Greenwich

As the sun sneaks above the horizon, dewy grass glistens against the silent streets and the soft buzz of hummingbirds creates a soundtrack of tranquility. In Greenwich, natural beauty awaits you around every bending street and narrow road.

One of the westernmost neighborhoods in Prince William, Greenwich offers a more rural way of life compared to many other communities in the county despite being just 40 miles from Washington. Homes in Greenwich often sit on multi-acre properties, though houses in subdivisions like Ellis Mill Estates include more recent builds with condensed lot sizes. According to Victoria Bali of V Star Real Estate, “It has a residential suburb kind of feel, even a little more rural.” Construction years date back anywhere from 1950 to 2022, so architecture varies. Find craftsman-style homes in Nokesville, raised ranch-style homes in Meets & Bounds and colonial-style homes in Ellis Mill Estates. Houses up to 2,000 square feet range from $425,000 to $622,000. Larger homes on multiple acres with square footage over 3,000 square feet can exceed $1,000,000.

Originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Manahoac, Greenwich became a frequently used path in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. In hopes of preserving the area’s United States history, the Prince William County Historical Commission and Civil War Trails provide educational signage throughout the neighborhood with descriptions of past events and well-known figures that trudged along paths through the community before it became a growing residential area.

Now home to only about 2,000 people, the neighborhood spreads across multiple school zones. Because of this, Bali recommends that you “check schools on GreatSchools for each zip code” to learn more about where you would attend. Some students in Greenwich begin at the Nokesville School for both elementary and middle school and transition to Brentsville District High School, while others start at Glenkirk Elementary before moving to Gainesville Middle and Gainesville High. Brentsville District High earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche, and the school hosts an array of after-school events for students, from scholastic bowls to powder puff football games. On the other hand, Gainesville High School opened in 2021, so the building features new amenities like a courtyard, amphitheater and extended learning area. The school earns an A+ for its diversity from Niche.

Throughout the neighborhood’s expansive borders, find top local attractions only a few miles from home. A popular destination is the Prince William Golf Course, a staple in the community for over 50 years and one of the longest-standing courses in the area. Because of its gentle terrain and open fairways, the course appeals to new players and those looking to play without needing a golf cart. The course also includes a clubhouse with a patio for relaxing after spending some hours on the course. Whether you’re a wine lover or a fan of live music, the Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm is another hotspot in the neighborhood. Walk in on a whim to try locally sourced wines or swing by on Friday nights to hear local musicians play.

Though there is entertainment close to home, the only store in the neighborhood is Mayhugh’s Grocery—an establishment that’s served the community since 1912. Maintained as a classic country store, Mayhugh’s sells basic groceries, bait for fishing and local newspapers. The Citgo station outside also makes the shop a valuable stop for taking care of the basics close to home. For more extensive shopping trips, reach the Shops at Stonewall in 5 miles and find fresh produce at Wegmans, discount clothes at Ross and craft supplies at Michaels. Within the same plaza, dine alongside farmhouse décor and order brisket with a locally crafted brew at The Bone.

Though Fauquier County flanks the neighborhood, Greenwich remains a commuter-friendly destination for those working in the capital. A car is recommended in the area, however, as there are no bus routes nearby. While you could drive 10 miles to the Broad Run Station to use the VRE, the on-ramp to Interstate 66 is less than 5 miles away and connects to Arlington and Washington. For a small-town feel close to the big city, kick back in the grass and gaze at the stars in Greenwich.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Joseph Furio

Video By

Victoria Sharpe