Union Mill is a suburban enclave offering space and serenity near D.C.
Union Mill is a sprawling suburb in southwestern Fairfax County, a part of the region where development gives way to open space and quiet streets. “It’s an ideal, tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Metro D.C.,” says Traci Johnson, a Realtor with Compass who has more than six years of experience selling homes in the DMV area. Traditional homes and tree-lined lots offer residents plenty of room to breathe, making it easy to forget they’re just 30 miles from Washington. “What I love about this particular area is its proximity to everything. It’s like your own little slice of heaven right outside the big city,” Johnson adds. The community's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Quiet living with wooded lots, stately homes and scenic surroundings
Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes are common, set on wooded lots ranging from half an acre to over 10 acres. Custom-built properties featuring Georgian and French Country design elements are also available. Some of these larger properties make full use of their expansive lots, incorporating outdoor features like in-ground pools, equestrian facilities and spacious decks with scenic views. Subdivisions north of Braddock Road tend to have a more suburban feel, with Colonial Revival and New Traditional homes on quarter- or half-acre lots. "You're not right on top of each other. You feel like, although you are a community, you're at least separate enough," Johnson says. Prices typically range from $880,000 for smaller homes with less land to $1.8 million for larger houses with significant acreage. Newer construction is generally more expensive, fetching upwards of $3.6 million. Certain communities may require residents to pay HOA fees.
A-range ratings in the Fairfax County Public Schools district
While all residents live in the Fairfax County Public Schools district, student pathways may vary depending on their address. One possible pathway is for kids to attend Union Mill Elementary School before moving on to Liberty Middle School and Centreville High School. The elementary and middle schools both earn an A-minus from Niche, and the high school scores an A. Centreville High School boasts an award-winning theatre program, known as Theatre Centreville, that consistently wins Cappie Awards for its productions.
Outdoor fun includes golf courses and hiking trails along Bull Run
Union Mill is a destination for golf enthusiasts. The Twin Lakes Golf Course features two public 18-hole courses that surround a pair of lakes, providing variety and picturesque views for players. It also has a clubhouse, driving range and putting green. At the Virginia Golf Center, residents can access a 9-hole course where the Raspberry Golf Academy offers private lessons. Next to these golf courses is Braddock Park, which has a lighted softball complex and a soccer pitch used by local sports leagues. Johnson adds that subdivisions like Hampton Forest have their own recreational amenities. "They've got something for everyone. There are outdoor spaces, walking trails and sidewalks, which people take for granted these days," she says.
Green spaces surround Bull Run, a tributary of the Occoquan River about 3 miles west of Union Mill. Hemlock Overlook Regional Park is a popular hiking spot, featuring a network of wooded trails that connect with the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, which spans nearly 20 miles and is the longest natural surface trail in Northern Virginia. It leads south to the Bull Run Marina, where locals can enjoy boating and fishing.
Shopping centers in the area range from local plazas to major malls
Nearby shopping centers provide access to everyday essentials. The Colonnade at Union Mill is less than 5 miles away and features Giant, a handful of hair and nail salons and two banks. It also has fast-casual chains like Outback Steakhouse and local favorites such as Rosemary’s Thyme Bistro, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. There are more small businesses in historic downtown Clifton, just west of Union Mill. Standouts include Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot, and hundreds of people gather downtown each fall for the annual Clifton Day Festival. Residents are about 4 miles from Paradise Springs Winery, Fairfax County's first vineyard.
For more shopping and dining, Fair Oaks Mall is about 10 miles from Union Mill and has nearly 160 retailers. Residents are also within 20 miles of Tysons Corner Center, the biggest mall in the Baltimore-Washington area. It has department stores such as Nordstrom, chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and an AMC Theatre.
Commuters rely on I-66 and express lanes into Washington
Union Mill is a car-dependent area near Interstate 66. The interstate provides a direct route to Washington, about 30 miles away. Those looking for quicker commutes can hop on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, a dynamically tolled express lane system paralleling I-66 into the city. Although Union Mill doesn’t have its own bus stops, residents are about 6 miles from the Centreville United Methodist Church Park and Ride, where they can catch a Fairfax Connector bus to the Herndon Metro. Washington Dulles International Airport is less than 20 miles away, and the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center is about 10 miles from Union Mill.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
