woodbridge is difficult. Interstate 95 is always jammed. Summers are especially difficult. If you are going anywhere on Saturday that requires driving south on 95 through Woodbridge, plan ahead. We have rented a beach house in Myrtle Beach the past few summers and the houses always run from Saturday to Saturday. We left in the morning and the highway was so packed that we pulled off in Fredericksburg for lunch. The girls said, “Are we almost there?” I said I hate to tell you this, because we’ve been in the car for 4 hours, but we’re only an hour from home.
Real Estate
In the 1980’s, Woodbridge, which was mostly farms and industrial areas, experienced a surge in residential development. If you don’t want a house built in the 1980’s, this may not be the place for you.
Single family homes start in the $300,000’s and over $1,000,000. Dale City and Lake Ridge were annexed into Woodbridge. To get a home that doesn’t need work, you will need to look in the $500,000’s to $600,000’s. Townhomes can start in the $200,000’s if you’re fine with a condo style of ownership, or $300,000’s for fee simple, where you own the land underneath the home. Condos start around $200,000 and go up to $500,000.
Food
If you are looking for amazing food, you will have a diverse set of choices in the Woodbridge area. The food scene keeps getting stronger every year. Viet Chopsticks, El Paso Mexican Restaurant, Dixie Bones, Lea’s European Kitchen, Dok Khao, Abugida Ethiopian, and Aroma Latin Fusion. There are so many more amazing restaurants in the area that are worth checking out. There are just too many to list!
Family & Fun
Woodbridge has a strong sense of community and fun events for families with local events, festivals, parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities. There are also libraries and community centers, and sports leagues for kids too.
Most local people think of Woodbridge and think: Potomac Mills Mall. That’s because you see the huge sign from the highway as you’re passing through. There are 220 stores at Potomac Mills and a section called the Fashion District with upscale brands like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales (it’s like no other store in the world.) There are 18 different theaters and 25 restaurants to refill your tank.
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Melissa Terzis
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TTR | Sotheby's International Realty
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Washington, DC 20005
Office: (202) 234.3344
- Melissa Terzis | DC Real Estate Mama