Central Fredericksburg

Central Fredericksburg offers homeowners a convenient home base in the heart of it all. “Central Fredericksburg is a perfect location for newer homes in the middle of town with easy access to Interstate 95, historic downtown Fredericksburg, and tons of shopping,” says Chris Ognek, Broker/Owner of Q Real Estate and Central Fredericksburg resident.

Central Fredericksburg’s housing inventory primarily includes single-family homes and town houses from three main subdivisions: Great Oaks, Idlewild, and Altoona Village. “Altoona Village is more of an established community tucked away right near Interstate 95,” says Michelle Wilson, Realtor/Owner of Michelle Wilson Realty Group and local resident. “But you wouldn’t know it because the lots are wooded.” Homes here are all unique from each other and mostly built in the 1970s. Idlewild is an award-winning community that was established around 2005 and offers a variety of house types: town houses, detached homes with attached garages, and detached homes with detached garages, which were meant to mimic the style of downtown Fredericksburg. Idlewild homes are primarily on small city-sized lots, while Great Oaks offers homes in the middle, with fewer amenities but larger, quarter-acre lots. Depending on the subdivision, house hunters can find a three-bedroom town house starting around $375,000 or a four-bedroom single-family home starting around $400,000.

Students attend Fredericksburg City Public Schools, typically starting at either Hugh Mercer Elementary School or Lafayette Elementary School, then proceeding to Walker-Grant Middle School and James Monroe High School. James Monroe High, rated B by Niche, offers a Career and Technical Education program; some students may even be able to earn industry credentials upon graduating.

For a bit of fresh air, residents can head to Alum Spring Park, closest to Central Fredericksburg, to walk the trails and take the kids to the playground. A few miles farther is Old Mill Park, Fredericksburg’s most popular green space. Situated on the Rappahannock River, visitors can enjoy waterfront views and launch a kayak or canoe from the boat launch. While here, take the opportunity to stroll through historic Downtown Fredericksburg and get an ice cream cone at Carl’s Frozen Custard.

If you reside in Idlewild, homebuyers may find themselves with additional outdoor amenities. According to Wilson, “Idlewild has a clubhouse with a pool, so the community puts on numerous events there for adults and families,” she says. “There is a swim team, three tot lots, tennis courts, and a community gym. You can walk all the way to downtown Fredericksburg on one of the paths. It’s a great community for families, professionals, and people who want to stay active.”

Central Fredericksburg does have a major commercial thoroughfare, Route 3, that bisects the neighborhood, providing quick access to breakfast at Silver Diner, home improvement supplies from Home Depot, and late-night snacks at fast food chains like Cookout. But it’s when you take Route 3 to down to the opposite side of Interstate 95 where the retail corridor really gets interesting. “On the west side of Interstate 95, that’s where I call it ‘Retail Heaven,’” Ognek says. “You have retail centers with every imaginable chain store, restaurants — all of it is right there.” Spotsylvania Town Center and Central Park Plaza alone boast 250+ retailers and restaurants. Get all of life’s necessities at Walmart and Target, amuse the kids at Fun Land of Fredericksburg or Regal, shop for clothes at Macy’s and Belk, and go out for a meal at Park Lane Tavern, known for its British pub fare.

With its fantastic parks, shopping, and dining, a wide variety of home types, and proximity to Interstate 95, it’s no mystery why Central Fredericksburg residents love their location. Says Ognek, “What I tell people is I’ve been in every neighborhood in Northern Virginia, and that’s where I choose to live.”

Written By

Katelin Hill

Photography Contributed By

Caleb Jones

Video By

Sara Warthen