Wedgewood East and West Apartments
Historical Background
The origins of Wedgewood Apartments trace back to the mid-20th century, with construction beginning in the 1960s. Wedgewood Manor, the earliest phase, was established in 1966, followed by Wedgewood West in 1967, and later Wedgewood East. These developments emerged during a period of rapid suburbanization in Fairfax County, as the region transformed from a rural outpost into a bustling suburb of Washington, D.C. The post-World War II housing boom, coupled with the expansion of federal employment in the D.C. metropolitan area, fueled demand for affordable and accessible housing options for workers and their families. Wedgewood was initially developed as a private rental property, catering to a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees seeking affordable rents and proximity to urban amenities.
By the late 1990s, Wedgewood had become a well-established community, noted for its spacious units, well-maintained grounds, and family-oriented environment. A 1997 Washington Post article highlighted the experiences of long-term residents like San and Larry Hammack, who moved into Wedgewood Manor in 1966 and later relocated to a townhouse within Wedgewood West. At that time, the complex was owned by partnerships controlled by investor Robert Goldberg and managed by Wedgewood Management Co. Rents were modest—rising from $168 in the late 1960s to $375 by 1975, and nearly $1,100 for a three-bedroom unit by 1997—reflecting gradual increases aligned with inflation and operating costs.
A pivotal moment in Wedgewood’s history occurred around 2009, when Fairfax County acquired the property for just over $100 million in bond funds. This acquisition, prompted by the original owner’s desire to sell in his later years, marked a shift from private ownership to public stewardship. The FCRHA’s purchase was hailed as a strategic move to preserve affordable housing in a county where rising property values and gentrification threatened to displace lower-income residents. Robert Schwaninger, a Mason District representative on the FCRHA board, described the deal as a “very wise move,” noting that the property was in good condition and generated sufficient rental income to cover bond payments. This transition cemented Wedgewood’s role as a cornerstone of Fairfax County’s affordable housing strategy, restricting occupancy to households earning below 60% of the area median income (AMI), with rents set at approximately 30% of tenants’ adjusted gross income.
Demographics of Wedgewood and Annandale
Wedgewood’s demographic profile reflects both its affordability mandate and the broader diversity of Annandale, a census-designated place within Fairfax County. Annandale, with a population of approximately 41,000 (based on recent estimates), is known for its multicultural character, often dubbed “Koreatown” due to its significant Korean-American population. Fairfax County as a whole is one of the most diverse and affluent counties in the United States, with a median household income exceeding $130,000 and a population of over 1.15 million. However, Annandale stands out as a more affordable and ethnically varied enclave compared to wealthier areas like McLean or Great Falls.
Wedgewood’s residents are predominantly low- to moderate-income households, a direct result of its income restrictions. Eligibility is tied to the AMI, which for Fairfax County in 2025 is likely around $142,000 for a family of four (adjusted annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). This means qualifying households typically earn less than $85,200 annually, with many likely falling well below this threshold. The complex’s 670 units house a mix of families, single individuals, and seniors, with a notable presence of children who attend nearby schools such as Annandale Terrace Elementary, Poe Middle School, and Annandale High School.
Historically, Wedgewood has been a melting pot of cultures, a trend that intensified over the decades. The 1997 Washington Post article described it as a “United Nations of tenants,” with property manager Barbara Ghent noting the growing diversity of residents, including many young families. This diversity mirrors Annandale’s demographic evolution, where Asian (particularly Korean and Vietnamese), Hispanic, and immigrant communities have flourished alongside White and Black populations. Online reviews and resident testimonials from platforms like ApartmentRatings.com suggest a community that is vibrant yet occasionally challenged by maintenance issues, noise, and pests—common concerns in densely populated, budget-conscious housing complexes.
The presence of “magnet housing” units—reserved for essential workers like police officers, firefighters, teachers, and nurses—adds another layer to Wedgewood’s demographic fabric. These units, comprising a small fraction of the total (approximately half a dozen with features like granite countertops), aim to retain critical public servants in a county where high living costs often push them to outer suburbs like Woodbridge or Prince William County. This initiative underscores Wedgewood’s dual role as both a safety net for the economically vulnerable and a resource for community stability.
