Celebrate Virginia

If you live in Fredericksburg’s Celebrate neighborhood, you don’t have to decide between rich history, art-filled or outdoorsy weekends, because it’s all there. With homes located less than a mile from the Interstate 95 exit, all these activities are a short drive away. Although the Fredericksburg Regional Transit does have a bus line running along Warrenton Road, residents’ best bet is to drive themselves around since homes are just far enough away to warrant a car. Celebrate is “sort of out of the way,” Realtor John Moulds of Belcher Real Estate LLC says.

A subdivision of streets fanning out occupies the northeast corner of this community, known as Celebrate Virginia North. Uniform lots with equally modest yards and single driveways interconnect; you’d be hard-pressed to find a cul-de-sac in this 55-plus community. The senior housing is “tucked off to the side, without the noise or traffic,” says Moulds. As young as the late 2000s, Prairie and bungalow styles average 1,400 square feet. These two-bed two-baths range from $400,000 to about $575,000. A bit farther west is a sparser grouping of single-family homes without age restrictions, fetching between $275,000 and $500,000.

Students in Celebrate can attend Harrison Road Elementary School, rated C-plus by Niche. When kids graduate to Chancellor Middle just down the road, they will have extra support from a 24/7 student tip line used to report and discourage bullying. Chancellor Middle is also rated B-minus by Niche, as is Chancellor High School. These Chargers work hard, with just over half of its students graduating with an advanced diploma.

Don’t be discouraged about traveling to experience the outdoors in Celebrate. Lake Mooney, a.k.a. Rocky Pen Run Reservoir, is right in your backyard off Greenbank Road. In addition to providing water for Stafford County, it also provides bass, catfish and panfish for the discerning fisherman. For even more outdoorsy activities, head over to Motts Run Reservoir. Set just southwest of Celebrate, this Reservoir has over 11 miles of trails for the biking enthusiasts and four for the hikers. If aquatics are more your thing, canoeing, boating and kayaking are also popular here. The beautifully reflective waters make it a great spot to grill, sit and watch the passersby. For a park that claims to be picnic-friendly, it certainly has the views to back it up. Don’t forget to visit the nature center before you leave.

If you forgot to pack a lunch, grab a burger from Five Guys just up the road. There’s also a Chick-fil-A if you’re craving nuggets. Local business 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Company offers a wide selection of beers and appetizers for a chill afternoon spent with friends or family. Plan accordingly, and you can catch some live music while you’re there.

Groceries are also within reach, with Giant just two miles away. After getting your weekly produce and meat, fill up the tank at their gas station. Just a stone’s throw from Giant is an ALDI for anything else you’d need. Head over to the Lowe’s on Warrenton Road for DIY and general home supplies. O'Reilly Auto Parts is next door for the odd car part or advice.

Although Celebrate’s parks are a big draw for locals, there is just as much to happening indoors. The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents matinees and evening shows, depending on the day of the week. Their talented crew brings seasonal and topical pieces to life onstage, like Miracle on 34th Street. With 25 years under its belt, the Center has reproduced many classics such as A Chorus Line, The Wedding Singer and West Side Story, to name a few. Sit, enjoy the show and have an entrée for a special evening.

For those looking to settle down near all the action of Fredericksburg but less of the noise, consider Celebrate.

Written By

Malcolm Longerbeam

Photography Contributed By

Anna Cheng

Video By

Grace Kim