West Five Oaks Centreville Area
Historical Context
The history of Centreville, and by extension any neighborhood like West Five Oaks within it, is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Fairfax County. Fairfax County was established in 1742, carved out of Prince William County, and named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, a British nobleman who owned vast tracts of land in Virginia’s Northern Neck. The region’s early settlement patterns were shaped by its proximity to the Potomac River, with notable figures like George Washington and George Mason establishing estates such as Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall nearby. Centreville itself emerged as a distinct community in the 18th century, initially as a small crossroads settlement along key trade and travel routes.
During the colonial period, the area that would become Centreville was rural, dotted with plantations and small farms. The 1760 map of Fairfax County, as documented by historian Beth Mitchell, shows early landowners and tenants, providing a snapshot of a landscape dominated by agricultural estates. The Revolutionary War brought changes, with the destruction of properties like Belvoir Manor, owned by William Fairfax, signaling a shift in the region’s economic and social fabric. By the 19th century, Centreville gained prominence during the Civil War, particularly as a strategic location during the First and Second Battles of Bull Run (Manassas) in 1861 and 1862. Confederate and Union forces clashed near Centreville, leaving behind earthworks and historical markers that remain today, such as those along Route 29.
The post-Civil War era saw Centreville remain a quiet, agrarian community until the 20th century, when Fairfax County began its transformation into a suburban hub. The post-World War II boom, fueled by the GI Bill and the expansion of the federal government in nearby Washington, D.C., spurred residential development across the county. Centreville, located approximately 20 miles west of D.C., became a prime target for suburbanization in the mid-20th century. Neighborhoods like “Five Oaks” or “West Five Oaks” likely emerged during this period or later, as developers subdivided former farmland into planned communities to accommodate the growing population of government workers, military personnel, and professionals seeking proximity to the capital.
By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Centreville had evolved into a bustling suburban area, with modern infrastructure, schools, and shopping centers like the Centreville Multiplex. The historical roots of the area, combined with its modern development, create a unique blend of past and present that defines neighborhoods within Centreville today.
Demographics
Centreville, as a CDP in Fairfax County, provides a demographic profile that likely reflects the characteristics of a neighborhood like West Five Oaks. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 data, Centreville had a population of approximately 73,518, making it one of the larger communities in Fairfax County, which itself boasts a population of 1,150,309, the highest in Virginia. Fairfax County is known for its diversity, affluence, and educated populace, trends that extend to Centreville.
The racial and ethnic composition of Centreville is notably diverse. Based on 2020 Census estimates, approximately 47% of residents are White, 30% Asian, 13% Hispanic or Latino, and 7% Black or African American, with smaller percentages of other groups. This diversity reflects Fairfax County’s status as a melting pot, driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the presence of international organizations, tech firms, and government contractors that attract a global workforce. The Asian population, in particular, has grown significantly in Centreville, with Korean and Vietnamese communities establishing cultural hubs, including restaurants and churches along Route 29.
The median household income in Centreville aligns with Fairfax County’s high economic standing. In 2021, the county’s median household income was $134,115, nearly double the national median of $69,717, according to the American Community Survey. Centreville’s income levels are slightly lower than the county average but still robust, estimated at around $110,000-$120,000, reflecting a mix of middle-class and upper-middle-class households. This affluence is tied to the area’s employment base, with many residents working in professional services, technology, and government-related fields. Major employers in Fairfax County, such as Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Fort Belvoir, employ thousands of Centreville residents.
Education levels in Centreville are also impressive, mirroring Fairfax County’s reputation for highly rated schools. Over 60% of adults in the county hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, a figure likely similar in Centreville, given its access to top-tier institutions like Centreville High School and Liberty Middle School. The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 38-40, and families dominate the demographic landscape, with 55.5% of households in Fairfax County consisting of married couples, a trend consistent in Centreville’s suburban setting.
