History of Dumbarton Square HOA
Fairfax County’s Historical Context
Fairfax County, established in 1742, has a rich history tied to colonial Virginia and its transformation into a suburban hub in the 20th century. The county’s population grew significantly after World War II, driven by federal government expansion and the demand for suburban housing. According to Fairfax County records, the population surged from 99,000 in 1950 to 596,000 by 1980, fueled by the construction of new subdivisions and infrastructure. This period saw the rise of planned communities with HOAs to manage shared amenities and enforce covenants, a trend that continues today.
Development of Dumbarton Square
Dumbarton Square HOA is located in Herndon, a town incorporated in 1879 that became a key part of Fairfax County’s suburban expansion. While specific historical records for Dumbarton Square are not publicly detailed, it is typical of the residential developments built in the late 20th century to accommodate the growing workforce in Northern Virginia. Based on Fairfax County’s real estate and zoning records, many Herndon communities, including Dumbarton Square, were developed in the 1970s to 1990s, offering townhomes and single-family homes with access to amenities like parks and pools.
Dumbarton Square HOA is registered with business directories like Dun & Bradstreet, with an address at 10521 Judicial Dr Ste 305, Fairfax, VA, and has been active since at least 2010. HOA communities in Fairfax County, including Dumbarton Square, are governed by the Fairfax County Code and Virginia state laws, which regulate community associations. These regulations cover maintenance of common areas, HOA dues, and parking policies, ensuring the community aligns with county standards.
Role of HOAs in Fairfax County
HOAs like Dumbarton Square emerged as part of a national trend toward planned communities. According to research from communityassociations.net, nearly 60% of new single-family homes in the U.S. are part of HOAs, with Fairfax County reflecting this pattern. These associations manage shared spaces, enforce architectural guidelines, and maintain property values, making them integral to suburban life. Dumbarton Square likely follows this model, with HOA fees covering maintenance, landscaping, and possibly amenities like a community pool or clubhouse, based on typical HOA features in Herndon.
Demographics of Dumbarton Square and Fairfax County
Fairfax County Demographics
Fairfax County is one of the wealthiest and most diverse counties in the U.S. According to the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) data from Fairfax County’s Economic, Demographic and Statistical Research (EDSR) unit:
Population: 1.15 million, with a slight decline of 0.128% from 2021 to 2022.
Median Household Income: $145,165 in 2022, a significant increase from $133,974 in 2021, nearly double the national median ($69,717).
Racial Composition: 50.7% White, 20.1% Asian, 10.2% Black, and 16.5% identifying as two or more races or other. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 17.2% of the population.
Foreign-Born Population: 30.4% (349,000 people) were born outside the U.S., higher than the national average of 13.6%.
Poverty Rate: 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, including 10% of children and 6% of seniors, an increase from 6.0% in 2019.
These demographics reflect Fairfax County’s economic strength and diversity, driven by its proximity to federal agencies, tech firms, and educational institutions like George Mason University.
Dumbarton Square Demographics
Specific demographic data for Dumbarton Square is not publicly available at the HOA level, but it can be inferred from Herndon and Fairfax County trends. Herndon, where Dumbarton Square is located, has a population of approximately 24,000, with a median household income of $117,671 (2022 ACS data). The town is more diverse than the county average, with a higher proportion of Hispanic (33.7%) and Asian (18.5%) residents.
Given Dumbarton Square’s location in Herndon, it likely attracts:
Professionals working in nearby tech hubs like Reston and Tysons Corner or commuting to D.C.
Families seeking access to Fairfax County’s highly rated public schools, such as those in the Herndon High School pyramid.
Diverse Households, reflecting Herndon’s multicultural population, with a mix of native-born and foreign-born residents.
HOA communities in Fairfax County often have higher homeownership rates (68.6% countywide in 2022) and attract middle- to upper-income families, suggesting Dumbarton Square residents are likely affluent and educated, with many employed in professional, scientific, or government sectors.
Real Estate Trends in Dumbarton Square and Fairfax County
Fairfax County Real Estate Market
Fairfax County’s real estate market is among the most competitive in the U.S., driven by limited inventory, high demand, and proximity to D.C. According to Redfin data (December 2024):
Median Home Price: $700,000, up 4.5% from the previous year.
Days on Market: Homes sell in an average of 34 days, slightly longer than last year’s 33 days.
Price per Square Foot: $360, up 5.6% from last year.
Sales Volume: 892 homes sold in December 2024, compared to 664 the previous year.
The county’s 2022 real estate assessments showed a 9.57% increase in residential property values, with the average home assessed at $668,974, reflecting strong market appreciation. Fairfax County’s housing stock is predominantly from the mid-20th century (58.47% built between 1940 and 1969), with newer developments adding townhomes and multi-family units.
Dumbarton Square Real Estate Trends
Specific real estate data for Dumbarton Square is limited, but based on its location in Herndon and Fairfax County trends, the community likely consists of townhomes and possibly single-family homes built in the late 20th century. HOA communities in Herndon typically have median home prices slightly below the county average, ranging from $500,000 to $650,000, depending on size and condition.
Home Values: Given Herndon’s competitive market, properties in Dumbarton Square likely align with the town’s median sale price of $530,000 (Redfin, November 2024), though HOA fees may influence affordability.
Appreciation: Fairfax County’s 4.51% annualized appreciation rate over the past decade suggests steady value growth for Dumbarton Square properties, though individual appreciation may vary based on maintenance and upgrades.
HOA Fees and Amenities: Typical HOA fees in Herndon range from $50 to $150 monthly, covering common area maintenance, trash removal, and possibly amenities like a pool or playground. These fees enhance property values by ensuring well-maintained surroundings.
Factors Influencing Real Estate Trends
Several factors shape Dumbarton Square’s real estate market:
Proximity to Employment Centers: Herndon’s location near Reston, Tysons Corner, and Dulles Airport makes it attractive to professionals, boosting demand.
School Quality: Fairfax County’s top-rated schools, including those serving Herndon, attract families, supporting property values.
Infrastructure: Access to the Silver Line Metro (with stations in Herndon and Reston) and major highways like Route 267 enhances connectivity, making Dumbarton Square desirable for commuters.
Environmental Risks: Fairfax County faces moderate risks from flooding and heat, with 13% of properties at risk of severe flooding and 52% at severe heat risk over the next 30 years (Redfin/First Street data). These factors may influence future property values and insurance costs.
Conclusion
Dumbarton Square HOA is a microcosm of Fairfax County’s suburban evolution, reflecting the region’s history of post-war growth, diverse demographics, and robust real estate market. While specific historical details about the HOA are limited, its development aligns with the broader trends of planned communities in Herndon, offering residents access to amenities and a convenient location. Demographically, the community likely mirrors Herndon’s diverse, affluent population, with professionals and families drawn to Fairfax County’s economic opportunities and schools. Real estate trends suggest steady appreciation, supported by strong demand and limited inventory, though environmental risks and HOA fees may influence future dynamics.
For a deeper understanding, residents or researchers can consult Fairfax County’s GIS & Mapping Services for property records, the Virginia Room for historical context, or local real estate platforms like Redfin for current market data. Dumbarton Square HOA exemplifies the balance of community living and suburban growth that defines Fairfax County, making it a compelling case study in Northern Virginia’s ongoing transformation.
This analysis is based on available data from Fairfax County resources, real estate platforms, and demographic reports. For more detailed HOA-specific information, contacting the Dumbarton Square HOA management or Fairfax County’s Office of Public Affairs is recommended.
