King George offers nature, history and a small-town feel
Wedged between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers in eastern Virginia, the historic town of King George takes after its name as the “home between the rivers,” offering a bucolic stretch of natural beauty in the state’s Northern Neck region. “King George is the gateway to the Northern Neck,” says Realtor Jon Snow of EXIT Realty Expertise. “Overall, it’s still a small county with an outdoor lifestyle and rural community. If you blink while driving through, you’ll miss it.” Named after King George I of Great Britain, the town was established in 1720 after splitting from Richmond County to the south. The town and county have helped shape Virginia’s history from churches and plantations built in the late 1700s to being the birthplace of President James Madison. Today, the rural community prides itself on its location in eastern Virginia, its close-knit community and its access to bounteous outdoor and water recreation. Snow says employers like the Dahlgren Naval base, along with lower taxes and larger lots, continue to draw residents to the region. Additionally, proximity to Fredericksburg and Richmond keep residents connected to urban environments. “It has a smaller community feel while still having access to places like northern Virginia, D.C. and Richmond,” Snow says.
Most homes were built after 2000 as the area expanded
While King George dates to the 1700s, most homes and subdivisions were built in the 21st century. “The community has grown tremendously in the past decade,” Snow says. “There have been several high-density subdivisions built up in the last 20 years, but development has slowed down now. On the other hand, a lot of people are attracted to King George because they don’t want to be in a subdivision.” Homes range from ranch-style and colonial to newer Neo-Traditional and Colonial Revival styles. Prices typically range between $200,000 and $870,000, with land from $10,000 to $800,000.
B-plus-rated school district serves King George
King George County Public Schools serve kids in the town. The district receives a B-plus overall score from Niche. Students may start at B-minus-rated King George Elementary School for prekindergarten through fifth grade before advancing to King George Middle School. King George High School serves close to 1,500 students. Home of the Foxes, the high school offers a strong athletic program with sports like soccer and football, alongside AP courses and a gifted and talented program. The middle and high schools earn a B-plus Niche grade.
River access and boat ramps support an active outdoor scene
King George’s proximity to several bodies of water provides plenty of opportunities for residents to partake in water recreation. “Boating is big here, and things like crabbing, fishing, kayaking and all the water sports go hand in hand,” Snow says. “It’s wonderful because we have plenty of spots to enjoy those activities.” Boat ramps scattered to the south offer river access to the Rappahannock, while Caledon State Park and Colonial Beach are destinations along the Potomac River. Both rivers support fishing, swimming and boating. Stretching over 2,500 acres, Caledon State Park brims with trails such as the Heritage Railroad Trail for hiking and biking and is also known for its bald eagle and wildlife viewing opportunities. Lake Monroe is close to the town center in King George, popular for its sandy swimming beach. Kayakers and other paddle boaters take to the lake’s waters, while the Presidential Lakes Pavilion is a shady spot for fishing.
Small town center with local dining and basic shopping options
King George’s small town center perches along Route 3, anchored by a post office and a handful of administrative offices and establishments. Eateries in town include Vinny’s Italina Grill & Pizzeria and Uncle Dave’s Jr. Burgers & Ice Cream, serving American diner favorites. Food Lion in town provides groceries, while bargain stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General fulfill other essentials. Additional restaurants and stores, including big-box retailers and familiar brands at the Spotsylvania Towne Center Mall, are found in Fredericksburg. Wineries and breweries such as Creekside Farm Brewery offer additional attractions for locals.
Family fun at King George's Fall Festival
The King George Fall Festival is one of the most popular events in the county. “To really get a feel for the community, new residents should go to the Fall Festival,” Snow says. “It’s the biggest local event and it’s a big deal. You can really get a taste of the local businesses and people in King George.” The day-long fest started in 1959 and comprises a parade, car show, vendor fair and outdoor activities for kids.
Highway access links King George to Richmond and D.C.
Residents rely on cars for transportation. Route 3 is King George’s main route, connecting to Highway 301 and Interstate 95. Fredericksburg is about 18 miles west via Route 3. Here, residents link to Interstate 95 or U.S. Route 1, which runs parallel to the interstate and offers an alternate route south to Richmond or north to D.C. Richmond is around 62 miles south of King George, while the Richmond International Airport is approximately 68 miles away.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
