Stafford Real Estate

While Stafford , Virginia offers an abundance of new homes available for purchase, it's important to understand that the county contains a rich historical background that began even before the area was officially founded in 1664. For example, the longest dinosaur in Virginia was the Sauroposeidon, a species which lived here in Stafford County during prehistoric times. Long after the fall of the dinosaurs, Native Americans roamed the land now known as Stafford County, and many tribes made their homes in this region. Today, Stafford, Virginia real estate is highly sought after for its convenient location, natural beauty and profound history.

Stafford County has played an integral role throughout recorded history dating back as far as the mid-1600s. The long-loved tale of Pocahontas is familiar in the minds of children and adults alike, and it was here in Stafford County that Pocahontas was captured and taken to Jamestown . Additionally, young George Washington's family was drawn to relocate to Stafford County thanks to the region's thriving iron industry, and it was here in Stafford County that he chopped down the famous cherry tree. The beautifully distinct look of Aquia sandstone, used in the White House, the Capitol and private residences, was quarried by the boxcar loads in northern Stafford .

During the Colonial period, local industries in Stafford were significant suppliers to Great Britain . When the port of Falmouth was established on the Rappahannock River in 1728, this facilitated trade of Stafford's goods, ranging from tobacco harvested from local plantations to iron works, fisheries and flour mills. The long-established port of Falmouth is now a National Historic District, peppered with historic buildings and sites that continue to draw visitors and residents seeking insight into the area's rich past.

Because of its ideal location and extensive local industries, Stafford County was a logical choice for a staging ground during the Civil War. Stafford offered strategic access to Fredericksburg, Richmond and the Potomac Railroad, as well as Aquia Creek. More than 100,000 troops were stationed in Stafford for several years during this era, and a number of war hospitals were located here in Stafford, as well as a Union headquarters at Chatham . In fact, Chatham is known as the only private residence which both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln had visited. Additionally, Walt Whiteman and Clara Barton were included in Chatham's records of visiting nurses.

Post-war circumstances created a strain on Stafford's natural resources, and it wasn't until the twentieth century that the area experienced a strong recovery and resurgence. When the Marine Corps base of Quantico was established in Stafford in 1917, military presence returned to the area and remains strong today. Soon afterwards in 1922, the new Stafford courthouse was built and the county continued to thrive and experience slow but continuous growth when Interstate 95 was built in the 1960s.

Today, Stafford County is home to more than 121,000 residents and covers a total geographic area of 277 square miles. Stafford is real estate is popular for many of the same reasons it became a civil war headquarters: location. Just 40 miles south of Washington , D.C. , Stafford County, VA homes are ideal for residents who work in either the D.C. or Richmond areas. Convenient, affordable, reliable transportation is available via train or carpool as an alternative to driving, and a local regional airport provides easy access into and out of the county.

The strong military presence provides outstanding public services, including excellent schools, health care facilities and a fairly new regional airport. A number of Fortune 500 companies are also located within Stafford County , creating local opportunities for growth, commerce and employment. Stafford is committed to growing its local business base, and a number of employee training programs are provided through the Germanna Center for Business Studies, the Rappahannock Region Small Business Development Center, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and the UMW College of Graduate and Professional Studies, to name a few.

Preparation for “life after school” begins early in Stafford County. In fact, the Stafford Public Schools Career and Technology Programs target students as young as middle school with nearly 50 unique courses designed to prepare students for the workforce. High school students who choose not to attend college will be well-prepared to enter the workforce immediately following high school graduation.

Stafford, VA real estate provides families with the opportunity to send school-age children to excellent public schools in the area. Stafford County Public Schools consistently rank among Virginia 's best, with national accolades recognizing the district as among the top 16 percent in the U.S. Naturally, private schooling is also available throughout Stafford County, including Catholic and Christian schools. Higher education opportunities abound for owners of Stafford real estate, including the highly acclaimed University of Mary Washington, Germanna Community College and Northern Virginia Community College .

More than half of Stafford, Virginia property is still wooded, creating beautifully scenic real estate opportunities. Parks and open spaces are plentiful, making Stafford, VA real estate attractive to a wide range of home buyers. Plus, many Stafford, Virginia new homes are available near one of the area's local golf courses. The Augustine Golf Club is ranked among America 's top 100 courses, with extensive water play and a full-service clubhouse and bar. Gauntlet Golf Club at Curtis Park was created to surround the 57 acres of Lake Curtis, and the club features an excellent driving range and putting practice area. Cannon Ridge Golf Club is truly a stunning course, created by former PGA contender Deane Beman and course designer Bobby Weed. Mild year-round temperatures make golfing enjoyable in every season, and local golf courses remain open throughout the year.

Spring and fall bring average temperatures in the mid-70s, and summer temperatures are only about 10 degrees warmer, with average winter temperatures in the mid-50s. Stafford, VA real estate investors are drawn not only to the area's rising home values, but also to the dozens of parks, marinas, fishing lakes, athletic fields and golf courses. In colder months, Stafford residents enjoy indoor entertainment at the Hartwood Winery, the White Oak Civil War Museum , the Riverside Center Dinner Theater, the Cavalier Family Skating Center, Liberty Lanes bowling, and much more.

Besides its auspicious geographic location, real estate in Stafford, Virginia is popular for its access to year-round sports and outdoor activities. With the Potomac River on the east and the Rappahannock River to the south, Stafford proudly boasts a total of 51 miles of beautiful shoreline, creating an abundance of opportunities for aquatic recreation. Additionally, rivers, lakes and creeks throughout the county offer perfect environments in which to enjoy water sports during the warmer months. White water rafting, kayaking, boating, fishing and canoeing are popular throughout the summer when water temperatures are warmer.

Homes in Stafford vary in size, style and price, and the average household income in the area is just over $75,000. If you're ready to evaluate what real estate in Stafford , Virginia can offer you, contact the Stafford Office of Coldwell Banker. Whether you're in the market for a new home or an 18th century historic residence, our team of highly qualified professionals will assist you in finding the Stafford County, VA homes that suit your particular needs. Call the Coldwell Banker real estate professionals at 866-755-4610 today.

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