Manassas City Homes for Sale

Manassas City is one of the Commonwealth of Virginia's independent cities. It borders the independent city of Manassas Park and Prince William County. It has a rich historical past and has grown into a place that is perfect for households and young professionals who are looking to live a bit further from city life. Many of the houses for sale in Manassas are in well-established, quiet neighborhoods with a real sense of community. Homes for sale in Manassas are also surrounded by many wooded areas and nature trails, including 18 parks for recreational activities. Located only 30 miles from the nation's capital and close to many main roadways, the Manassas real estate market has become a sought-after area.

Manassas History

Manassas saw the first major land battle of the Civil War in July 1861, also referred to as the First Battle of Bull Run. The Second Battle of Bull Run was fought here in August 1862. During this time, Manassas was no more than a railroad crossing called Manassas Junction. However, it was a very strategic point with tracks leading into Washington D.C, Richmond, Shenandoah Valley, and through Virginia. Both of the battles that took place in Manassas were won by the Confederate Army, but the junction stayed in the hands of the Union for much of the Civil War.

The crossroads known as Manassas Junction began to grow after the Civil War into a town that was incorporated in 1873. In 1874, it became the designated seat of Prince William County, and in 1975, it was recognized as an independent city. It has several areas that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as Cannon Branch Fort, the Manassas Historic District, Liberia House Park, and the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth.

Living In Manassas

Residents of Manassas homes enjoy living in an area with a dense suburban feel that offers amenities such as parks, coffeeshops, shopping, and restaurants. It has been ranked number 17 of 165 of the most diverse suburban areas in Virginia, ranked number 23 of 581 of the most diverse areas to live in all of Virginia, and ranked 75 of 165 of the best suburban areas for young professionals to live in. Manassas has a Livability Rating of 79. It is considered very walkable, but you may need a car if you commute.

Manassas Historic District

The historic district, also known as Old Town Manassas, features 206 historical buildings and sites. Residential real estate in Old Town Manassas consists of a mix of popular late 19th-century and early 20th-century architecture. Styles range and include Queen Anne, Second Empire, Italianate, American Foursquare, and Craftsman homes. More recently, Old Town has become home to a number of condominium and apartment complexes within the Manassas real estate market.

Some of the more notable buildings in Old Town include Manassas Presbyterian Church, built in 1875; the Sillington, which dates to the 1870s; the Hazen Building, which was built in 1896 as the National Bank of Manassas; and the Norfolk-Southern Railway station that was built in 1914. Anywhere you look, you can see the area's rich heritage. You can also take a historical tour of National Battlefield Park, as well as enjoy a number of wildlife and ecological sites suited for all ages.

Those who choose Manassas real estate also love the mixed variety of restaurants and cafes. If you're a foodie, you can enjoy many fine dining and casual eateries, such as Carmello's of Old Town Manassas, which serves its award-winning Portuguese dishes, and Okra's Louisiana Bistro, which offers a casual setting and New Orleans dishes.

Getting Around Manassas 

As mentioned earlier, Manassas is considered to be a very walkable place, with many nearby shops, restaurants, and public transportation options. That said, those who purchase Manassas real estate may still want a car to run some of your errands and to commute. There are five nearby bus routes, including the 60 and 96, plus the Manassas Line train and Omnibus. Manassas City is close to the Prince William Parkway and Route 28, which connects with I-66 and Route 50. It is about 30 miles from Washington D.C.

The old railways that played such an important role during the Civil War now serve the city for commuters that need to travel from their Manassas homes to D.C via the Virginia Railway Express. Sharing the station are Amtrak trains that can get you to Boston, Chicago and New Orleans.

Manassas Neighborhoods

This medium-sized city has 24 neighborhoods and is the 27th largest community in Virginia. The neighborhoods in the Manassas real estate market are quite diverse, which means there are houses for sale in Manassas to suit everyone's needs and budgets. For example, Sudley has many play areas, is a pet-friendly neighborhood and is close to shops, grocery stores and schools. This well-established lovely suburban area has well-lit clean sidewalks and consists of medium and large single-family homes and townhomes. Bull Run is a similar neighborhood within the Manassas real estate market that is pet-friendly; offers many nature trails to walk and bike along; and is close to schools, shops, and restaurants.

