Independent Hill

Cloaked in the deep woods of Prince William County, Independent Hill is a nature lover’s paradise. About 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., this serene neighborhood of Manassas is like a rural community planted in a forest that stretches for miles. Independent Hills is aptly named as locals feel a sense of independence while living among its woodsy rolling hills. “They don’t make communities like this anymore,” says Laura Conklin, Realtor with Pearson Smith Realty. “Everyone has a bit of land and privacy, whereas newer developments have houses all packed together.”

Residential streets weave through the natural beauty of mature trees that keep homes tucked away from the world. Various single-family houses from the 1970s through today are spread throughout the neighborhood. You’ll find Cape Cods, ranch-style and split-level homes from the late 1900s with half-to-two-acre yards ranging from $500,000 to $700,000. Other areas feature contemporary Craftsman-style homes, some from the early 2000s, and others that are brand new. These houses, which sell for around $800,000 to $900,000, can serve as a private oasis without another home in site, or you may find yourself in a more suburban-type community where you can see your neighbors but still have plenty of yard space.

“I know a lot of people who have moved there for the schools,” says Conklin. “They’re some of the best in the county.” Students are served by Prince William County Public Schools starting at Coles Elementary School, which has an A- grade from Niche. They go on to Louise Benton Middle School, rated a B+, before finishing their degrees at Charles J. Colgan High School. The highly-rated high school boasts an A grade and is ranked as Virginia’s 2nd-best high school for the arts and the 34th-best overall. The high school is renowned for its Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, which offers a rigorous program where students are accepted through auditions and portfolios.

Outside of school, kids and their families will flock to the sports fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park. Conklin says, “Every time I drive by, kids are out there playing soccer. There are always games and practices going on there.” Along with the three multi-use soccer fields and five ball fields used by local leagues, the park houses several pickleball, tennis and basketball courts for the community to enjoy. And when they’re not playing sports, kids can have fun on the playground as well. For a deeper connection with nature, Conklin says locals will head to Dove’s Landing Park about 6 miles north. The 235-acre park features three miles of trails with picnic areas and a one-mile scenic stretch along the Occoquan River.

Locals can head to Woodbine Shopping Center on Dumfries Road, the neighborhood’s one main thoroughfare, for everyday shopping needs. It features a Food Lion and Ace Hardware for groceries and other household products. It’s home to some local businesses like hair dressers and dry cleaners along with some national chain restaurants like Subway and Domino’s. There’s also a small shopping plaza across the street with a 7-Eleven and a few local businesses like Tony’s Pizza, a popular mom-and-pop joint for pizza and other Italian-American eats. For more shopping and dining needs, you can drive 10 miles east to Woodbridge, which has lots of restaurants and big box retailers. It’s also home to Potomac Mills, a large mall with more than 200 stores.

Commuters can easily access Interstate 95 about eight miles away, which will take you another 32 miles north to D.C. And when you get off work in the city, you can retreat to your home in the quiet woods of Independent Hill.