Former vacation destination turned residential suburb near Fredericksburg
One of Virginia’s largest planned communities, Lake of the Woods, commonly referred to as LOW, is a 2,600-acre gated suburb that’s wrapped around Main Lake. Originally developed in 1967 as a vacation destination, most people in this community near Fredericksburg are now permanent residents. LOW draws people seeking quick access to outdoor recreation and major thoroughfares. “It's a very convenient location right by Route 3, which connects to I-95,” says Leslie Mytrysak, associate broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who’s been selling homes in the area for over a decade.The community is almost entirely made up of homes, meaning residents must travel out of the area for work. Fredericksburg, 15 miles east, has major employers in health care, education and government. Commuters can also travel to Northern Virginia, Richmond and Washington D.C. for work.
Lake of the Woods is mostly a residential community with many homes featuring private docks.
Lake of the Woods is a serene community with grand views.
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Homes along winding roads, with waterfront views
Homebuyers can find ranch-style homes from the late-1900s, colonials from the early 2000s and contemporary styles that are still being built as of 2025. Many homes sit along winding roads, others are in cul-de-sacs and some boast waterfront views. Most houses have driveways and garages, and those along the lakes often feature private boat docks. As of February 2025, HOA fees for LOW total over $250 a month. Single-family homes tend to stay on the market for just over a month and usually sell for a median price of $430,000, which is higher than state and national medians.
Ranch homes are a popular option for residents of Lake of the Woods.
Large colonial revival homes can be found throughout Lake of the Woods.
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Picnics in the park, on-site LOW golf club
Locals have access to five parks spread throughout LOW that feature playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas and two community pools. The neighborhood’s two lakes are often used for swimming, boating and fishing. There’s a marina in both the north and south end for easy access to Main Lake. The Community Center has indoor sports facilities and a stage that hosts theater productions. Lake of The Woods Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with an on-site pro shop. There’s also an equestrian center along Lakeview Parkway.
People of all ages can enjoy the Lake of the Woods Community Center.
Tee off at Lake of the Woods Golf Club, located east of Main Lake.
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Commuting on Route 3, I-95
With its out-of-the-way location, lack of sidewalks and no public transportation, LOW is car dependent. Commuters can take state Route 3, which runs just to the north, to connect to Fredericksburg. From there, Interstate 95 runs 50 miles north to Washington D.C. and 50 miles south to Richmond. Mary Washington Healthcare is the closest hospital, located 20 miles north. The closest airport, Dulles International, is 50 miles north.
Orange County Public Schools earns a B-minus
Students can attend Orange County Public Schools, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Around 5,000 students attend six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Germanna Community College is less than 5 miles north.
Locust Grove Middle School faithfully serves the community of Lake of the Woods.
Younger students in Lake of the Woods can attend Locust Grove Primary School.
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Shopping and dining along Route 3
Most shopping and dining is along Route 3, including a Walmart, a Food Lion and chain eateries. Popular local dining spots nearby include ClearWater Fire-Grill, Tokyo Restaurant and 2 Brothers Italian Grill. “You’re also just a short drive from Fredericksburg, which has a ton of shopping,” adds Mytrysak.
When hunger strikes, head over to Clear Water Fire Grill in Lake of the Woods.
Lake of the Woods can get their groceries at Food Lion along route 3.
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Holiday events in LOW
The community holds an Independence Day Celebration with a parade, local vendor booths, live entertainment and fireworks. And in December, locals compete in their annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Caleb Jones
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Horton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lake Of The Woods, VA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Of The Woods, VA over the last 12 months is $444,990, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**CHARMING RETREAT OVERLOOKING PRISTINE 13TH GREEN**THIS SPACIOUS RAMBLER WITH SLPIT BEDROOM FLOORPLAN OFFERS: FORMAL DINING ROOM, KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AND HARDWOOD FLOORS ADJOING LARGE BREAKFAST NOOK. LIVINGROOM BOASTS CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, COZY GAS FIREPLACE AND HARDWOOD FLOORS LEADING TO A 24X12 THREE SEASON ROOM WITH CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS. PRIMARY BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE ADORNED
***ONE LEVEL LIVING AT IT'S BEST***THIS SPACIOUS RAMBLER BOASTS THREE BEDROOMS AND TWO FULL BATHS. LARGE FOYER LEADING TO LIVING ROOM WITH COZY GAS FIREPLACE AND FORMAL DINING ROOM. KITCHEN OFFERS LOTS OF COUNTER SPACE INCLUDING BUILT IN DESK AND STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES ADJOING A LARGE BREAKSFAST NOOK. PRIMARY BEDROOM HAS WALK-IN CLOSET AND PRIVATE BATH WITH SEPERATE VANITIES, SOAKING TUB
If a lakeside vacation house 90 minutes from Richmond or Washington DC with an authentic 70’s A-frame vibe in an active community with plentiful amenities is what you’re seeking - look no further! Solid Cedar (naturally rot and pest resistant!) exterior wall construction with cedar-paneled partition walls, a south-east-facing wall of glass facing the lake, spiral staircases up to the
Coming soon! The one you've been waiting for!Welcome home to this beautifully maintained residence, perfectly situated on a private corner lot in the desirable Lake of the Woods community. Mature landscaping and wooded surroundings create a peaceful retreat, while the inviting covered front porch is ideal for relaxing evenings.Inside, the main floor offers a spacious primary suite and two
**CHARMING RETREAT OVERLOOKING PRISTINE 13TH GREEN**THIS SPACIOUS RAMBLER WITH SLPIT BEDROOM FLOORPLAN OFFERS: FORMAL DINING ROOM, KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AND HARDWOOD FLOORS ADJOING LARGE BREAKFAST NOOK. LIVINGROOM BOASTS CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, COZY GAS FIREPLACE AND HARDWOOD FLOORS LEADING TO A 24X12 THREE SEASON ROOM WITH CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS. PRIMARY BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE ADORNED
Beautiful, well-maintained home with a front porch that overlooks a stunning zoysia grass lawn. Attached garage and large circular driveway repaved in 2023. Upgrades include a SMART ELECTRICAL PANEL BOX AND A WHOLE-HOUSE GENERAC GENERATOR. The HVAC system was replaced in 2020. In 2017, the garage door was replaced. The exterior of the house was painted, and flashing was replaced in 2023.
Welcome to your dream home nestled in a serene neighborhood, offering the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. As you step inside, you are greeted by a vaulted ceiling which adds grandeur and spaciousness, complementing the open layout that feels expansive and inviting. The home is fitted with amenities designed to cater to your modern lifestyle, including a refrigerator, stove/oven,
Charming 4-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom One-Level Home in a Resort-Style CommunityStep into comfort and style with this beautifully updated 4- bedrooms, 2-bathroom gem, ideally situated just moments from the gate entrance for effortless access. Designed with convenience in mind, this single-level home offers spacious living areas perfect for relaxing and entertaining. (Not far from the new Kalahari Resort
Welcome to your new home in the desirable gated community of Lake of the Woods. This beautiful property offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, starting with a charming front porch—perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding in the evening. Inside, you'll find a spacious living room and an open concept floor plan that allows for seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen
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