Prince William County
Located 25 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., Prince William County stretches from the Potomac River to the scenic Bull Run Mountains. The county was formed in 1731 and was the site of the first and second Battles of Manassas. The Manassas Battlefield National Park is a popular tourist attraction. The county also serves as home to the Quantico Marine Base and the FBI Academy. Other government installations are located along the major thoroughfares of Interstate 66 and Interstate 95. Light industry and business parks have sprung up, however, a Land Use Plan provides and preserves land for both growth and recreation. The county is served by Interstate highways 1-66 and 1-95, and commuter rail both east and west.
Prince William County boasts 10 public golf courses and is home to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. GolfStyles Magazine ranks Prince William County among the top 100 places to play golf. The county also features six marinas along the banks of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers.
- Prince William County is served by two major hospitals: Prince William Medical Center in Manassas and Haymarket, and Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge.
- Schools enjoy an excellent reputation countywide and 90% of high school graduates go on to college. The gifted education program is school-based for all grades. Special education programs are available to students identified with special needs from the ages of 2-21.
- Campuses of Northern Virginia Community College are located in Manassas and Woodbridge.
For additional information, please visit the Prince William County website.
PWC Cities and Towns
- Haymarket/Gainesville – This area is one of the fastest growing in Western Prince William County. It features several gated established communities with numerous amenities including golf, swimming, parks and shopping. The Virginia Gateway is a premier shopping destination for the Gainesville and Haymarket area, boasting an amazing selection of over 120 retail shops, restaurants and service-oriented businesses. Located in the heart of Prince William County at the intersection of I-66 and Route 29, this exciting mixed-use development has over 1.3 million square feet of national, regional and local merchants in a convenient shopper-friendly environment.
- Manassas/Manassas Park– Manassas is named for the Manassas Gap railroad and is most famous for the Civil Ware battles fought here. Today, this thriving city has expanded rapidly and has designated its turn-of-the-century downtown as an historic district. The Virginia Rail Express (VRE) carries commuters into the nation’s capital. Housing in Manassas is varied and ranges from new construction to well-preserved homes in affluent neighborhoods.
Adjacent to Manassas lies the city of Manassas Park, approximately 30 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The city borders Prince William County and the City of Manassas. It is primarily residential in nature within close proximity to interstate and railway transportation into the heart of the Greater Metropolitan Washington DC area. The city offers citizens an established community along with the prospects of significant future residential and commercial development. The desirable living features such as neighborliness and community pride in a small, progressive city environment add to the city’s charm. See City of Manassas Park.
- Dale City– Located 25 miles south of D.C., Dale City is surrounded by vast wooded areas and parkland, and attracts those seeking a residential environment within close proximity to urban areas. Six parks provide residents with areas for picnicking, playgrounds, battlefields, and swimming. Dale City’s 55-acre Community Center is open to public membership and features extensive exercise and recreational facilities. Dale City Rec Center
- Dumfries– Established in 1749, the Town of Dumfries was a thriving port for many years. Today the city is enjoying an economic boom that mirrors the rapid growth throughout Prince William County. Affordable single family homes, townhouses and apartments are available. The VRE commuter service is available from Quantico. Locust Shade Park in the area offers fishing, golfing, tennis courts and fitness trails. The Weems-Botts House offers a fascinating history on Virginia’s oldest chartered town, Dumfries.
- Lake Ridge/Westridge– Lake Ridge is located in Eastern Prince William County. It’s a large planned community that features affordable suburban living. The community is set along the Occoquan River making boating and other water sports popular pastimes. Highway access via I-95 serves residents of Lake Ridge who work in the D.C. area. Located in Lake Ridge directly on the Occoquan Reservoir, facilities offer breathtaking views, wildlife and water activities. The reservoir provides good fishing for large mouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.
- Montclair – Another popular planned community featuring a private country club and golf course, Montclair is situated adjacent to the historic town of Dumfries. It is conveniently located near I-95, which provides a direct route to the District. Locust Shade Park is close by and features golf, tennis courts, playgrounds and fitness trails.
- Woodbridge – The largest community in Prince William County borders the Potomac River and is 20 miles from D.C. Attractions located within the area include Fort Belvoir north in Fairfax County, the U.S. Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Potomac Mills (a large discount shopping mall), and the Occoquan Bay National Park. Veteran’s Park and Leesylvania State Park are located on the Potomac River and provide swimming, boating, picnic and hiking access. Close by is Rippon Lodge, the oldest house in Prince William County. The Potomac Nationals minor league baseball team is located in Woodbridge.