It is said the ghost of founding father George Washington can be seen riding his horse around the grounds of his Mount Vernon home — but even those not privy to such paranormal visits can still feel the presence of the first president throughout the neighborhoods nearby.
The residents of the Mount Vernon District in Fairfax County are well aware of the historic nature of the area, and bylaws and policies are in place to ensure the enclave retains its Colonial atmosphere as much as possible, says Reaf Schmidt, chairman of the Community Improvement Committee of the Mount Vernon Manor Citizens’ Association.
Bylaws govern the appearance of homes, said Schmidt, including proposed changes in the appearance of their exteriors. Rules keeping the homes in line with the Colonial theme are warranted, said Schmidt, because some people “actually live on what was at one time [Washington’s] property.”
While Mount Vernon has undeniable appeal for history buffs, it is also a haven for commuters. It is close to historic Old Town Alexandria, Arlington and the District via a scenic drive along the Potomac River.
“Sometimes I’ll drive down George Washington Parkway at night, and it’s so peaceful you’d never think you’re living in a metroplex,” said Bruce Aboff, who has lived on Black Alder Drive for 10 years.
He said the easy commute, good schools and peaceful atmosphere were attractive enough to pull him in from Burke, Va., his first choice for a home. “Once the house was shown, I decided — this is where we will raise our family,” he said.
April 2010
Average sold price in the 22309 ZIP code: $245,348
Average list price in the 22309 ZIP code: $251,678
Average days on market for homes sold: 33
April 2009
Average sold price in the 22309 ZIP code: $206,672
Average list price in the 22309 ZIP code: $223,587
Average days on market for homes sold: 77
There also is access to shopping along the Route 1 corridor, the Mount Vernon recreational centers that offer swimming and exercise, and baseball fields for the kids, Aboff said.
Jennifer Dorn has also lived in Mount Vernon for five years, the last three years at her Chadwick Avenue home. “The schools were a big attraction,” she said, but she also found the lack of congestion appealing. “The whole reason we moved here is it’s out in the open and you have more space,” she said. Also, the area is “beautiful.”
Prices for Mount Vernon riverfront homes generally start at $2 million, but most average between $500,000 and $600,000, said Chris White, a Long & Foster agent. In addition, homes in the $500,000 to $600,000 price range “that are priced well and show well, will sell within 45 days,” he said. Most of the homes in that price range are ramblers and generally receive more than one offer. There are also a number of more modestly priced homes.
Serdar Cobanoglu has lived on Sonia Court in Mount Vernon for five years and said the outdoor activities keep him there.
“Recreational activities are very important for me,” he said, noting that Mount Vernon’s facilities support jogging, biking and hiking.
There are other things to do as well. For those who want to hear tales of ghostly encounters with the first president, the nearby Woodlawn Plantation, located on the other side of Richmond Highway, hosts Haunted History Tours around Halloween.
