Lake Ridge

Westridge is a master-planned community packed with amenities, just a few miles away from Woodbridge. “Westridge is a wonderful neighborhood,” says Laura Grande, a Realtor for Samson Properties as well as a ten-year Westridge resident. “They have a very close-knit community where you actually know your neighbors.”<br><br>Westridge’s housing inventory includes condos, townhouses and single-family homes in styles like Colonial Revivals and split-levels, situated on winding suburban streets with well-maintained lawns and plenty of cul-de-sacs. Though the entire neighborhood is known as Westridge, there are thirteen subdivisions within that, which residents often move around between as their needs change. A budget in the mid-$300,000s will get you into a three-bedroom townhouse; single-family homes run the gamut from around $600,000 to nearly $1 million, depending on square footage and lot size. <br><br>Kids in Westridge attend Prince William County Public Schools, like Westridge Elementary School, rated B-plus by Niche, Woodbridge Middle School, rated B, and Woodbridge High School, rated A-minus. Westridge Elementary is located in the center of the neighborhood, convenient for pickups and drop-offs. Woodbridge High offers a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program that helps prepare students for leadership roles and instills values like citizenship, responsibility and self-discipline.<br><br>Even though the neighborhood is entirely residential, according to Grande, “There’s a lot to do here, even within walking distance.” You might attend a neighborhood event; the HOA maintains an active calendar of activities, including Food Truck Fridays. Of course, Westridge has recreation built into its DNA. A day outdoors in this community might be playing a game of tennis on one of the two courts or a Waves swim team practice at one of the three pools. At dusk, watch the sunset over the pond on one of the walking paths, which wind for six miles around the neighborhood. Or, wake up early and cast a line in the pond. Residents can also hop over to Lake Ridge, the neighboring community, and take advantage of the 74-acre Lake Ridge Park. In addition to a playground and walking trails, visitors can rent a boat or launch their own at the marina. Chinn Park Regional Library is also just minutes by car from the neighborhood’s entrance for those days when the weather isn’t cooperating.<br><br>Conveniences are close at hand; in fact, three grocery stores are within a mile of the neighborhood’s entrance. The closest shopping center is anchored by Safeway, and you’ll find a couple of fitness studios and plenty of places to grab a bite, whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian or American. Just 5 miles away is a huge cluster of shopping centers that include Potomac Mills, which people come from all over Virginia to visit. Here, you can shop the deals at the outlet stores, then head to IKEA for furnishings for your new home and Costco to stock up on household supplies; catch a movie at AMC Potomac Mills 18 to round out the day. <br><br>Other need-to-know services for potential homebuyers: Just a few minutes past Potomac Mills is Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Westridge’s nearest hospital. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport are both about 30 miles away.

Located 21 miles from Alexandria and 26 miles from DC, Agnewville is a suburb right in the middle of Northern Virginia with easy access to parks, shopping and recreation. Although it’s further from the city than many NoVA suburbs, with the distance comes larger lot sizes. “This is a small community that is convenient to everything,” says Laura Lamb, a real estate broker in Northern Virginia. “It has beautiful landscaping and well-maintained streets.”<br><br>With winding avenues and cul-de-sacs branching off the main roads, Agnewville’s design makes it easy for neighbors to get to know each other. The level sidewalks encourage afternoon strolls, and children ride their bikes along the quiet streets. Houses in this area range from ranch-style to split-levels, with the majority built in the mid-1960s and priced between $350,000 and $700,000. “Lots of the homes have been updated, and the area is continuously growing, with newer homes toward Old Bridge Road being built,” says Lamb.<br><br>Students living in this area attend schools in the Prince William County Public School District, rated A- by Niche. “Parents want to send their children to schools in this well-regarded district,” says Lamb. “It’s a big selling point for the area.” Students may attend Old Bridge Elementary School, Lake Ridge Middle School and Woodbridge High School, which has a student-ratio of 17 to 1. On weekends, locals attend WHS football games—make sure to wear green and gold to cheer on the WHS Vikings!<br><br>It’s easy to get all your groceries in one trip here—the nearby Potomac Mills Mall has a Costco, Target, Walmart, IKEA and more available. There’s also plenty of dining at the mall, including B. Franklin’s American Tavern, Chuy’s Tex Mex, Fuddruckers and Carraba’s Italian Grill. For fine dining, try Bistro L’Hermitage, a French restaurant serving traditional French cuisine in a refined setting. Be sure to make a reservation and try their crème brulee! <br><br>There’s never a shortage of things to do in Agnewville. “It’s a very family-friendly and family-oriented community,” says Lamb. The Kid’s Choice Sport & Fun Center, an amusement center with a pool, laser tag, indoor playground, bounce room and private event spaces, is perfect for throwing birthday parties. When the weather is nice, head to the Harbor Drive Wellness Park for outdoor fun or bring the pup to the K-9 Gunner Memorial Dog Park. This dog park is well-equipped with sturdy fencing, water stations and a full agility course. There’s also Lancaster Park, Hammill Mill Park and Rollingwood Village Park nearby. Plus, just to the north of Agnewville is Fountainhead Regional Park, a 2,000-acre reserve on the Occoquan Reservoir that hosts golfing, canoeing, fishing and more. No need to buy a boat—they offer boat rentals at multiple points throughout the park. “There’s even a marina off of Old Bridge Road, perfect for a Saturday on the water,” says Lamb. <br><br>And for even more activities, it’s an easy trip to Alexandria, Arlington and DC. “This is a very popular commuter location, with lots of commuter options, including commuter lots and buses to the metro,” says Lamb. “Plus, it’s the perfect location for taking a day trip into DC.”