Trentdale

When Cecil D. Hylton kicked off the creation of Dale City in the 1960s, the subdivision shared the amenities of Woodbridge. In the decades to follow, the carefully planned community continued to expand and bring shopping, schools and activities to be shared across the many dales of Dale City. As one of the newest additions to the area, Trentdale offers 21st-century homes and modern convenience.

Though the neighborhood offers a mix of single-family and attached homes, Trentdale looks like many other Dale City communities from the outside. According to Shalawn Hildreth of eXp, “Everything looks similar, so it can be hard to find the line of separation.” Despite the comparable home styles across communities, there is a difference that’s easy to miss. “Older town homes in older neighborhoods are close to or right along 95. You can go a mile down off 95 and find the same build, newer, for a little higher,” Hildreth expands. Because Dale City home construction closer to the interstate took place over 20 years before those further west, prices in Trentdale might look higher than in areas like Ashdale. Town houses in Trentdale cost between $355,000 and $515,000, with square footage ranging from 1,300 to 2,700.

If looking for more space to spread out, detached homes in the neighborhood typically exceed 2,400 square feet and consist of three to four bedrooms. Most houses feature colonial-style architecture with an attached garage and a concrete or paved driveway. Out front, sidewalks connect the community and make it easy to stroll to a neighbor’s house or walk to school, while in the back, fenced yards provide a space to host barbecues with neighbors or play with the dog after work. Single-family home prices range from $490,000 to $685,000.

When it comes to academics, students in Trentdale attend Prince William County Public Schools, an A-minus-rated district according to Niche. Students may begin at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary before moving to Saunders Middle, a school hosting over a dozen after-school activities like Equestrian Club, Saunders Steppers and Battle of the Books. For high school, students attend Charles J. Colgan, an A-rated school per Niche. Home to the largest auditorium in the district, Colgan provides a specialty program option for students interested in pursuing a concentration in theater, art, writing or music. Aside from the program, the school also offers Advanced Placement courses and career preparation programs.

While surrounding planned communities like Lake Ridge require homebuyers to live in a homeowners association, Trentdale presents a more independent approach to homeownership. Although the neighborhood has no members-only amenities, recreational activities and resources are well within reach. In the summer, make a splash at Waterworks Waterpark, located within Andrew Leitch Park or beat the heat with a shaded stroll along the Neabsco Greenway, a trail beginning at the park and extending 3 miles through woodlands and alongside the Neabsco Creek. If the rain stops you from adventuring outdoors, Trentdale also keeps various indoor activities close. Go for a swim at the Dale City Recreation Center or check out a book at the local library, less than 4 miles away.

As playtime ends and errands begin, swing by Food Lion or CVS, just across Hoadly Road. For home improvement supplies from Lowe’s or new furniture from IKEA, find both Smoketown Plaza and Potomac Mills about 7 miles away. If you get hungry while you shop, find chain restaurants like Panda Express, Mission BBQ, Taco Bell and Carrabba’s all along Minnieville and Smoketown Road.

For commutes to the capital or surrounding counties, take advantage of Interstate 95, the nearest on-ramp 7 miles away. Reach Manassas in less than 10 miles, Springfield in less than 20 miles and Washington in less than 33 miles. For amenities within reach and a place to travel from with ease, head to Trentdale.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Tyson Le

Video By

Michael Voyack