Lafayette

“There’s always something going on in the 22401 ZIP code,” says Kathy Deal, Associate Broker with Long and Foster Real Estate, “which is why you’re not living here to be away from it all, but to be close to all the fun in Fredericksburg, and around Mary Washington University, with easy access to Interstate 95.” Locals can choose to spend weekends at the downtown farmers market or dinner-and-movie nights in upscale plazas. It’s also a quick trip up Lafayette Boulevard to the Virginia Railway Express Park and Ride lots for commuters heading to Alexandria, Crystal City and downtown D.C.

In this area hugging Lafayette Boulevard, which is just south of Downtown Fredericksburg, Deal adds, “Many think of their homes as being part of Downtown Fredericksburg.” Communities in the Lafayette area include Telegraph Hill, Kensington Hills, Summerfield, Twin Lakes and more, and architecture ranges from vintage single-levels, to swanky new town houses in Fredericksburg Park to designer custom homes in Twin Lakes. “Homes along Lafayette Boulevard to the north,” says Deal, “are 2022 builds, both single-family and town houses that are contemporary inside with Craftsman-style exteriors. Home pricing overall throughout the neighborhood averages between $400,000 and $600,000, depending on age.”

You’ll see a mix of town houses and detached homes, both in new developments with an open character, or on well-treed streets that feel established. Single-family homes range from three-bedroom cottages built in the ‘60s for under $400,000 to expansive 5,000-square-foot ranch styles fetching $675,000. Homes in Kensington Hills built in 2006 can be found for close to $550,000 and new Craftsman styles in Fredericksburg Park are priced around $580,000. Multi-gabled homes built in 2020 run about $600,000, and nicely maintained and updated homes in Twin Lakes can ask between $650,000 and $750,000. From homes to the north, you can bike to restaurants and pubs in downtown proper. “The homes around Twin Lakes,” adds Deal, “were built mostly in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the ones that back to the lake are considered premium. The lake is accessible to anyone, though, and locals do go there to fish or just relax.”

Within the Lafayette area, younger public-school students can attend Lafayette Upper Elementary. Students then move on to Walker-Grant Middle or Hugh Mercer Middle which earns a B grade from Niche. Older students head to James Monroe High which Niche also gives an overall B grade. James Monroe High offers a standout DECA program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, hospitality, management and finance. In 2023, JMHS DECA students won more than a dozen "Top 8 Overall" placements, out of 50+ students in each category, at the Virginia DECA Competitive Event.

For entertainment, residents choose among the many pubs and eateries downtown, take in a Fredericksburg Nationals baseball game nearby, or enjoy stunning ballet performances at James Monroe High, courtesy of the local Fredericksburg Ballet Centre. This neighborhood gem offers ballet classes and musical theater camps for all ages and abilities, as well as ballroom dancing for adults.

Just west on Route 3, you’ll find all your essentials at big-box retailers in Central Park Plaza. “You’ve also got several large movie theaters close by,” says Deal, “including Paragon that has a mini bowling alley and a full bar and restaurant inside.” Without leaving the community, residents in the Valley Run development can walk to Subway, and homes near the middle school are within a half-mile of the old-school Paul’s Bakery, known for delicious donuts, pastries and cakes since the early ‘70s.

“You’ll constantly find something going on year-round,” adds Deal, “and you can be at the baseball stadium, Expo Center or Central Park in 10 minutes. A lot of people call this a mini-Old Town Alexandria, because the community is very quaint and personable. People know each other, and there’s a real university-town vibe. It’s a nice little artsy, cultural area where it’s easy to get involved.”

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Caleb Jones

Video By

Tyler Newbold