Old Town Manassas 

For those looking for Manassas real estate closer to the central part of the city, Old Town Manassas is a good choice. The area was revitalized from the mid-1990s to 2010, bringing a good mix of residential and commercial areas. Homes for sale in Old Town Manassas include lovely 4-story townhomes that give a mix of urban living with a suburban feel. The Old Town also features Harris Pavilion, a large outdoor area that becomes an ice skating rink during the winter. Just south of Old Town is the Manassas Museum, which showcases the important role the area played during the Civil War. There are also two recreational parks to enjoy: William Delisle Park and Nelson Park.

Ravenwood

One of the first things you will notice about the single-family homes for sale in this Manassas neighborhood is their large size, many of which have four to five bedrooms. Ravenwood is a great area of the Manassas real estate market if you want some open space and have a large household. This suburban neighborhood consists mostly of medium to large townhomes and single-family homes for sale in Manassas. The area was built up between 1970 and 1999. There is a higher demand for homes in this area of the Manassas real estate market, so you need to be quick if one comes onto the market. This area is also close to the Bull Run Marina.

Fernbrook

Fernbrook is another area of the Manassas real estate market where homes are in high demand. The homes here are large and come in a variety of period styles. Many of the homes have their own garages and at least two acres of land. This small quiet neighborhood has about 105 homes, many of which are in the Colonial and transitional styles. Fernbrook sits about a 10-minute drive away from Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, and has convenient access to I-64 and Route 199, making it a great Manassas real estate option for those who have to commute to work. It has many beautiful trails for walking and riding, including the 50+ miles of VA Capital Trail and Greensprings Trail. A five-minute drive away is the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, which has two outdoor pools, campsites, a fishing pier, boating ramps, and plenty of playgrounds.

Loch Lomond 

More affordable houses for sale in Manassas can be found in Loch Lomond, which primarily consists of mid-sized townhomes and single-family homes. This well-established urban neighborhood was built in the 1940s, with newer homes being added between the 1970s and 2000s. Each home in this neighborhood of the Manassas real estate market sits on land that offers plenty of space and well-kept yards. Some of the popular locations you can walk to in Loch Lomond include the town library, Mi Ranchito Alegre Mexican restaurant, and Tortino Mare Italian restaurant. Seven miles away is the Bull Run Regional Park, with 1,500 acres of scenic trails and picnic grounds. It is also home to The Winery, an 1860s estate that offers wine tasting tours. The Splashdown Waterpark is located the same distance away from these Manassas homes.

Buckhall

The suburban neighborhood of Buckhall consists of medium to large single-family homes and townhomes for sale in Manassas. It sits in the area where Oak Hill School was built in 1865. The village grew up around this one-room schoolhouse with a general store next to it. This community within the Manassas real estate market is quiet and has a more rural feel to it, yet it is close enough to public transportation and main roadways for those who have to commute.

Manassas Real Estate Market

Most of the residential houses for sale in Manassas City were constructed during the 1970s or later; however, there are still some historical homes that predate the 1970s. The Manassas real estate market is a good mix of single-family row and detached homes, as well as larger apartment buildings. It's the affordability that attracts people to houses for sale in Manassas City. While most of the Manassas real estate market is a hot seller's market right now, a lot depends on where you are looking to move. In areas where there is a higher demand for homes, the market is competitive with multiple offers being made on properties. Prices tend to be higher in these areas as well, especially as you look to move closer to the city itself. Manassas real estate in the more rural areas and suburbs outside the city line are a bit more affordable.

Manassas Schools

Manassas has access to some of the top-rated schools in Northern Virginia and is part of the Prince William County school district. There are 74 preschools, 48 elementary schools, 21 middle schools, 15 high schools, 37 district schools, and 60 private schools.

Schools within the Manassas district include:

• Pennington School
• Metz Middle School
• Baldwin Intermediate School
• Mayfield Intermediate School
• Jennie Dean Elementary School
• Weems Elementary School
• Baldwin Elementary School
• George Carr Round Elementary School
• Osbourn High School

Things To Do In Manassas 

Manassas City and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer its residents. From history to art and high-end restaurants to casual cafes, all ages will find something to enjoy when they live in a Manassas home.

