Laura Mears and her husband bought a house in the Little Rocky Run development in Fairfax County 11 years ago. “We were just starting our family,” Mears said.
Out for an evening bike ride, Mears and her two daughters, now both in elementary school, had paused to pet a plump gray neighborhood cat.
What attracted the Mears to Little Rocky Run? “The pool and the school,” she said. “And the library,” one of the girls chimed in.
Little Rocky Run, a 950-acre planned community, is outfitted to be the perfect American suburb with three recreation centers, three swimming pools, 16 playgrounds, and numerous tennis and basketball courts. There are miles of trails for biking and hiking and 215 acres dedicated to common open space and tree preserves.
The school, Union Mill Elementary, is a definite attraction for parents with its high reviews on school-rating Web sites. Centreville High School, Liberty Middle School and St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Elementary School are also nearby options. The Centreville Library is another extensive educational resource, as well as George Mason University.
“It’s very family-friendly here,” Mears said. The community shares events such as block parties, neighborhood picnics, preschool playgroups, yard sales and church groups. The streets show the neighborhood’s pride with well-kept lawns.
Little Rocky Run is located between Centreville and the historic village of Clifton, with nearby access to both Route 66 and a VRE train station. Route 28, Lee Highway and Braddock Road are also popular commuting routes because Washington, D.C., is only 25 miles away.
Shopping centers and malls abound with The Colonnade at Union Mill, Fair Lakes Shopping Center and Fair Oaks Mall all within five miles of the community. Groceries, movie theaters, bowling and golf are all a quick drive away. There are Civil War battlefields nearby that are preserved to this day, and the Patriot Center at GMU features major concerts and events for the entire family.
The Mears, like many other families, consider Little Rocky Run to be a long-term commitment. The neighborhood, while welcoming to new residents, has a fairly low turnover — which further encourages a sense of tight-knit community. For a family looking for quiet, pastoral stability, this is the place to be.
Top Reasons to Live in Little Rocky Run
Recreational amenities
The full-size swimming pools are in complexes that include clubhouses, baby pools and organized swimming. Kids can participate in soccer, baseball, softball, football and basketball leagues within walking distance from their homes. Both public and private golf courses are readily accessible.
Large affordable homes
Single-family detached homes in the community come in colonial or farmhouse styles and range from 1,800 square feet to 5,000 square feet, not including basements. Home prices start between $300,000 and $400,000.
Stability
Little Rock Run homeowners are invested in their community, working hard to keep their properties beautiful and the common spaces clean. Expect to get to know your neighbors and build lasting relationships.
At a glance
June 2009:
Average sold price: $529,121
Average days on the market: 72
Average list price (for the units that sold): $567,536
June 2008:
Average sold price: $595,556
Average days on the market: 80
Average list price (for the units that sold): $625,108
