Historical Context of Old Dominion Square and Fairfax County
The history of Old Dominion Square is intertwined with the development of McLean and Fairfax County, a region with roots stretching back to colonial Virginia. Fairfax County, established in 1742, was named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who held a vast land grant of five million acres in Northern Virginia. Initially a rural expanse populated by farmers from Virginia’s Tidewater region, the area saw gradual settlement throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. McLean, where Old Dominion Square is located, emerged as a small community in the early 20th century, named after John Roll McLean, a prominent newspaper publisher and railroad magnate who envisioned it as a retreat for Washington’s elite.
The specific founding of Old Dominion Square as a townhome community is not extensively documented on its website or in readily available public records, but its location in “historic McLean” suggests it was developed during the mid-to-late 20th century, a period of significant suburban expansion in Fairfax County. Following World War II, the region experienced a housing boom fueled by returning veterans, the GI Bill, and the growth of the federal government in nearby Washington, D.C. McLean, with its proximity to the capital (approximately 10 miles), became a desirable location for professionals seeking suburban tranquility without sacrificing access to urban opportunities. The establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley, McLean, in the 1960s further catalyzed residential development, likely influencing the creation of communities like Old Dominion Square.
The name “Old Dominion Square” nods to Virginia’s nickname, “The Old Dominion,” a reference to its status as the first English colony in North America, suggesting an intentional evocation of historical pride. While exact construction dates are unavailable, the architectural style of townhomes in McLean—typically brick, multi-level designs with modest yards—points to a development timeline between the 1950s and 1970s, aligning with Fairfax County’s peak suburban growth period. This era saw the county’s housing stock expand dramatically, with 58.47% of Fairfax homes built between the 1940s and 1960s, according to real estate data.
Governance and Community Structure of Old Dominion Square HOA
Old Dominion Square operates as a homeowners association, a common organizational structure in Fairfax County’s residential communities. The HOA, as indicated on its website, manages the collective needs of its 56 townhome units, likely overseeing maintenance, landscaping, and community rules. HOAs in Virginia are governed by the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act, which grants them authority to enforce covenants, collect dues, and maintain common areas. While specific details about Old Dominion Square’s bylaws or fees are not publicly detailed on the website, its emphasis on being “conveniently located near downtown McLean” suggests a focus on maintaining property values and community appeal—an essential priority in a high-demand real estate market.
The community’s small size—56 units—distinguishes it from larger planned developments in Fairfax County, such as Reston or Tysons, fostering a tight-knit atmosphere. This scale is typical of older McLean neighborhoods, which predate the mega-developments of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The HOA likely plays a critical role in preserving the neighborhood’s character, balancing historical aesthetics with modern updates to meet resident expectations.
Demographics of Old Dominion Square and McLean
Direct demographic data for Old Dominion Square is not available due to its small size and private nature, but inferences can be drawn from McLean and Fairfax County’s broader profiles. McLean is one of Fairfax County’s wealthiest and most educated communities, with a median household income of approximately $222,000 (based on 2023 estimates for McLean’s ZIP code, 22101) and a population of around 47,000. Fairfax County as a whole, with a population of 1,150,309 as of the 2020 census, is the most populous jurisdiction in Virginia and a key component of the Washington metropolitan area. Its median household income in 2023 was reported at $145,830, significantly higher than the national average, reflecting its status as a hub for high-tech workers, government employees, and professionals.
Residents of Old Dominion Square are likely to mirror McLean’s demographic trends: predominantly white (approximately 70%), with significant Asian (15-20%) and smaller Hispanic and Black populations (each around 5-10%). The area attracts families and older adults, with a median age of 39.4 county-wide, though McLean skews slightly older due to its established nature. Educational attainment is exceptionally high, with over 60% of Fairfax County residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, a figure likely even more pronounced in McLean given its proximity to elite institutions like George Mason University and its appeal to professionals.
The townhome structure of Old Dominion Square suggests it caters to a mix of demographics: young professionals seeking proximity to D.C., families desiring access to top-tier schools (McLean High School and Langley High School rank among Virginia’s best), and retirees drawn to low-maintenance living. The community’s location near downtown McLean, with its boutique shops, restaurants, and parks, enhances its appeal across these groups, though high property values likely exclude lower-income households.
Real Estate Trends in Old Dominion Square and Fairfax County
Real estate in Old Dominion Square reflects broader trends in Fairfax County, particularly in McLean, where property values have soared due to demand, location, and limited supply. The community’s 56 townhomes are not frequently listed for sale, as evidenced by sparse listings on platforms like Weichert or Redfin, indicating a stable, low-turnover neighborhood. When available, townhomes in Old Dominion Square likely command premium prices, aligning with McLean’s median home value of approximately $1.2 million (2023 estimate), far exceeding Fairfax County’s overall median of $869,719.
Fairfax County’s housing market is highly competitive, with a Redfin Compete Score of 87 out of 100. In January 2025, Fairfax homes sold for a median price of $646,000, up 1.7% from the previous year, with an average of 42 days on the market. McLean, however, operates at a higher tier, with townhomes in similar communities often exceeding $1 million. For instance, a hypothetical 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in Old Dominion Square, given its prime location, could range from $900,000 to $1.5 million, depending on condition and updates. This price point reflects a 55.38% appreciation rate over the past decade in Fairfax, though McLean’s rates may be higher due to its exclusivity.
Several factors drive these trends. Proximity to Tysons, a major commercial hub with 26.6 million square feet of office space, and the Silver Line Metro stations enhances property values. The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail, a popular recreational amenity, runs through Fairfax County, adding to the area’s desirability. However, Old Dominion Square’s older construction (likely pre-1970s) may temper appreciation compared to newer developments unless units have been extensively renovated. Fairfax County’s push for affordable housing, exemplified by projects like Dominion Square West in Tysons (unrelated to Old Dominion Square), contrasts with McLean’s focus on luxury, reinforcing the latter’s high-end market status.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Old Dominion Square faces challenges common to older HOAs: aging infrastructure, rising maintenance costs, and adapting to modern resident needs, such as electric vehicle charging (supported by Fairfax County’s Charge Up Fairfax program). Its small size may limit resources compared to larger associations, potentially increasing dues or straining community cohesion. Conversely, its location ensures sustained demand, protecting property values even amidst broader market fluctuations.
Looking ahead, Fairfax County’s population growth (rebounding to pre-pandemic levels in 2023) and Tysons’ urbanization will likely intensify pressure on McLean’s housing market. Old Dominion Square’s historical charm and prime location position it well to benefit from this trend, though gentrification and redevelopment pressures could alter its character over time. Fairfax County’s commitment to equity and sustainability, as seen in initiatives like the 2023 Demographic Reports, may also influence future HOA policies, encouraging greener practices or inclusivity efforts—though McLean’s affluence may insulate Old Dominion Square from significant shifts.
Conclusion
Old Dominion Square HOA encapsulates the evolution of Fairfax County from a colonial outpost to a modern suburban powerhouse. Its history reflects mid-century suburbanization, its demographics mirror McLean’s affluent, educated profile, and its real estate trends underscore the region’s competitive, high-value market. While specific data on the community is limited, its context within Fairfax County—a region of economic vitality, historical significance, and ongoing transformation—paints a vivid picture of a stable, desirable enclave. As Northern Virginia continues to grow, Old Dominion Square stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-located, community-driven living, balancing tradition with the demands of a dynamic present.
