One of the first towns to be incorporated within the boundaries of Fairfax County, Centreville fers the amenities of Northern Virginia with more affordable real estate options and a great setting to raise a family.
Founded in the late 18th century and once called Newgate Village, the town was located on a road that led west — a “gateway” to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Its strategic location on a ridge 400 feet above sea level made it an ideal spot for the Confederate Army to set up camp. It was on that undulating landscape a few miles south that Gen. Thomas Jackson received the nickname “Stonewall.”
Centreville remains well positioned today — in close proximity to shopping, good schools, recreation and weekend escape routes.
“You’re not totally dependent on [Interstate]-66,” said Centreville resident and real estate agent Mary Rivera. “You have Routes 29, 28 and 50 available as alternative options.”
There’s also plenty of history in the area.
One older neighborhood contains many historical homes. Built in 1785, the Mount Gilead historical site includes a modest dwelling with a sloped roof and front porch. The grounds once housed 40,000 Confederate soldiers as they prepared for battle.
“We’re just down the road from Bull Run,” Rivera said.
Aside from its significance as a Civil War battlefield, nearby Bull Run Park now boasts hiking, an abundance of wildflowers, a year-round swimming pool, skeet shooting and Frisbee golf.
Centreville offers a wide variety of housing to choose from including traditional center-hall colonials, town houses, condos and new construction.
Town homes are more abundant than single-family dwellings and can be found in developments such as Walney Mills, Faircrest and Englewood Mews. The Village at Mount Gilead reflects the new colonial style with houses close together, many with porches and rear garages.
With a population over 53,000, Centreville is surrounded by shopping options. Newgate Plaza, Centreville Square, Grand Market (International) and Pickwick Square offer well-known chains including Trader Joe’s. The Fair Oaks/Fair Lakes shopping area is close by, and Tysons Corner is within striking distance. Costco and Home Depot are minutes east.
There are also a number of very nice family-owned restaurants. Matsu Sushi, Ciro’s New York Pizza, and a local neighborhood Italian restaurant featuring live music called Pacino’s are just three of them. The Trinity Center also features a number of upscale dining options.
“It’s a very nice community,” Rivera said. “I’ve raised my children here.”