Housing in Centreville is predominantly owner-occupied, with single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartment complexes making up the residential stock. The vacancy rate is low, often below 1%, indicating strong demand and limited supply—a characteristic that likely applies to a neighborhood like West Five Oaks. The area’s demographic stability, combined with its diversity and economic strength, positions it as a desirable place to live within Fairfax County.
Real Estate Trends
The real estate market in Centreville, and by extension a hypothetical West Five Oaks neighborhood, reflects the broader dynamics of Fairfax County—a competitive, seller-driven market with rising prices and limited inventory. Fairfax County’s housing market has been shaped by its proximity to Washington, D.C., robust job growth, and a chronic shortage of affordable housing, trends that have intensified in recent years.
As of March 2025, Fairfax County had 3,039 homes for sale, with a median price of $729,053, up 5.8% from the previous year, according to Rocket Homes. Centreville’s median home price is slightly lower, typically ranging from $550,000 to $650,000, depending on the property type. Single-family detached homes, which account for about 54% of Fairfax County’s housing stock, dominate Centreville, alongside townhouses (a growing segment) and multifamily units. A neighborhood like West Five Oaks, if it exists as a planned subdivision, would likely feature a mix of these housing types, built primarily between the 1970s and 1990s, with some newer construction from the 2000s onward.
The market in Centreville is highly competitive, with homes selling quickly—often within 10-20 days on average in 2025, according to sources like Redfin and Rocket Homes. In Fairfax County, homes received multiple offers, with an average sale price 2% above list price in hot segments, a trend that holds in Centreville’s popular neighborhoods. The Redfin Compete Score rates Fairfax County at 90 out of 100 for competitiveness, and Centreville likely falls in a similar range, driven by low inventory (1.4 months of supply in September 2024, per NVAR) and high demand.
Historical appreciation rates in Fairfax County have been strong, though Centreville’s growth has been more moderate compared to urban centers like Tysons. NeighborhoodScout data from 2021 indicates Fairfax County homes appreciated at an annualized rate of 4.51% over the prior decade, with Centreville likely seeing similar or slightly lower gains due to its suburban character. By 2025, however, price increases have accelerated, with Fairfax County’s median sale price up 11.5% year-over-year in September 2024 (NVAR), and Centreville following suit with double-digit gains in some pockets.
Key factors driving Centreville’s real estate trends include its excellent schools, access to major highways (I-66, Route 28, Route 29), and proximity to employment hubs like Dulles International Airport and Reston’s tech corridor. However, challenges persist, such as rising interest rates (hovering around 6% in early 2025 after peaking near 7% in 2023) and a reluctance among homeowners to sell due to low-rate mortgages secured during the pandemic (below 3%). This has constrained inventory, pushing prices higher and making it a seller’s market.
For a neighborhood like West Five Oaks, assuming it’s a typical Centreville subdivision, home values would likely range from $500,000 for a townhouse to $800,000+ for a larger single-family home, with annual appreciation of 5-10% in recent years. Environmental risks, such as flooding (12% of Fairfax County properties at risk over 30 years) and heat (a 114% increase in days over 103°F projected), may influence future trends, though Centreville’s inland location mitigates some flood concerns compared to riverfront areas.
Conclusion
Centreville, encompassing areas like the presumed West Five Oaks, embodies the evolution of Fairfax County from a colonial outpost to a modern suburban powerhouse. Its history reflects a transition from rural roots to Civil War significance and postwar suburbanization. Demographically, it mirrors the county’s diversity, affluence, and educational attainment, making it a magnet for families and professionals. The real estate market, while competitive and expensive, offers stability and growth potential, though it faces challenges from limited supply and economic shifts.
For residents or prospective buyers in a neighborhood like West Five Oaks, Centreville offers a blend of historical charm, community vitality, and economic opportunity—hallmarks of Fairfax County’s enduring appeal. As the region continues to grow, balancing development with affordability will remain a key challenge, but its trajectory suggests sustained demand and value for years to come.
