Historical Context and Development
The history of Olde Forge/Surrey Square is inseparable from the broader narrative of Fairfax County, a region with deep colonial roots that transformed dramatically in the 20th century. Fairfax County itself was established in 1742, carved out of Prince William County and named for Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who held proprietorship over the Northern Neck of Virginia. Early settlement in the area centered along the Potomac River, with notable figures like George Washington and George Mason establishing estates such as Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall. However, the area that would become Olde Forge/Surrey Square remained largely undeveloped until the post-World War II era, when suburbanization swept across Northern Virginia.
The development of Olde Forge began in the 1960s, a period marked by rapid population growth and housing demand in Fairfax County as the federal government expanded in nearby Washington, D.C. This suburban boom was fueled by the construction of major highways, including the Capital Beltway (I-495) and Little River Turnpike, which improved access to the capital and spurred residential development. Olde Forge emerged as a neighborhood of detached, single-family homes, designed to appeal to growing families seeking space and affordability outside the urban core. Surrey Square followed as a complementary subdivision, sharing similar architectural and community characteristics.
The Forgesquare Civic Association, as noted on its website (www.forgesquare.org), was formed to unite these two subdivisions under a shared civic framework. By combining forces, Olde Forge and Surrey Square gained greater influence within Fairfax County’s Braddock District, leveraging economies of scale to address neighborhood needs and foster a collective identity. The association’s establishment reflects a broader trend in mid-20th-century America, where civic organizations became vital for managing community affairs in newly formed suburbs. Today, the association continues to promote the “civic interests and general welfare” of its residents, organizing events like Memorial Day picnics, Halloween parades, and bulk trash pickups, which reinforce its role as a social and administrative anchor.
The neighborhood’s location near Braddock Road and its proximity to parks like Long Branch Stream Valley and George Mason Park underscore its appeal as a green, family-friendly enclave. While lacking the colonial landmarks of eastern Fairfax County, Olde Forge/Surrey Square embodies a more recent chapter of the region’s history—one defined by suburban expansion, community cohesion, and adaptation to the demands of modern life.
Demographic Profile
Understanding the demographics of Olde Forge/Surrey Square requires situating it within Fairfax County, one of the most populous and diverse counties in Virginia. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Fairfax County had a population of 1,150,309, making it the largest jurisdiction in the Washington metropolitan area. The county is known for its affluence, with a median household income of approximately $128,374 (adjusted to 2023 estimates), and its diversity, with 37.8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 30.7% born outside the United States. The median age in the county is 39.4, reflecting a balanced mix of young families, working professionals, and retirees.
While specific demographic data for Olde Forge/Surrey Square is not isolated in census reports (as it is a smaller neighborhood within the county), insights can be inferred from Fairfax County’s broader trends and the community’s characteristics. The neighborhood’s single-family home design and amenities—like its adjacency to parks and the Brandywine Swim Club—suggest it attracts families with children. The Forgesquare Civic Association’s emphasis on family-oriented events, such as Easter egg hunts and Independence Day parades, further supports this inference. Membership in the association is restricted to owners and residents of the two subdivisions, indicating a stable, homeowner-driven population.
Fairfax County’s Economic, Demographic, and Statistical Research (EDSR) unit provides additional context. The county’s poverty rate is relatively low at 6.7% (2023 estimate), and its educational attainment is high, with over 60% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Olde Forge/Surrey Square likely mirrors these trends, given its suburban setting and proximity to quality schools like Oak View Elementary and Robinson Secondary. The neighborhood’s location in the 22032 ZIP code, which includes areas like Olde Forge Court, shows a median household income above the national average, aligning with Fairfax County’s reputation as an affluent region.
Ethnically, Fairfax County is diverse, with significant White (50.2%), Asian (20.3%), Hispanic (16.5%), and Black (10.1%) populations as of 2020. While Olde Forge/Surrey Square may not exhibit the same level of diversity as denser urban pockets like Annandale or Herndon, its inclusion in the county suggests a mix of backgrounds, particularly among newer residents drawn by the area’s accessibility to D.C. and employment hubs like Tysons Corner. The community’s stability—evidenced by long-term residents and active civic participation—may temper rapid demographic shifts, preserving a somewhat traditional suburban profile.
Real Estate Trends
The real estate market in Olde Forge/Surrey Square reflects both its historical development and Fairfax County’s status as a competitive housing market. The neighborhood’s homes, primarily built in the 1960s and 1970s, vary in size and style, ranging from 1,300 to over 3,600 square feet, with four to six bedrooms and three to four bathrooms. This diversity in architecture—from split-levels to colonials—adds visual interest and caters to a range of buyer preferences, a feature often highlighted in real estate listings.
Recent sales data illustrate the area’s strong market performance. For example, 4710 Olde Forge Court, a 3,042-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home built in 1967, sold for $820,000 in June 2023. Its Zestimate as of early 2025 hovers around $826,700, reflecting steady appreciation. Listings describe features like refinished wood flooring, modern kitchens, and proximity to community pools and parks, underscoring the blend of updates and location-based value that drives demand. Another property, a five-bedroom, four-bathroom split-level on Twinbrook Road, was listed in 2024 for over $900,000, boasting renovations and a large lot—a testament to the premium placed on spacious, move-in-ready homes.
Fairfax County’s housing market is notably competitive, with a Redfin competitiveness score of 87 out of 100. The median sale price countywide was approximately $646,000 in early 2025, up 1.7% from the previous year, though Olde Forge/Surrey Square properties often exceed this due to their size and suburban appeal. The 22032 ZIP code, encompassing the neighborhood, has seen median sales prices climb steadily, fueled by demand from families and professionals seeking access to D.C. without urban density. Expanded driveways, two-car garages, and unfinished basements with potential for customization are common selling points, appealing to buyers willing to invest in upgrades.
Inventory in the area remains tight, a trend consistent with Fairfax County, where low supply and high demand push prices upward. Homes in Olde Forge/Surrey Square often sell quickly, especially those in good condition or on cul-de-sacs like Olde Forge Court, which offer privacy and safety. The neighborhood’s proximity to major routes—Braddock Road, Ox Road, and the Capital Beltway—enhances its desirability for commuters, while nearby parks and schools add family-friendly value. However, rising interest rates and economic uncertainty in 2025 have slightly tempered bidding wars, though well-priced homes still attract multiple offers.
Historically, the neighborhood’s real estate has appreciated reliably, reflecting Fairfax County’s growth as a tech and government employment hub. The stability of Olde Forge/Surrey Square, bolstered by its civic association and lack of through traffic, contrasts with newer, denser developments elsewhere in the county. While not immune to market fluctuations, the area’s established character and limited turnover suggest resilience against downturns, making it a sought-after pocket of Fairfax real estate.
Conclusion
Olde Forge/Surrey Square Civic Association stands as a microcosm of Fairfax County’s suburban evolution—a community born from the post-war housing boom, sustained by strong civic engagement, and thriving in a competitive real estate landscape. Its history traces the region’s shift from rural farmland to a commuter-friendly enclave, while its demographics reflect the affluence and family orientation of greater Fairfax. Real estate trends highlight its enduring appeal, with homes offering space, character, and access to both nature and urban amenities.
For residents, the neighborhood’s value lies not just in property appreciation but in the intangible benefits of community life—parades, picnics, and a shared commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment. As Fairfax County continues to grow and diversify, Olde Forge/Surrey Square remains a steadfast example of suburban living done right, balancing tradition with the demands of modernity. Whether viewed through the lens of history, demographics, or real estate, this neighborhood exemplifies the enduring allure of Northern Virginia’s residential heartland.
