We have all read the stories of how the railroad opened up development throughout the United States and changed the face of our young nation. When transportation officials and developers began planning the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) along the I-95 corridor in 1992 there were concerns as to whether the lack of housing near the train stations would derail the long term plans for a commuter trail. Just like the Wild West the train brought a new supply of "whistle stop" towns close to the eastern run of the tracks including Belmont Bay, Rippon Landing and Quantico.
The Woodbridge Station sits just at the edge of Belmont Bay and is within a mile of the marina that is the jewel of the community. Still growing Belmont Bay offers buyers the chance to live in a community that includes a marina, the public Osprey Golf Course, Osprey Restaurant and waterfront walking paths. Neighboring a 400 acre nature reserve residents have a chance to not only enjoy the community but watch Osprey's soar and fox run. With waterfront condos, townhouses, golf villas and detached homes residents enjoy a resort style lifestyle all year long.
Only a few miles south of Belmont Bay you hit the Rippon Landing station. When you get off the train you can look up the hill and see the new Potomac Pointe condos. What you don't notice until you top the hill is that the condos enjoy a stunning view of the Potomac River. The lot is general full with commuters who come in from Port Potomac or Eagles Pointe. The station is also within walking distance to townhouse owners at Riverside Station or the detached homes in Dawson's Landing.
The last station in Prince William County is the Quantico Station. Located within the gates of Quantico Marine Base commuters must drive in to the base in order to get to the station. However that doesn't seem to stop anyone who wants to grab a cup of coffee at the Whistle Stop Coffee Shop before boarding the train. New developments including Cramer's Ridge, Lionsfield Valley and the Reserve at Potomac Crest have increased the popularity of the Quantico Station and it is a great chance for active duty military who need to make a morning run to the Pentagon the chance to grab the train and then transfer to the Metro.
The development of the new whistle stop communities on the eastern portion of the VRE are part of the master plans for the Northern Virginia Counties of Stafford, Prince William and Fairfax. With ridership continuing to grow the plans to create more walkable communities on the right side of the tracks in has become a reality. The western stops on the VRE have also spanned huge developements as well.
If you are interested in finding a home within walking distance of a VRE station give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213. Let us give you you the whistle stop tour of Prince William County.
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