History of Barrington HOA
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Establishment and Legal Framework:
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On August 19, 1988, Silverbrook Road Associates, a group of builders, filed the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for the Barrington community, which was then in its early stages of development.
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The Declaration outlined that any property (lot) held, conveyed, acquired, or occupied within the community is subject to these covenants and restrictions.
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Silverbrook Road Associates established the Barrington Homeowners’ Association as a Virginia non-stock corporation. The HOA was assigned the powers to own, maintain, and administer community properties and facilities, as well as enforce the covenants and restrictions.
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According to Article II, Section 2.1 of the Covenants, ownership of a lot in Barrington automatically makes the owner a member of the HOA, and membership cannot be separated from lot ownership.
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Governance:
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The Barrington HOA is managed by a Board of Directors, composed of community volunteers who oversee the enforcement of covenants and maintenance of community standards.
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The HOA works with a management company, such as First Service Residential, to handle administrative tasks, including the provision of resale packages and mortgage questionnaires for property sales.
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The HOA also oversees compliance with Architectural Review Committee (ARC) guidelines, which are critical during property sales to ensure that modifications to homes meet community standards.
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Community Development:
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Barrington consists of 476 single-family homes, described as “executive-style” and constructed primarily with brick or stucco exteriors.
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The community has evolved to include amenities such as a community pool, which operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and common areas maintained by a landscaping contractor (Professional Grounds).
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Committees and Initiatives:
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In November 2020, the HOA Board approved the creation of the Budget & Finance Committee, an advisory group that assists with managing community reserve funds, budgets, and expenditures.
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The HOA also manages landscaping contracts and addresses community concerns, such as pool operations and neighborhood safety.
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Demographics of Barrington
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Location and Population:
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Barrington is located in Fairfax Station, Virginia, within Fairfax County, one of the most affluent and densely populated counties in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
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Fairfax County has a diverse population, with a median household income significantly higher than the national average. While specific demographic data for Barrington is not publicly available, it is likely reflective of Fairfax Station and Fairfax County trends.
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Fairfax Station is known for its family-oriented, suburban environment, with a focus on high-quality schools and community engagement.
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Community Profile:
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Barrington is described as a family-friendly neighborhood, with amenities like the community pool and swim team (Barrington Blue Fins) catering to residents of all ages.
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The community’s emphasis on maintaining property standards and enforcing covenants suggests a demographic that values homeownership and community involvement.
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Given the “executive-style” homes and proximity to major employment centers (e.g., Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia’s tech corridor), residents are likely professionals, government employees, or retirees with above-average incomes.
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Fairfax County Demographics (Contextual):
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2023 estimates), Fairfax County has a population of approximately 1.15 million, with a median household income of around $133,000.
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The county is racially and ethnically diverse, with significant populations of White (50.5%), Asian (20.1%), Black or African American (10.2%), and Hispanic or Latino (16.5%) residents.
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Educational attainment is high, with over 60% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, which aligns with the professional and affluent profile of Fairfax Station communities like Barrington.
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Real Estate Trends in Barrington
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Property Characteristics:
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Barrington consists of 476 single-family homes, typically brick or stucco, designed in an “executive-style” that appeals to buyers seeking larger, upscale properties.
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Homes in Barrington are subject to ARC guidelines, which regulate modifications to maintain aesthetic and structural consistency across the community.
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The community’s location near major highways and employment centers makes it attractive to buyers looking for suburban living with urban access.
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Sales Process and Compliance:
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When selling a home in Barrington, owners must provide a resale package, which includes the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, to the buyer’s agent.
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The management company certifies that the property complies with the Declaration and ARC guidelines. An ARC representative inspects the property to ensure compliance, and non-compliance can delay or cancel the closing process.
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Buyers are advised to review the covenants and ARC guidelines, as compliance is critical for a smooth sale.
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Real Estate Market Trends (Fairfax Station and Fairfax County):
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Fairfax Station, including Barrington, is part of Fairfax County’s competitive real estate market, known for stable property values and high demand.
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According to recent data from Bright MLS (2023), the median home price in Fairfax Station is approximately $900,000 to $1.2 million, depending on size, condition, and location. Barrington homes, given their “executive-style” designation, likely fall within or above this range.
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Fairfax County’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and major employers (e.g., Amazon HQ2, federal agencies) drives demand for single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods like Barrington.
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Real estate trends in Fairfax County show low inventory and high competition, with homes often selling above asking price. Barrington’s community amenities and strict governance likely enhance property values.
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HOA Fees and Community Costs:
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While specific HOA fees for Barrington are not publicly listed, similar communities in Fairfax County charge annual fees ranging from $500 to $1,500, depending on amenities and services.
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Barrington’s fees likely cover pool maintenance, landscaping of common areas, and administrative costs. Residents should contact the HOA for exact figures.
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Community Amenities and Lifestyle
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Barrington Community Pool:
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The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with early closures for swim meets and community events.
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Membership is limited to community residents, and all members must agree to pool rules. Physical passes and text notifications for closures are available upon request.
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Landscaping and Common Areas:
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The HOA contracts Professional Grounds for grass cutting, leaf removal, edging, and landscape maintenance of common areas.
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Residents can report landscaping issues to the HOA Board for resolution.
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Neighborhood Watch:
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Barrington has a Neighborhood Watch program, coordinated by volunteers, to enhance community safety.
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Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to Fairfax County Police, with multiple reporting options (e.g., 911 for emergencies, non-emergency lines, and online forms).
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Community Engagement:
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The HOA maintains an online presence, including a website and social media (e.g., Facebook), to share updates, meeting minutes, and event information.
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Residents can access association documents, order resale packages, and connect with neighbors through these platforms.
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Limitations and Recommendations
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Data Gaps:
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Specific demographic data for Barrington (e.g., age distribution, income levels) is not publicly available. Fairfax County and Fairfax Station data provide a general context, but residents or researchers may need to consult the HOA or local government for precise figures.
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Real estate trends for Barrington are inferred from Fairfax Station and Fairfax County data, as community-specific sales data is not publicly disclosed.
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Recommendations for Further Research:
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Contact the Barrington HOA Board or management company (First Service Residential) for detailed demographic and financial data.
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Review Fairfax County property records and Bright MLS for recent sales in Barrington to confirm real estate trends.
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Explore Fairfax County Public Schools data for insights into educational quality and student demographics, which impact property values and community appeal.
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Image Generation:
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If you need visual representations of Barrington’s homes, amenities, or layout, I can generate images based on descriptions. Let me know if you’d like to proceed.
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Conclusion
The Barrington HOA in Fairfax Station, Virginia, is a well-established community with a strong governance structure, dating back to its founding in 1988. Its 476 “executive-style” homes, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to major transportation routes make it an attractive option for professionals and families in Fairfax County. While specific demographic and real estate data for Barrington are limited, trends from Fairfax Station and Fairfax County suggest a stable, high-demand market with above-average property values. For a comprehensive essay, additional research into HOA records, local real estate listings, and Fairfax County demographics is recommended.
If you’d like assistance with specific aspects (e.g., generating images, analyzing Fairfax County data, or drafting sections of an essay), please let me know, and I’ll be happy to help!
