Bristow

Gaze at the open sky as you kick up your feet on the patio and listen to the songs of sparrows and the distant laughter of neighbors. In Bristow, experience the convergence of rural tranquility and suburban convenience.

About 40 miles from Washington and 25 miles from Quantico, the neighborhood maintains a population of nearly 3,000 people and consists of over 1,000 homes. Peering down the level streets, homes look uniform on similarly sized lots, particularly in more recently constructed subdivisions like New Bristow Village. Sidewalks link together the carefully designed community, though only window light illuminates the path after dark. “It’s residential and very quiet. Most of it is a planned community,” Victoria Bali of V Star Real Estate explains. “It has a newer area and older areas. Old homes are split-level, newer are traditional, three-level colonial.” While architecture differs from one association to the next, most homes include more than three bedrooms. On average, four-bed, two-bath homes range from $655,000 to $740,000, while larger homes, some of which feature over 5,000 square feet and multi-acre properties, can reach up to $1,250,000.

Part of Prince William County Schools, Bristow gains access to a district rated A-minus by Niche. “It has a good school, and it’s very family-oriented,” Bali says. Students begin at T. Clay Wood Elementary before transitioning to E.H. Marsteller Middle. From here, students attend Brentsville District High School, rated B-minus by Niche. Students at Brentsville can participate in after-school activities like Literary Magazine, The Roar Newspaper and Diversity Student Union.

Though its streets chirp with the sound of crickets and chickadees, Bristow is rich with entertainment options. At the Bristow Manor Golf Club, look ahead at miles of skyline against a border of forest and historical manor houses as you swing your clubs along an 18-hole course or attend one of the special events hosted in their halls. For additional outdoor adventure, walk through 140 acres of Civil War history at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. Once a tumultuous battle site, the park now offers a peaceful place to watch reenactments of the past and explore nature trails with native plants and species. After sunset, create custom décor for your home while you sip on Bellinis at AR Workshop Bristow. If you’d rather browse completed projects and handcrafted jewelry, there’s also a small retail portion inside the workshop.

In addition to public amenities, each homeowner association offers private events and activities for community members, fostering connections with neighbors and providing a space for new homebuyers to meet everyone in the neighborhood. In New Bristow Village, surprise your taste buds with local eats on Food Truck Friday at the clubhouse, or in Avendale Woodland Grove, enjoy the playground and fenced dog park tucked within the community. No matter the subdivision, activities are always within reach.

Though a drive away from the city, Bristow keeps daily essentials less than 2 miles from home, regardless of where you live. Shop for fresh produce in Harris Teeter or order your favorite burrito from Chipotle at Bristow Center. “They have plenty of stuff in Bristow. If you want something fancy, go to DC or Alexandria or Manassas Old Town. For regular dining, down the road, there are franchises,” Bali says. The center also includes a gym, urgent care, pet supply store and multiple restaurants, making it easy to find everything you need within a short drive. Additional retailers and restaurants can also be found in Manassas, just 5 miles down Route 28 if you need anything a step away from Bristow.

Because Bristow borders rural towns to the west, cars are essential for getting around. Hop on Interstate 66 to commute into the capital, or, if you prefer to take the train, park at the Broad Run Station a few miles away and utilize the weekday rail service to L’Enfant and Union Station. If you’re looking for a slice of bliss on the outskirts of suburban Washington, Bristow might be just what you need.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Video By

Luke Mancari