Location
Located about 47 miles from Washington, DC, the town of Warrenton is in what is known as Virginia’s horse and wine country in Fauquier County (pronounced FAW-KEER). Its population of ~10,000 residents enjoy the town’s rural setting and small-town, peaceful atmosphere. The area experiences four distinct seasons typical of the Mid-Atlantic region: Summers tend to be warm and humid with lush greenery while Fall is marked by cooling temperatures and beautiful, colorful foliage; Winters can be chilly, with moderate snowfall and freezing temperatures but then Spring bursts forth with blossoming flora and the return of migratory songbirds to signal the onset of warmer weather.
Warrenton’s proximity to the nation’s capital, educational institutions, historical sites, entertainment venues, and natural environments makes it an ideal place to live and work. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the town’s quiet yet vibrant charm and family-friendly atmosphere offer something for every age and lifestyle.
Housing & Transportation
Housing and transportation options are numerous. Older homes in the area are well maintained, while newer construction continues to expand housing availability. Homes range from condominiums and townhouses to traditional single-family homes. While home sales in the town can be competitive, with median home prices between $443,000-$600,000 and the average rental cost around $2,450 for a 2-bedroom home (ZeroDown and Redfin), finding available and affordable housing is not difficult given Warrenton’s easy commuting distance to Front Royal, Manassas, Gainesville, Fredericksburg, and many other towns within the DC metropolitan area.
Surprisingly, the traffic in and around Warrenton is low compared to other towns near DC. Commuters to/from Warrenton enjoy easy access to major roadways such as Route 29, US-15, and Route 17. For the economy-minded, there are three electric vehicle charging locations in Warrenton with six Level 2 chargers. There’s also a public train station nearby Manassas for quick travel to DC and other cities along the eastern seaboard.
Local Government
The town’s government prioritizes health, safety, and security concerns. Health services for Warrenton and the surrounding area include the certified and accredited, award-winning Fauquier Health, a 97-bed acute care hospital, professional offices, and other healthcare facilities conveniently located within a small radius.
Warrenton has remarkably low crime rates. According to AreaVibes, the town’s crime rates are 47% lower than the national average and 36% lower than Virginia’s average, giving Warrenton an A+ rating for safety. The town is committed to ensuring its residents and visitors a safe and secure haven.
Educational Opportunities
Educational opportunities are diverse and highly rated. Warrenton, the home base for Fauquier County Public Schools, has earned an A+ rating for education (AreaVibes). With seven public and four private schools, the student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is below the national average of 16:1. Additionally, students rate above national and state averages in test scores.
If you want to earn a degree or take continuing education courses, there are several accredited colleges and universities within 40 miles of Warrenton, many of which offer online classes. These include, but are not limited to, Laurel Ridge Community College – Fauquier Campus, Germanna Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, George Mason University, University of Mary Washington, and Shenandoah University.
Entertainment
Entertainment venues, as well as cultural and historical attractions in and near Warrenton, are plentiful. The town is deeply committed to maintaining its heritage while providing a thriving economy for the community. Old Town, in the heart of Warrenton, is home to many historical buildings, including the Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail (c. 1808), which houses historical artifacts throughout Warrenton’s history. The Old Town Warrenton non-profit organization sponsors various entertainment and cultural events throughout the year for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Warrenton is also within easy distance to other cultural and historical sites, such as the Smithsonian Museums in DC, Civil War battlefields in Manassas and Fredericksburg, and the Gold Mining Camp Museum in Fauquier County.
Shopping
Warrenton is home not only to big brand stores and popular chain restaurants but also provides a unique shopping experience in its small businesses. Locally owned cafes, floral and gift shops, and restaurants abound within Warrenton’s historic district and throughout the town. Warrenton Farmers Market is the go-to place for fresh produce, plants, seasonal items, handcrafted products, baked goods, and more.
Parks & Recreation
Residents and visitors can take advantage of Warrenton’s many parks and recreational opportunities. The Warrenton Sports Complex features playing fields, paved hiking paths, an in-line skating rink and skate park, a playground, and an aquatic facility, which includes a multipurpose room; an indoor competition pool, a leisure pool with water slide, a lazy river, and wheelchair-accessible entrance; and a fitness room equipped with stationary cycles, treadmills, elliptical/arc trainers, circuit training gear, and free weights. Warrenton also boasts five other parks featuring an arboretum, playground sets, picnic shelters/tables, walking/biking paths, and sports fields and courts. There’s even a dog park to let your furry friend run free.
For nature lovers and adventurers, there are numerous parks and caverns to explore within a short distance from Warrenton. Located within 9 miles from Warrenton is C.M. Crockett Park, which has 100 acres along the shores of Germantown Lake. The park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including birdwatching, fishing, picnicking, seasonal boat rentals, boat launches, and cross-country trails. Within 23 minutes of Warrenton, Sky Meadows State Park offers year-round nature and history programs, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, bridle and bike trails, and access to the Appalachian Trail. The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, holding monthly astronomy programs for stargazers. Shenandoah National Park, with over 200,000 acres of federally protected land, is just 35 miles from Warrenton. Popular activities at the park include taking a scenic drive on the Skyline Drive or backpacking and hiking on its many trails. Caverns close to Warrenton include Skyline Caverns (~44 minutes), Luray Caverns (~55 minutes), and Shenandoah Caverns (~70 minutes). Each of these caves is unique, and each has its own awe-inspiring rock formations just waiting for you to discover.