Iconic American symbols surround Peter Weyland’s house on Mason Neck in Fairfax County. “I can see Mount Vernon from where I’m sitting now,” he said. “There are two eagles in a tall tree behind me. They’re so [common] you do get a little used to it.”
| At a glance |
| January 2011 Average sold price for homes sold in ZIP code 22079: $ 404,052 |
| Average list price for homes sold in ZIP code 22079: $ 402,803 |
| Average days on market for homes sold: 40 |
| January 2010 |
| Average sold price for homes sold in ZIP code 22079: $ 351,099 |
| Average list price for homes sold in ZIP code 22079: $ 357,310 |
| Average days on market for homes sold: 38 |
“Neckers” as those from the roughly 9,000-acre peninsula are proud to be called, might get used to the history and natural beauty that surrounds them, but they never take their beloved hometown for granted.
The northern boundary of the unincorporated area is either Route 1 or Old Colchester Road, depending on who you talk to, but there’s no mistaking the other borders: water. The Potomac River and Occoquan, Belmont, and Pohick bays surround the Neck, providing residents with one of the most water-accessible communities in the Washington metropolitan area.
“The river, the beauty, the people and the privacy” draw people to the Neck, said Weyland. He felt the pull 35 years ago when he purchased his waterfront house in the Gunston Manor subdivision for $40,000.
“Years ago Lorton [located just north of Mason Neck] was looked down upon as a junkyard, because of the prison and other unfavorable businesses,” Weyland said. “A lot of people that might have been attracted to the river didn’t want to live in the area due to the connotation. But a lot of people that came down here were young like myself and didn’t care about the stigma. It really attracted sort of a Bohemian community, people that were looking for something a little different.”
That wave of Neckers got the last laugh. While established communities like Hallowing Point and Harbor View thrive, new construction is virtually nonexistent because of the lack of county sewer service on the peninsula.
“There’s almost a sense of pride because of that,” said Gary Knipling, who’s lived in his Mason’s Collar home for 30 years. “I just love the peace and solitude on Mason Neck. I hope sewer never comes.”
The lack of development means people who move in usually stay. Rick Hutson’s wife grew up not far from the family’s Hallowing Point home. She went to Mason Neck Elementary School, which their two children attend, and her parents live across the street.
“I know of at least seven people who grew up in our neighborhood and have moved back to raise their children there,” said Hutson, past president of the Mason Neck Citizens Association. “We’re all about trying to maintain the quality of life here and keep Mason Neck exactly like it is.”
The Neck has no commercial strips, so residents go to nearby Woodbridge or Lorton for shopping, restaurants and services. There’s no need, however, to travel anywhere to enjoy the natural beauty of the peninsula. Roughly two-thirds of Mason Neck is public land that offers a variety of environmental, historical and recreational opportunities.
Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge was the first federal refuge established specifically for the bald eagle. Pohick Bay Regional Park is one of the area’s biggest campgrounds and has one of just three public boat launches to the Potomac in the D.C. area. Meadowood Recreation Area features miles of horse trails.
It’s an idyllic place, just 20 or so miles south of the nation’s capital. Neckers are lucky — and they know it. “There is no place I’d rather be,” Weyland said.
