Longview

Looking out at Dumfries Road, the unbounded view of the sky immediately brings light to the origins of Longview’s name. While in the neighborhood, the hustle and bustle of busy highways and Washington streets escapes your mind, its combination of suburban amenities and picturesque views a pleasant contrast to what might be expected of life in Northern Virginia.

With several planned communities in the area, like Bradly Square, it’s easy to find a community that fits your need in Longview. “it’s a mix of single-family with townhomes, and there’s appeal to both,” Shalawn Hildreth of eXp Realty explains. “Some people don’t care to have a large patch of grass, and security for some is important. It depends where someone is in their life, and it runs all price ranges.” Whether you want a property of your own to let the dog run freely or a place with less maintenance required, the neighborhood provides a sliding scale of options.

Less than 2 miles from the historic downtown of Manassas, Longview consists of town houses and single-family homes that line the streets and lead to countless cul de sacs. Most homes include an attached garage and feature colonial-style architecture. The average square footage for attached and detached homes exceeds 2,000 square feet, and the median home construction year hovers around 1999. Three-bedroom town houses range from $426,000 to $627,000, while similarly sized single-family homes cost between $425,000 and $620,000. For larger homes, the cost can vary depending on lot size and amenities, with the highest price points just above $980,000.

Ranked the 17th-best district in the state and boasting an A-minus rating from Niche, Prince William Schools offers a diverse academic experience. Students in Longview can begin at Bennett Elementary School, located within the neighborhood, before transitioning to Parkside Middle School. For high school, students attend Osbourn Park, ranked as the second-best high school of the district’s 13 options according to Niche. Osbourn Park includes unique program options that prepare students for future career paths like automotive, biotechnology and engineering and practical nursing.

After school, swing by Lee Manor Park. Less than 2 miles away, the tennis courts and surrounding parking lot are bordered by hickory trees and lush greenery. Alternatively, to walk through history, tour the Lucasville School. Open from 1885 to 1926, the one-room schoolhouse once provided public education opportunities to African-American children through sixth grade. Though the school has been reconstructed after its deterioration over the years, it still offers a glimpse of the area’s past. The schoolhouse hosts events throughout the year to bring together the community as well, like the tree lighting event in the winter and back-to-school event in the fall.

In your free time, enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Old Town Manassas. Order a gyro panini at Katerina’s Greek Cuisine, a top-rated restaurant known for its portion sizes. For dessert, walk a block away and swing by the window at Jitterbug’s Ice Cream Café to enjoy the evening glow of the town as you enjoy your cone during the summer months, or sit inside to embrace the 50s-style décor. With the Prince William County Fairgrounds right down the street from your house, you can also take advantage of events hosted throughout the year. Whether looking to ride the Ferris wheel or peruse the reptile expo, discover an activity that fits your interests.

When it’s time to run your weekly errands, venture a mile north and fill your cart at Giant Food, located right beside the Manassas City Library. If your pups need a trip to the groomer, drop them off at Poodle Doodle, housed within the same shopping center and just doors down from the Pawsitive Care Animal Hospital. For those with younger family members, find daycare centers throughout the neighborhood. Convenience to amenities and shops doesn’t stop in Manassas. Less than 40 miles from Washington, Longview bridges the gap between two worlds. “It has a small-town feel, but it’s still very close to the city,” Hildreth says. Whether venturing to Washington for work or to enjoy the Smithsonian museums, utilize Manassas station to enter the city by train or hop on the highway to park closer to your destination. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a relaxed feel but want to keep Washington well within reach, Longview might be the place.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Tyson Le

Video By

Dan Mack