Living a College Town Lifestyle in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Home to Mary Washington University, Fredericksburg is a lovely old town near the Rappahannock River in Virginia. The area is extremely popular to many individuals, especially those who wish to commute to Richmond, Fairfax, or Arlington. It has a classic, yet lively Southern college town feel.

There is a 40-block national historic district in the city’s downtown area and contains more than 350 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. George Washington was born nearby. During the Civil War Fredericksburg was extremely important as a strategic objective. Photo of downtown Fredericksburg courtesy of Wikipedia and AlbertHerring.

Where to Retire in Fredericksburg and Home Prices

There are some active adult and 55+ communities here as Washington D.C. area retirees look for retirement places nearby.  (see Active Communities link at left). Zillow.com lists the median home value at $399,572 in early 2022.

What Is Special about Fredericksburg

350 historical buildings. George Washington was born nearby. University of Mary Washington College is in Fredericksburg. There are military battlefields here and in nearby Spotsylvania.

What Is Not Special about Fredericksburg

Many of Fredericksburg's residents commute somewhere else to work.  Traffic can be very busy from both commuters and the over 1.5 million tourists who come here each year.

Climate and Physical Environment

Fredericksburg is 50 miles south of Washington and 55 miles north of Richmond. I95 cuts through town and the Rappahannock River is just to the east.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are a number of museums and National Military Parks in the area, many of them related to the civil war or George Washington.The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is  38 miles to the east.  The James Monroe Law Museum is another attraction.

Crime

Crime rate is slightly above average in Fredericksburg.

Medical Facilities

Mary Washington Hospital is located in Fredericksburg.

Transportation

I95 goes through Fredericksburg; The Washington Airports of Dulles and Reagan are within 50 miles; there is an AMTRAK station; Fredericksburg has average walkability when compared  to other towns.

Valuable Links

Fredericksburg VA
Guide to Virginia retirement communities
Wikipedia entry for Fredericksburg

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