George Mason

You may know George Mason for the university that shares its name, but beyond the campus grounds, you’ll find manicured suburban communities full of single-family homes amongst some of the best public schools in the country. All of this, just a 20-mile drive from Washington, D.C., makes it a popular place for commuters to find a home.

George Mason is home to many suburban communities with midsize to large single-family homes. “It is a very competitive market,” says local realtor, Cathy Beckett. “I hosted an open house on a Wednesday evening and had over 30 groups show up.” This competitive market is reflected in the prices. You can find a 3-bedroom split-level built in the 1990s for $830,000. You can also find a 3-bedroom ranch-style home with a spacious backyard or a grand Colonial Revival for over $1.1 million. This price does come with value. Many neighborhoods, like George Mason Forest, have diligent HOAs that maintain walkways and community spaces like pools and tennis courts. This community-centered suburban vibe is hard to find within this proximity to DC. “George Mason Forest is a very involved community. There are lots of community events, which makes the neighborhood like one big family,” says Beckett. Most communities in the area have sidewalks lining the neighborhood streets, so you can easily step outside and say hi to your neighbors on a morning walk, or head down to the community pool without ever getting in your car.

Along with the location, many residents would tell you they came to George Mason for the schools. The Fairfax County Public Schools District received an A grade and the NO. 6 best school district in Virginia ranking from Niche. Students enter the K-12 pipeline at Oak View Elementary, then move on to Frost Middle School. Both schools receive an A grade from Niche. Students finish their K-12 education at the highly acclaimed Woodson High School. “All the schools in the area are great, but Woodson High School is particularly sought after,” says Beckett. Like many in the district, Woodson is graded an overall A by Niche. Their STEM program is ranked in the top 25 in Virginia, and it is ranked the NO. 9 best high school in Virginia for college preparation, according to Niche.

When speaking of schools in the area, you cannot leave out George Mason University, which sits in the center of the neighborhood. The surrounding retail and campus events provide a lot of entertainment for locals. You can see musical performances and plays at the Angel Cabrera Performing Arts Center. During college basketball season, cheer on the Patriots at Eagle Bank Arena. You can find lots of retail shops and restaurants at University Mall. Here you can find favorites like Taco Bamba Taqueria, a casual spot opened by celebrity chef, Victor Albisu, serving modern Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a cozy spot to grab a Cappuccino, grab a seat at Gathering Grounds. This coffee shop even has wine and cheese boards, so you can continue the relaxing vibes into the evening.

If you need some time in the outdoors, you don’t have to go far. Providence Park has many activity spaces with enough tree canopy to provide some shade on sunny days. Here you will find something for all ages like soccer fields, tennis courts, trails and playgrounds. For a more immersive outdoor experience, Fairfax Villa Park is only a few miles away. This heavily wooded outdoor space has maintained off-road trails for hiking and biking through the wildlife. Having these parks right in your backyard, so close to D.C., is why many locals will tell you getting a house in George Mason is worth the competition.