Springtown

Once a sprawling rural town at the edges of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, Springtown is now the last stop on the Blue Line from Washington and home to one of the largest malls in Northern Virginia. “It’s a great little neighborhood that’s ideally located to the metro, Fort Belvoir, and right off 495, so people can get to Tysons and to DC,” says Brian Blackburn, an agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.

Located 13 miles from Washington, the suburban neighborhood is home to almost 10,000 people, nearly 10 times the population of its initial development just 75 years ago. Because of the area’s rapid growth, home styles in Springtown vary by subdivision and year of construction. “In Charleston Collection, there are 100 houses, and it’s a planned community,” Blackburn explains. “They’re Charleston-style homes. They placed the house sideways on the lot and created these little porches on the side.” While Charleston-style homes comprise one subdivision, many single-family homes built in the early 2000s feature colonial-style architecture with attached garages and concave awnings, whereas homes built in the late 1950s include rambler-style architecture and gable roofs. Closer to the metro station, find the occasional town house, many of which have brick exteriors and mansard roofs.

Just as architecture varies between subdivisions, so does the atmosphere. Blackburn explains that in the Charleston Collection, “it’s a super friendly neighborhood. Everybody’s waving. It’s just people that have raised their kids there and say great things about the little community. It has a homey feel with sidewalks where people walk their dogs and say hello.” On the other hand, in Springfield Estates, the proximity to nearby attractions like Monticello Woods Park, Lee Park, and Franconia Park takes precedence over interconnectedness. Of all the options throughout the neighborhood, town houses offer amenity-rich subdivisions and the lowest price point, ranging from $462,000 to $619,000. Single-family homes between 1,250 and 2,000 square feet cost between $500,000 and $783,000, while homes exceeding 2,000 square feet range from $610,000 to $985,000.

No matter which subdivision you choose, schools are close by. Because Springtown is part of Fairfax County, students attend the sixth-best school district in the state with an A rating from Niche. Many students begin at Forestdale Elementary and transition to Key Middle, a centrally located school within the neighborhood. From here, students join Lewis High School, which offers Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate diplomas. You can also find Lewis High Park beside the school, its picnic area, tennis courts and playgrounds conveniently located for running off some energy after school.

Just across the street from the high school and its accompanying park is Springfield Town Center, a central hub for the neighborhood. While the mall brings national retailers like Target and Macy’s to your back door, it also provides entertainment and dining options for adults and children. Challenge a friend to a game of air hockey at Dave & Buster’s or create the rainbow tower of your dreams at the Lego Discovery World Center. For dinner, order jambalaya and poke nachos from Yard House or twirl spaghetti at Maggiano’s Little Italy. That all said, although the town center includes a wide selection of shops, restaurants and entertainment, you probably won’t find all your daily essentials there. Instead, shop for groceries at the Aldi, less than a mile away. If you’re hoping to grow your own produce instead, plant your seeds at Grove Point Park’s community garden, which is walkable from home.

On Monday morning, travel into the capital easily with the metro. Climb aboard the train at the Franconia-Springfield station that flanks the neighborhood and reach L’Enfant Plaza in eight stops. “The neighborhood gives you a further north location than Kingstowne, still ideally located to a metro, but you’re even close to the 495 interchange, close to Springfield Mall, right off Franconia,” Blackburn explains. Though amenities close to home appeal to homebuyers, the ease of access to Washington proves one of the neighborhood’s most valued features. If you’re searching for a cozy home near everything you need, settle down in Springtown.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Anna Cheng

Video By

Becky Gaskill