Beaver Creek

Wake up and gaze at the Occoquan through your bedroom window, the view “so calming and relaxing,” as Kim McClary of Long and Foster describes. “It’s actually awe-inspiring. It really, really is.”

Less than 35 miles from Washington, the neighborhood consists of single-family homes tucked within forested lots and town houses along tree-lined streets. With Occoquan Reservoir bordering the neighborhood to the north, Beaver Creek maintains a rural feel against the water’s edge and transitions to a quaint suburban community as you move south. Single-family homes feature colonial-, French- and contemporary-style architecture. Detached homes below 4,000 square feet range from $620,000 to $939,900, while larger waterfront properties cost up to $1,725,000. Town houses offer a lower price point, with three- and four-bedroom homes costing less than $605,000.

According to Niche, the Prince William County School District receives an A-minus rating and ranks as Virginia's No. 3 Most Diverse School District. Students in the neighborhood can begin at Westridge Elementary and continue to Benton Middle, which boasts an Enriched Science Program and a Battle of the Books club. For high school, students can attend Colgan, an A-rated school that ranks as the No. 2 Best High School for the Arts in Virginia per Niche. To participate in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, students must audition and select a path for their education.

Outdoor adventures surround Beaver Creek, along the waterway and away from its shorelines. As you look across the Occoquan, see the forested edges of Fountainhead, a Fairfax County regional park with 2,000 acres of recreational activities. Known best for its mountain biking trail and kayaking opportunities, the park brings outdoor adventure to your back door. For fresh views away from the waterfront, head 10 miles south to Prince William Forest Park and discover over 35 miles of trails, over 20 miles of bikeable roads and ample camping opportunities. If you prefer to golf, grab your clubs and head to Old Hickory Golf Club, located only steps from home. Accessible by both members and the public, Old Hickory offers scenic views alongside its 18-hole course.

For a relaxing evening, choose between adventures right in the neighborhood and walks through surrounding towns. Watch the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium Complex, only minutes from home. After the game, head to Armetta’s for dinner, an Italian restaurant known for its pizza and well-portioned pasta dishes. If you’re more in the mood for a burger and fries, dine at Ruby Tuesday, less than a mile from the baseball stadium. For moonlit strolls along historic streets, drive less than 15 miles to historic downtown Manassas or less than 25 miles to Old Town Alexandria. Both destinations include retailers and restaurants within 19th-century buildings.

On the weekend, run your errands at the Shops at County Center, less than 5 miles from the Occoquan shoreline and 1 mile from the stadium. Swing by Harris Teeter for groceries or hop on the elliptical at Planet Fitness. “It’s a local shopping area with every kind of amenity, but there’s nothing other than strip shopping centers, but quite a few right there as you turn back toward Lake Ridge,” says McClary. To branch out from the surrounding shopping centers, drive 5 miles to Potomac Mills and access over 200 retailers. Find stores like IKEA, Costco, HomeGoods and Bloomingdale’s throughout the expansive mall.

If you need to commute, Prince William Parkway connects you to surrounding counties and the interstate, making it easy to travel throughout Virginia and into the city. “Non-rush hour, it is about 25 minutes to Tysons. Rush hour, 40 to 45,” explains McClary. If you prefer to take the train toward Washington, reach the Woodbridge Virginia Railway Express in less than 8 miles. To keep Washington within reach and live in your own retreat, make your way to Beaver Creek.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Tyson Le

Video By

Joan Wall