Arts

If you are an art lover, Old Town Manassas offers three galleries that are filled with international and local artists. In Manassas Clay, home to over 30 potters, you can find a large selection of crafted pottery goods. Over at Creative Brush Studio, you can watch oil paintings as they are being made. At the Hylton Performing Arts Center, you can enjoy everything from stage productions to live music.

Manassas Farmers Market

This farmers market was started back in 1988 with about four vendors. Today, it has grown to more than 80 vendors spread across two markets. It was voted Virginia's Best Market in 2020 by the Prince William Living magazine. This year-round market in downtown Manassas takes place at the Harris Pavilion on Thursdays and the Prince William Commuter Lot on Saturdays.

Dining and Shopping 

Those who buy a home for sale in Manassas will find a strong art community, fine cuisine, unique attractions, one-of-a-kind shops, and convenient services. If you like sweet treats, visit Weinegar's Sweets & Treats. A combination of tearoom and bakery, you can enjoy brownies, cookies, and custom-made cupcakes, as well as a lunch menu that features home-baked loaves of bread, sandwiches, soups, and salads. You could also try the Crossroads Tabletop Tavern, which offers something unique to its customers: a large library of tabletop games to play. With its full-service restaurant and bar, it has become home to many gamers.

Manassas homeowners and residents who want the experience of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor should visit Jitterbug’s Ice Cream Cafe. Jitterbug’s is decorated in 1950s décor and serves everything from milkshakes and ice cream to hot dogs and sandwiches. If you are a beer connoisseur, check out Sinistral Brewing Company. The 7 barrel brewery crafts its own beers, from signature beers to seasonal specialties, and uses locally sourced ingredients. You can also try out their experimental beers in their tasting room.

The Manassas real estate market offers a blend of the old and new when it comes to shopping. The Things I Love is one such place, offering a combination tea room and home décor shop with its ever-changing inventory of unique pieces. If you are a connoisseur of olive oil, you should definitely visit Manassas Olive Oil Company. This family-run business is known for its uniquely crafted olive oil recipes and olive oils from around the world. Antique lovers will love the Iron Horse Antique shop with its many finds and home-baked bread for you to sample while perusing the items around the shop.

Prince William County History

Manassas became the county seat for Prince William County in 1892 and it holds a lot of history. The area that would become Prince William County was home to the native tribes of the Doeg, a subgroup of the tribal confederation of Powhatan. In 1608, John Smith led a group of English explorers into the area and called the Doeg-inhabited village Pemacocack. The village was abandoned by the natives in 1700 as a result of not being able to cope with the diseases the settlers had brought with them. 

The population began to rise in the area and was named Prince William County in 1731. It was named after Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland and third son to King George II of England. The county originally included what today is known as:

• Fairfax
• Arlington
• Loudoun
• Fauquier

And what are now the independent cities of:

• Falls Church
• Alexandria
• Fairfax
• Manassas
• Manassas Park

In 1790, the population was a mix of white settlers and African American slaves. The area began as tobacco plantations, but soil exhaustion and market changes turned these plantations into crop-growing land. The county remained agricultural and rural for decades.

It was during the early 20th century that the main population was centered in two areas. One was at the crossroad junction of Manassas, and the other was along the Potomac River, close to Woodbridge and Occoquan. It was during the late 1930s that the development of residential suburban areas formed, which meant building new houses for sale in Manassas. From the 1960s, it became more populated as a result of the growth and suburbanization of Washington D.C. It has since become one of the most culturally diverse areas in Virginia.

Real Estate Taxes

The property taxes in Northern Virginia can vary depending on what county and city you are in. There are situations where you may pay both city and county taxes, as is the case for real estate in Manassas City. Property taxes tend to fall around the national average.

Are You Ready to Move to Manassas?

This is just a small part of all that the Manassas real estate market has to offer. The neighborhoods are well-established, and the diversity means there is something here for everyone. From busier urban areas to quieter suburban and rural areas, you are sure to find your dream Manassas home in beautiful Northern Virginia. We have a lot of experience within the Manassas City real estate market and the Prince William County area, and we can help you find your perfect forever home.