Community Highlight: What We Love About Stafford County

We're lucky. Our area is full of multiple suburban areas, cute country towns, eclectic city life, and more– there's something to appease everyone's lifestyle. But, being in the DMV has its negatives, typically including cost-of-living and commute times. One area, in particular, has been trending up, with numerous clients finding a home they love there in recent months. This trend also affected our latest business decision: to open an office in Stafford. 

"Our growth as a team is trending South," Nicole Canole explained. "As affordability remains a problem nationally and locally, we have been doing more and more business in Stafford and Fredericksburg." You can check us out at 25 Clement Drive, STE 102, Stafford, VA 22556. In addition, several agents on the team call Stafford home as well, so "giving our team a satellite office in our Keller Williams Market Center is beneficial for everyone." 

So, what did we and so many others see in Stafford? Read more to find out. 

Let's Talk Location

First, you might immediately write off Stafford County because you work in D.C., Alexandria, or Arlington– and we wouldn't necessarily blame you. But there are options. Many choose to slug into the Pentagon, others take the VRE, and more carpool using the HOV/EZ-Pass Flex option. Furthermore, since the pandemic, most large employers have been more open to remote work, and others have been on that trend since before COVID. It makes the commute much more reasonable if you only have to be in the office once or twice a week or even a pay period. 

And access is still there. Stafford is just 40 miles South of the nation's capital, and heading into the city for a ball game or concert is far from out of the question. 

A Rural Feel With Natural Beauty

There are also plenty of pockets of farmland throughout the county, especially as you head West and farther South. And where there are farms, there are local farmer's markets. Stafford County also boasts picturesque landscapes and offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Boating, fishing, hiking, and camping are all widely available as the county is situated along the banks of the Rappahannock River. Several parks feature walking and hiking trails or other activities within the county's borders, including Widewater State Park. 

Places like Braehead Farm, a family-owned working farm where locals can pick their own produce, see animals close up at a petting zoo, and partake in seasonal activities, like hayrides and egg hunts, also exist in Stafford, providing fun on the weekends for many activity-seekers.

More Space, More Affordable

One of the biggest draws for our clients to Stafford is the affordability factor. With the high cost of living in the area, many clients choose to land in places like Stafford, where you simply get more for your money. That 2-bedroom apartment in Arlington was fantastic for your before kids' life, but now you have the 2.3 children and need the picket fence to give the dog room to roam. That's precisely why many people move outside the Capital Beltway. There are many options, from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments; you can find the size and space that fits your family or your situation best.

Plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and local conveniences also exist in the suburbs. Stafford County has a robust infrastructure with convenient access to essential amenities and services. The area features shopping centers, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, libraries, recreational facilities, and various dining options. People can find everything they need within a reasonable distance, enhancing the overall convenience of living in the county. And we have yet to study it, but we can guarantee fewer fights between siblings when they're not forced to share a room or live on top of each other. 

Quality Education & Safe, Family-Friendly Feel

Speaking of kids, we know finding great schools is a top priority for clients– even those without kids because of the resale value. Stafford County currently ranks in Virginia's top 20 school districts (niche.com). While rankings are not everything, reputations matter. The county's public schools consistently perform well academically and offer various extracurricular activities, advanced placement (AP) programs, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Placing a high value on education, Stafford invests in quality learning environments for its students. 

Many people are drawn to community-oriented neighborhoods and programs, community centers, recreational programs, libraries, and relatively low crime. 

A Historical Place to Live 

Additionally, Stafford is an excellent place to live if you're a history buff, particularly if you're into the Civil War. Fredericksburg is located within Stafford County and has a rich history. From battlefields to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, plantation houses to Mary Washington's House, there are tons of historical gems and tours to embark upon in Stafford County. 

If history isn't your jam, but you love craft beer, art, and wine, many places to adventure on the weekend may pique your interest. We'll list some options below and let you decide: 

• Adventure Brewing Company: http://adventurebrewing.com/

• Braehead Farm: http://www.braeheadfarm.com/

• Central Rappahannock Regional Library: https://www.librarypoint.org/

• Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont: https://www.garimelchers.umw.edu/

• Potomac Point Winery: https://www.potomacpointwinery.com/

• Stafford County Farmer's Market: https://www.gostaffordva.com/farmers-market

• Stafford County Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities: https://staffordparks.com

• Widewater State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/widewater 

For all of the above reasons and more, Stafford County is becoming an increasingly popular place for some of our clients to settle down and live. If we can assist in procuring your next home in Stafford County, VA, give us a call!