Real Estate Trends and Wedgewood’s Role
The real estate landscape in Fairfax County is characterized by high demand, limited supply, and escalating prices, driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., robust job market, and top-tier school system. As of April 2025, the median home price in Fairfax County hovers around $700,000, with single-family homes often exceeding $1 million in premium areas. Rental rates are similarly steep, with average two-bedroom apartments commanding $2,000 to $2,500 per month in market-rate properties. This pricing dynamic has amplified the importance of affordable housing options like Wedgewood, where rents are income-based and significantly lower than market rates.
Wedgewood’s real estate trends must be understood in the context of its public ownership and affordability mandate rather than traditional market forces. Unlike privately owned complexes, where rents might rise sharply to match demand, Wedgewood’s rates are capped to ensure accessibility. Historical data from the 1997 Washington Post article indicates modest annual increases of $5 to $15 in the 1990s, a trend likely tempered further under county ownership. Current rental information from the Edgewood Management website (as of April 10, 2025) does not list specific rates due to their income-dependent nature, but prospective tenants are encouraged to contact the leasing office for personalized quotes.
The broader Annandale rental market provides a useful comparison. Nearby properties like Little River Square, another Edgewood-managed affordable community, cater to similar demographics, while market-rate apartments such as those listed on ApartmentGuide.com (e.g., $2,114 for a one- to two-bedroom unit) highlight the premium for non-subsidized housing. Wedgewood’s value lies in its stability: with 670 units preserved as affordable, it shields residents from the volatility of Fairfax County’s real estate boom, where gentrification and redevelopment have reduced the stock of low-cost housing.
Real estate trends in Fairfax County also reflect a growing emphasis on multifamily housing, as zoning reforms and population growth spur the construction of apartments and condos. However, affordable units remain scarce, with waiting lists for subsidized properties like Wedgewood often stretching months or years. Online sources, such as LowIncomeHousing.us, emphasize the challenge of securing a unit, advising applicants to join multiple waiting lists. Wedgewood’s scale and county backing make it a rare exception in a market where new affordable developments struggle to keep pace with demand.
Amenities, Community Life, and Challenges
Wedgewood East and West offer a range of amenities designed for convenience and comfort, including air conditioning, large closets, French doors opening to patios or balconies, and all utilities included in rent. Community features like a swimming pool, playground, business center, and on-site laundry rooms enhance livability, while proximity to I-495, public transportation, and local schools adds practical appeal. The complex’s park-like setting and night-time security patrols contribute to a sense of safety and tranquility, though resident reviews occasionally cite drawbacks like outdated appliances, pest issues, and inconsistent maintenance response times.
Community life at Wedgewood is shaped by its affordability and diversity. Residents like Surinder Rana and Isaias Chavez, quoted in a 2012 Annandale Today article, praised its convenience and family-friendly atmosphere, despite minor nuisances like noise or bugs. The complex’s role as a stable home for immigrants, essential workers, and long-term tenants underscores its social significance, even as it faces scrutiny from critics who argue that county-subsidized housing is overly generous—a claim Schwaninger dismissed as “ridiculous” given its modest offerings.
Conclusion
Wedgewood East and West Apartments stand as a testament to Fairfax County’s commitment to affordable housing amid a challenging real estate landscape. From its origins as a private rental community in the 1960s to its current status as a publicly owned haven for low- and moderate-income residents, Wedgewood has evolved with the region’s demographic and economic shifts. Its diverse population, anchored by families and essential workers, reflects Annandale’s multicultural identity, while its income-based rents offer a bulwark against the county’s soaring housing costs. As Fairfax County navigates the pressures of growth and affordability, Wedgewood remains a vital resource—imperfect yet indispensable—bridging the gap between aspiration and accessibility in one of America’s most dynamic suburbs.
