Woodbridge, VA

Woodbridge is a northeastern Virginia town situated in Prince William County, about 20 miles from Washington, D.C. With a population of more than 40,000, the town is considerably larger than most of its neighbors, with Dale City being the exception. Like much of Prince William County, Woodbridge has seen tremendous growth over the past several decades, due to a variety of factors including housing, transportation, and the spread of the suburbs from Washington, D.C. It has likewise seen an increase in the flow of more affluent residents during that time. The town covers about ten square miles.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

• Traditionally, the economy of Woodbridge has been tied up closely with the presence of Potomac Mills Mall, one of the largest and most popular shopping destinations in the region and among the area's key sources of employment.
• A number of regional military installations also contribute to the area's economic life.
• Many of Woodbridge's residents commute to Washington, D.C., where they work in government and related industries.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

• The 2000 census recorded about 32,000 residents in Woodbridge; as of 2007, that number had jumped to over 40,000, and there are indications that the population has continued its rapid expansion since.
• Much of this growth is attributed to an influx of federal employees and other subsets of the Washington, D.C. workforce, many of whom are attracted to the relatively low-cost housing available in the area in comparison to the more expensive homes found in other towns and suburbs around the nation's capital.
• The availability of mass transit to and from D.C. and the region has helped to encourage migration to the area.
• Likewise, much of Prince William County has seen steady development and growth, as well as a relative increase in property values as demand rises and as more affluent workers begin to view the region as a desirable place to settle.
• Woodbridge in particular now hosts a far greater number of upper-middle class residents than have historically lived in the area; expectations are that this trend will continue at rates above the national average as further development increases the area's desirability.

COMMUNITIES

With the recent influx of wealthier citizens indicating a continuing trend, developers have been keen on building new luxury homes, gated communities, and condominiums in several of the town's easternmost neighborhoods. Several planned communities in and around Woodbridge are slated to be among the most luxurious in the D.C. area, with some set to include golf courses, spas, convention centers, hotels, and on-site boutiques.

BEST BETS

• Potomac Mills Mall: Potomac Mills Mall was the largest mall in the nation when it was first built, and has traditionally been the area's most notable feature. Today, it encompasses over 200 retailers including two dozen large anchor stores, as well as an 18-screen movie theater and other amenities. Potomac Mills has long been one of Virginia's biggest tourist draws.

• Rippon Lodge: As the oldest home in Prince William County, Rippon Lodge serves as one of Woodbridge's most defining landmarks and historical sites of interest. The building itself was constructed in 1747 along King Highway, which was at that time a major thoroughfare connecting all thirteen English colonies. Rippon Lodge also served as a major plantation, using its own small port located at the adjacent Neabsco Creek to ship out its yield. The home is open to tourists from May to October.

• Potomac Town Center: Indicative of the dramatic influx of affluent citizens to Woodbridge and the surrounding areas, Potomac Town Center acts as a more upscale version of Potomac Mills, which is located just across the highway. The development features a half-million square miles of retail space, made up of largely of high-end boutiques; a similar quantity of office space is present as well. Also on hand is a multi-story luxury hotel and a large number of high-dollar residential units.

SPORTS TEAMS

• Northern Virginia Royals: Founded in 1998 and under the jurisdiction of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League, the Northern Virginia Royals competes against other teams from Virginia, West Virginia, and the surrounding area in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Although the Royals are technically based in Woodbridge, the team plays home games at Fairfax High School. The team is also affiliated with the major-league soccer club D.C. United.

• Potomac Nationals: Originally known as the Alexandria Dukes due to the team's beginnings in Alexandria, Virginia, the Nationals have gone through several name changes over the years before settling on their current moniker. Likewise, the minor-league baseball team has been associated with several different major-league teams since its formation in 1978. Home games are held at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium in the nearby Coles Magisterial District of Prince William County.