History of Edgelea Woods
Edgelea Woods is a suburban neighborhood that developed during the mid-to-late 20th century, aligning with the broader growth of Fairfax County as a desirable residential area. Fairfax County, established in 1742, saw significant population and economic growth post-World War II, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, as the region became a bedroom community for Washington, D.C. workers. Edgelea Woods fits into this timeline, with many homes in the neighborhood constructed in the 1970s, as evidenced by real estate listings (e.g., a home at 9809 Oleander Ave, built in 1977, per BEX Realty).
The Edgelea Woods Community Association (EWCA) likely formed to manage shared community interests, such as maintaining common areas, enforcing covenants, and fostering a sense of community. While specific founding details of the EWCA are not publicly archived, its leadership structure, as listed on the community website (www.edgeleawoods.com), includes a president (Frank Sheridan) and vice president (Tom Kennedy), indicating an active homeowner association (HOA) typical of Fairfax County neighborhoods. Fairfax County’s Office of Public Affairs maintains a voluntary database of community associations, and Edgelea Woods is part of this network, reflecting its integration into the county’s governance framework.
The neighborhood’s name, “Edgelea,” suggests a historical connection to the natural landscape, with “lea” referring to a meadow or open field, common in Fairfax County’s naming conventions. Its proximity to Oakton High School and Mosby Woods Elementary School, both established in the mid-20th century, underscores its role as a family-oriented community developed during Fairfax County’s suburban expansion.
Demographics of Edgelea Woods
Edgelea Woods is situated in Vienna, Virginia, within Fairfax County, one of the wealthiest and most educated counties in the U.S. While specific demographic data for Edgelea Woods itself is not publicly available at the neighborhood level, we can infer its characteristics based on broader Fairfax County and Vienna trends, as well as real estate data.
Fairfax County’s population is diverse, with a 2023 median household income of approximately $133,000, significantly higher than the national average (per U.S. Census Bureau data). The county is 62.5% White, 19.8% Asian, 10.5% Black, and 16.5% Hispanic or Latino (with some overlap due to mixed-race reporting). Given Edgelea Woods’ high property values (discussed below), its residents likely skew toward higher-income, professional households, many of whom commute to D.C. or work in Fairfax County’s tech and government sectors.
Vienna, where Edgelea Woods is located, has a population of about 16,000, with a median age of 41.7 and a median household income of $161,196 (per NeighborhoodScout). The area is highly educated, with 67.5% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9%. Edgelea Woods, as a high-value, family-oriented neighborhood, likely mirrors these trends, with residents primarily consisting of families and professionals. The neighborhood’s proximity to top-rated schools, such as Oakton High School (rated A+ by Niche), further attracts families with school-aged children.
Given Fairfax County’s diversity and Edgelea Woods’ location, the community likely includes a mix of White, Asian, and other minority groups, with a low crime rate typical of Vienna (rated safer than 85% of U.S. neighborhoods by NeighborhoodScout). The homeowner-dominated nature of the community (most homes are owner-occupied) suggests stable, long-term residents, contributing to a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Real Estate Trends in Edgelea Woods
Edgelea Woods is known for its midsize to luxury single-family homes, with real estate listings highlighting its high property values and desirable location. According to Neighborhoods.com, the neighborhood features homes ranging from 1,400 to 5,916 square feet, with prices typically between $410,000 and $1,189,000, depending on size and condition. For example:
A 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home at 2841 Edgelea Rd was listed for $1,189,000 in 2023, with 3,906 square feet on a 0.41-acre lot (BEX Realty).
A 4-bedroom, 3-bath home at 9809 Oleander Ave, built in 1977, sold for an undisclosed amount in 2021, with 1,908 square feet on a 0.19-acre lot (BEX Realty).
These listings indicate that Edgelea Woods homes are larger and more expensive than the Fairfax County median home price of $750,000 (as of October 2023, per Realtor.com). The neighborhood’s homes are described as “high value” and “luxury,” with low HOA fees (around $4 per month, per BEX Realty), making it attractive to buyers seeking premium properties without excessive maintenance costs.
Fairfax County’s real estate market is highly competitive, with a median listing price per square foot of $345 and homes selling after an average of 29 days on the market (Realtor.com). Edgelea Woods, as a well-established community, likely benefits from this demand, with homes appreciating steadily. NeighborhoodScout data shows Fairfax County’s annual home appreciation rate is lower than 60% of other Virginia locales, but Edgelea Woods’ prime location near Vienna and Oakton, coupled with its proximity to major highways (I-66, I-495), likely ensures strong value retention.
The neighborhood’s appeal is enhanced by its access to Fairfax County’s top schools, parks, and amenities, such as the Bull Run Festival of Lights and the Fairfax County Parkway. However, parking restrictions near Oakton High School, including parts of Edgelea Road, have been a point of contention, with residents noting limited parking for guests due to residential permit parking districts (InsideNova, 2019). This reflects the neighborhood’s integration into broader Fairfax County transportation and zoning policies.
Community and Lifestyle
The Edgelea Woods Community Association fosters a sense of community through its leadership and activities, as indicated by its website. Fairfax County’s Charge Up Fairfax program, which supports HOA communities in adopting electric vehicle charging infrastructure, may also apply to Edgelea Woods, reflecting its alignment with modern sustainability trends. The neighborhood’s quiet, tree-lined streets and proximity to natural attractions like Great Oaks (a forested community in Fairfax City) appeal to residents seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban access.
Conclusion
Edgelea Woods is a quintessential Fairfax County neighborhood, blending history, affluence, and modern convenience. Its origins as part of the county’s suburban expansion in the mid-20th century have evolved into a high-value, family-oriented community with strong ties to Vienna’s amenities and Fairfax County’s economic vitality. Demographically, it likely reflects the county’s diversity and high education levels, with residents enjoying low crime rates and excellent schools. Real estate trends highlight its desirability, with homes commanding premium prices in a competitive market, driven by location and quality.
While specific historical details about the EWCA are limited, its role in maintaining community standards and its integration into Fairfax County’s governance framework are clear. For prospective buyers or residents, Edgelea Woods offers a stable, prestigious living environment, supported by Fairfax County’s robust infrastructure and economic opportunities. As the region continues to grow, Edgelea Woods is poised to remain a sought-after enclave in one of America’s most desirable counties.
This essay synthesizes information from Neighborhoods.com, BEX Realty, Fairfax County government resources, and Realtor.com, ensuring accuracy and relevance. For more detailed community association records, contacting the EWCA directly via www.edgeleawoods.com or Fairfax County’s Office of Public Affairs may yield additional insights.
