Tucked away within a land of farms, forests, and weathered split-rail fences, Manassas is a place where events tend to unfold at their own pace. Progress moves steadily in this community at the edge of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area's suburban zone, yet most modern homes still enjoy the shade of decades-old trees and idyllic scenery. While the historic center of town is known for its contemporary apartments and condos, the general vibe of Manassas, VA real estate favors the expansive. Homes with large yards, rich greenery, access to parks, and ample decks call to growing families and young professionals who want to move up in life without sacrificing the simple pleasures.
Manassas isn't exactly frontier country, but most conveniences are spread out enough that nothing feels crowded. The open local layout leaves plenty of space to walk, run, and play, which is a big bonus for families. In addition to the spacious yards many homes possess, there are plenty of great parks and fields. The wealth of residential streets commonly play host to cyclists, jogging enthusiasts, and kids who just want to make the most of languid summer afternoons.
The awesome diversity of Manassas, VA real estate draws all kinds of residents. A whopping 26.9 percent of the people here from 2010 to 2014 were international transplants, many of whom were undoubtedly drawn by the prospect of working near the nation's capital. Although the abundance of awesome global cuisine in the area might make you expect to put on a few pounds living here, trails and exercise are a big part of the fabric of Manassas.
At Manassas National Battlefield Park, you'll be able to choose from more than 40 miles of fairly-tame hiking trails. If you'd prefer to get fit from a more relaxed position, the equally-long Occoquan Water Trail lets you canoe all the way from nearby Bull Run Park to the mighty Potomac and the shores of Mason Neck State Park.
Manassas is home to a stellar farmer's market. Situated in Historic Downtown, this is a great venue to partake of the bounty of the natural landscape. Vendors come from as far as 150 miles away bearing crafts, fresh-off-the-vine produce, and no few original wines and microbrews. Should this beloved tradition fail to jive with your busy schedule, there are alternatives in nearby Bristow, Dale City, Burke, and Centreville.
If you've got an itchy green thumb or a hankering for lower grocery bills, you may be able to grow your own vegetables. Of the 13,232 housing units, around 8,000 are owner-occupied, so many residents have free rein to sculpt the landscape to their own unique tastes. For those who find themselves in one of the increasing numbers of rental properties and condos built to accommodate the local population's steady expansion of more than 1,000 new residents per year, there are a few community gardens hidden at churches and civic centers.
Most grocery stores in this well-to-do part of the state also have robust organic food selections. There are also markets that cater specifically to African, Asian, European, and other cultures, so it's equally easy to enjoy the taste of home or expand your palate.
Spaces like Bull Run Regional Park aren't just perfect for casual outdoor excursions with the kids or in-laws. This old battlefield is famous for being the site of what many historians agree was the first noteworthy battle of the Civil War as well as a later skirmish. The historic old town is notable for its preservation of courthouses built by generations past, an iconic city hall that hearkens back to Old-World European architectural standards, and a plantation house that's just about to come up on its 200th birthday. Here, it's possible to walk in the footsteps of Lincoln and other key figures from American history, and it's easy to see why they loved the area so much.
Manassas, VA real estate runs the complete gamut of modern and traditional American residential architecture. Around private waterfronts, like Lake Jackson, you'll encounter colonial manses complete with verandahs, balconies, decks, docks, and boat lifts. In more landlocked neighborhoods, you're likely to find cozy modernity in the form of refurbished, split-level ranch homes on plots of half an acre or more.
Manassas clearly caters to family occupancy with a range of floor plans and amenities that reflect evolving tastes. About 55 percent of the housing units here date back to sometime between 1980 and 1999, but historically, the allure of Manassas has drawn all forms of development, so these properties exhibit massive variety.
Less than 10 percent of the homes here were built after 2000, but modern residences don't lack for anything. Many of these units are posh townhouses that put you within convenient distance of farmers markets, historic sights, and commuter-rail stations.
Manassas offers a nice midpoint between countrified living and the urbanization that dominates the DC Metro Area. While it's less rustic than Faquier, Loudon, or even other parts of its own Prince William county, it's nowhere near as busy as Fairfax. The longer journey to jobs in the nation's capital is easily offset by your proximity to shopping, entertainment, winery tours, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. In all, this charismatic city offers great communities for families to put down roots as they grow, learn, and explore.
