Historical Context of Highland Mews HOA
The history of Highland Mews HOA is inextricably tied to the development of Fairfax County and the town of Herndon, as well as the rise of homeowners associations as a dominant form of community governance in suburban America. According to Bizapedia, Highland Mews Homeowners Association, Inc., is a registered entity in Virginia, with its registration tied to an address in Herndon (13515 Highland Mews Pl, Herndon, VA 20171). While the exact founding date of the HOA is not specified in the Bizapedia listing, its existence as a legal entity suggests it was established to manage a planned residential community, a common practice in Fairfax County during the late 20th century as the region transitioned from rural farmland to a suburban hub.
Fairfax County’s history provides critical context. Established in 1742, the county was named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who received a vast land grant from King Charles II in 1649. For much of its early history, Fairfax County was agrarian, with tobacco as a primary crop. However, its proximity to Washington, D.C., transformed it during the 20th century into a key suburban area, especially after World War II. The post-war housing boom, fueled by the GI Bill and the growth of the federal government, led to the construction of numerous planned communities. Herndon, originally a small farming village incorporated in 1879, grew significantly during this period due to its location along the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad and later its proximity to Dulles International Airport, completed in 1962.
Highland Mews itself likely emerged during the residential development wave of the 1970s and 1980s, a period when Fairfax County saw a surge in townhouse and single-family home construction to accommodate a growing workforce tied to the D.C. metro area. A property at 13515 Highland Mews Place, identified as a 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse built in 1986 with approximately 1,008 square feet, aligns with this timeline. This suggests that Highland Mews was part of the suburban expansion catering to middle-class professionals seeking affordable yet well-managed housing near employment hubs like Tysons Corner and Reston. The establishment of an HOA would have been a natural step to maintain property values and manage shared amenities, a trend that became prevalent in Fairfax County as developers sought to attract buyers with promises of community oversight and stability.
Demographics of Highland Mews and Fairfax County
While specific demographic data for Highland Mews HOA is not publicly detailed beyond general HOA listings, inferences can be drawn from the demographics of Herndon and Fairfax County as a whole. Fairfax County is renowned for its diversity, affluence, and high educational attainment, characteristics likely reflected to some degree within Highland Mews.
As of the 2023 Fairfax County Demographic Reports, the county’s population exceeds 1.15 million, with a median household income of approximately $145,000—among the highest in the nation. The county is racially and ethnically diverse: about 41% of residents are White (non-Hispanic), 20% Asian, 17% Hispanic or Latino, and 10% Black or African American, with the remainder identifying as multiracial or other groups. This diversity stems from Fairfax County’s role as a magnet for immigrants and professionals, particularly those in technology, government, and defense sectors, given its proximity to the Pentagon and numerous corporate headquarters.
Herndon, with a population of around 24,000, mirrors this diversity but skews slightly younger and more family-oriented. The median age in Herndon is approximately 35–40, and the town has a significant Hispanic population (around 35% per the 2020 Census), alongside substantial Asian and White communities. Educational attainment is high, with over 50% of Fairfax County residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, a figure likely similar in Herndon due to its tech-centric economy, bolstered by nearby employers like Amazon Web Services and Boeing.
Highland Mews, as a townhouse community, likely attracts a mix of young professionals, small families, and possibly retirees seeking low-maintenance living. The 1986 construction date and modest size of homes (e.g., 1,008 square feet at 13515 Highland Mews Pl) suggest affordability relative to Fairfax County’s pricier single-family homes, appealing to middle-income households. Residents may include dual-income couples, early-career tech workers, or government employees commuting to D.C. or Reston. The HOA structure implies a community-oriented environment, potentially with shared spaces like parking areas or small parks, fostering a sense of neighborhood cohesion typical of such developments.
Real Estate Trends in Highland Mews and Fairfax County
Real estate trends affecting Highland Mews HOA are shaped by Fairfax County’s broader market dynamics, which have been characterized by robust appreciation, high demand, and evolving buyer preferences. Fairfax County’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its status as a hub for technology and government jobs have historically driven real estate values upward, a trend that extends to Herndon and communities like Highland Mews.
The estimated market value of 13515 Highland Mews Place, as reported by Homefacts.com, was $385,960 based on recent sales data (circa 2025). This figure reflects a competitive but accessible price point within Fairfax County, where the median home value in 2023 was approximately $650,000–$700,000, per Fairfax County’s Demographic Reports. Townhouses like those in Highland Mews typically offer a lower entry point than detached homes, making them attractive to first-time buyers or those downsizing. The 2023 reports note a rebound in housing growth to pre-pandemic levels, with median market values rising alongside household incomes, suggesting that Highland Mews properties have likely appreciated steadily since their 1986 construction.
Historical data from NeighborhoodScout indicates that Fairfax County real estate has seen annualized appreciation rates of around 4.5% over the past decade (2010–2020), though specific neighborhoods can vary widely. Herndon’s proximity to Dulles Airport and the Silver Line Metro (opened in 2022) has boosted property values in the area, as transit access enhances desirability. For Highland Mews, this could translate to increased demand, particularly as remote work trends post-2020 have shifted buyer interest toward suburban areas with strong infrastructure.
HOA-managed communities like Highland Mews often maintain stable property values due to enforced maintenance standards and community amenities, though specific features of Highland Mews (e.g., pools, clubhouses) are not detailed in available sources. HOA fees, while not specified, are likely moderate given the community’s size and age, covering basics like landscaping and exterior upkeep. Real estate trends in 2025, as inferred from broader Fairfax County patterns, suggest continued demand for townhouses as inventory remains tight and interest rates stabilize post-pandemic.
Challenges include affordability pressures, as Fairfax County’s high cost of living may push some buyers toward outer suburbs. However, Highland Mews benefits from Herndon’s balance of suburban charm and urban access, positioning it well within the market. Recent sales data (e.g., the $385,960 valuation) indicate it remains below the county median, offering value in a premium region.
Conclusion
Highland Mews Homeowners Association exemplifies the suburban evolution of Fairfax County, Virginia, emerging from the post-war housing boom and the subsequent tech-driven growth of the late 20th century. Its history is rooted in the planned community movement of the 1980s, reflecting Herndon’s transformation into a residential hub for D.C.-area workers. Demographically, it likely houses a diverse, educated, and middle-income population, mirroring Fairfax County’s broader profile. Real estate trends point to steady appreciation and sustained demand, bolstered by regional infrastructure and economic vitality, though tempered by affordability constraints.
While direct data on Highland Mews HOA is limited, this analysis leverages its Fairfax County context to paint a detailed picture. As of February 20, 2025, Highland Mews stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-managed suburban living in one of America’s most dynamic counties, offering residents a blend of community, convenience, and value in a competitive market.
This essay provides a thorough exploration based on available data and informed extrapolation. If you require further details or specific aspects to be expanded, please let me know!
