The area of Gainesville hosts a population of nearly 12,000 residents, and continuing improvements to the area have resulted in a growing population. Today, Gainesville is the 3rd largest census-designated place in Prince William County, Virginia. This is largely due to recent major commercial and residential developments over the last 20 years, which have contributed, in part, to the development of 6 major shopping complexes in Gainesville. The suburban community once served as a path for civil war soldiers, and like most areas in Virginia has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800’s. Today, the area is regarded as an excellent residential choice if you’re looking to move to northern Virginia.
Many Virginians describe Gainesville as one of the best places to live in Virginia, especially for families. Most residents own their homes, and there is plenty of suburban space to plant your roots. A diverse and welcoming community, Gainesville is a great choice for young professionals and families looking to find a place to call home for many years to come. Gainesville also boasts a selection of highly rated public schools, and a developed downtown with a bustling nightlife, several bars and nightclubs, golf courses, and even nearby access to the Conway Robinson State Forest.
Gainesville offers a number of opportunities for residents looking to make the most of their time in the suburb. Those looking for physical activities need look no further, as residents have their choice between a number of activities, from the Balans Studio, which hosts a variety of classes including Yoga, Pilates Mat, Barre and TRX, to the Battlefield Park Polo Club, which offers safe equestrian activities for everyone, including summer camps, riding lessons, riding trails and even birthday party event hosting. Similarly, Affinity Farm offers riding experiences for riders of all levels in a safe and controlled setting and is a great choice to enjoy a day with the horses.
Hobbyists should make sure to visit Cabela’s, one of the largest stores in the area that boasts everything from an indoor archery range to dozens of museum-quality wildlife displays. Those looking for an experience outdoors can enjoy access to Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole Arthur Hills designed course that is meant to be enjoyed by both experienced and new golfers alike.
As mentioned above, Conway Robinson State Forest provides a beautiful natural getaway in the heart of suburban Virginia. It is, in fact, one of the largest tracts of undeveloped land owned by the Commonwealth in northern Virginia. If you choose to spend your day here, you can enjoy walking among nature, hiking, mountain biking or horse riding on the forest’s trails. To this day, the forest remains an important research and education tool for Gainesville residents.
Gainesville offers a number of public and private school opportunities for its younger residents, many of which are highly rated and considered excellent choices for their educational pursuits. Preschoolers have a number of options in private programs, including Winwood Children’s Center and Little Lambs Village. In terms of public school opportunities, Glenkirk Elementary School and Buckland Mills Elementary School are both excellent choices of public education in the Gainesville area, and Gainesville Middle School is a highly rated middle school option.
For more information on the Gainesville schools mentioned above, click the links below to visit their websites:
Winwood Children’s Center: https://www.winwood.com/
Little Lambs Village: https://www.littlelambsvillagepreschool.org/
Glenkirk Elementary: https://glenkirkes.pwcs.edu/
Buckland Mills Elementary: https://bucklandmillses.pwcs.edu/
Gainesville Middle School: https://gainesvillems.pwcs.edu/