Waynewood: A great place to call home
By: Dean Bartoli SmithSpecial to The ExaminerFebruary 4, 2010
A home in the Virginia neighborhood of Waynewood. (Andrew Harnik)
Among the neighborhoods south of Old Town Alexandria off the George Washington Parkway, Waynewood stands out as an affordable and well-established community. Constructed in the late 1950s on 300 acres of the original Mount Vernon estate known as River Farm, the neighborhood defines the epitome of an American suburb.
"Our homes hold value here, and not because they are architecturally superior, but because it's a great place to call home," said long-time resident and Coldwell banker agent Lyssa Seward. "It's a wonderful neighborhood, due to its schools, wonderful location, and strong sense of community."
Amenities abound in Waynewood. You can walk to Hollin Hall shopping center and visit the Variety Store -- a local institution that will take you back in time to a 1960s-style five-and-dime store. You can hike along the bike path, launch a kayak into the Potomac River, or have a picnic in Fort Hunt Park.
During a recent hiatus from winter weather, kids played basketball and enjoyed the expansive playground at the neighborhood recreation area -- a facility that also includes a pool, tennis courts, and an open field.
"There are children, residents, and dogs frequently enjoying this treasure in nice weather," said Seward.
The 700 homes are mostly split-level in construction situated on spacious and well-manicured lawns -- with some colonials and new construction sprinkled in. Many of them feature a walk-in fourth level that has been finished for additional living space. The houses, situated on streets that gently wind through an insular network of tree-lined lanes, remain in the affordable $500,000 to $700,000 range.
The citizens association hosts several annual events including a holiday party and a July 4th parade and celebration. There's also a garden club, a recreation association, and a scholarship fund for two graduating high school seniors each year. The schools -- Waynewood Elementary, Carl Sandburg Middle, and West Potomac High -- are some of the area's best.
Many children raised in Waynewood move back when they begin their own families giving the enclave a varied, multigenerational population comprising original residents, young families, and those with grown children.
"I am second generation Waynewood," said Marilyn Geiger. "My parents were original owners, who purchased their house in 1963. Some 23 years later, I purchased the house next door to my parents."
The residents are involved and caring, and the neighborhood has the feel of a small town in a huge metropolitan area with mature trees, well kept homes, and a general feeling of safety.
"Whether it is walking into the grocery store and being greeted by someone who has known you since high school, or being greeted by name at the local gas station, we have seen families come and go, and lots of families return to Waynewood, because it is a very special place to live."
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