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Neighborhood Guides, Living in Northern Virginia, Haymarket, VA
Moving to Haymarket, VA in 2025? A Local Expert's Ultimate Guide
Hey everyone, Chris Colgan here. For me, Haymarket isn’t just a market I work in—it’s the backdrop to my entire life and a community I’m deeply proud to call home. My family's roots run deep here. My grandfather was the late Senator Chuck Colgan, a man who dedicated his life to public service and shaping the future of our region.
I have vivid childhood memories of him at the center of Haymarket's biggest moments. He was a key figure in the historic 1990s debate when Disney proposed its "Disney's America" theme park right here. Watching that pivotal moment unfold, and seeing the land eventually become the beautiful, thriving neighborhoods we love today, gave me a unique perspective. It’s about more than property lines; it’s about the heart, history, and incredible future of our community.
If you’re thinking about laying down your own roots, I want to give you a real, boots-on-the-ground look at the town that’s so much more than a collection of houses—it's a place to build a life.
The Best of Both Worlds: Haymarket’s Unmatched Appeal
What truly defines Haymarket is its ability to blend authentic small-town charm with world-class convenience. Even with our modern growth, we’ve fiercely held onto that genuine sense of community. It's a place where you'll see neighbors at the annual Haymarket Day street festival, catch a local high school football game under the Friday night lights, and still be just minutes from everything you need. This unique combination is our secret sauce, and it's why so many people who move here never want to leave.
Peace of Mind: A Local’s Take on Our Award-Winning Hospital
You don't truly appreciate great healthcare until you need it. I can personally speak to the incredible asset we have in the UVA Haymarket Medical Center. When I had to rush there for an emergency, the experience was nothing short of amazing. The staff was incredibly friendly, security helped us check in immediately, and they had me back for treatment in what felt like less than 10 minutes.
This isn't just a personal anecdote. The hospital is recognized for its excellence, recently earning a Five-Star CMS rating for cleanliness, a testament to their unwavering commitment to patient safety and care. Having a UVA-affiliated hospital of this caliber right in our backyard provides a profound sense of security for every family that lives here.
Convenience is King: Premier Shopping & Amenities
Haymarket is perfectly positioned for ultimate convenience. For all your daily needs and home improvement projects, the Home Depot and Walmart are right in town.
And for what I consider the best grocery shopping experience anywhere, the Wegmans in Gainesville is just a 5 to 10-minute drive away. It's one of my favorite places—they have an incredible selection, and if you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you’ll love the model train that circles the store from above. Its location connects us seamlessly to the broader amenities in Gainesville while keeping our immediate surroundings peaceful.
Updated Haymarket, VA Real Estate Market Report - June 2025
The Haymarket housing market is transitioning from the intense seller's market of recent years toward a more balanced, yet still competitive, environment. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest data.
Key Market Metrics (May 2025)
- Sales Performance:
- Total Sales Volume: $27.6 million, a 28.1% decrease from May 2024.
- Average Sold Price: $799,196, showing a 1.9% increase year-over-year.
- Median Sold Price: $730,000, down 1.7% from the previous year.
- Units Sold: 35 homes, a 30% decrease from the 50 sales in May 2024.
- Property Type Breakdown:
- Detached Homes: The average sold price was $945,809, with 21 units sold.
- Attached/Townhomes: The average sold price was $579,278, with 14 units sold.
- Inventory and Competition:
- Active Listings: Inventory rose significantly to 53 properties, a 47.2% increase from the 36 available in May 2024.
- Average Days on Market: Homes are selling in an average of 18 days, up slightly from 14 days last year.
- Sale-to-List Price Ratio: Homes typically sell for about 100.6% of their list price.
Market Dynamics & Outlook
The increase in inventory provides more options for buyers, though the market continues to favor sellers overall. A notable shift is the return of buyer contingencies (inspection, financing, etc.), signaling a move toward a more balanced negotiation process.
While sales volume has decreased, pricing remains stable with modest appreciation. Experts predict that Prince William County prices will continue to rise a projected 3.5% through 2025, with Haymarket remaining an attractive and relatively affordable market within Northern Virginia. This shift represents a normalization rather than a dramatic downturn.
Your Haymarket, VA Questions Answered (FAQ)
Here are answers to the most common questions I get from people thinking about moving to our wonderful town.
- How Safe is Haymarket for Families?
Haymarket is exceptionally safe, ranking in the 88th percentile for safety nationwide. The town has one of the lowest violent crime rates in America, and its overall crime rate is 88% lower than the national average. With an A grade for crime and safety, it's a community where residents feel secure in both neighborhoods and commercial areas.
- What are the School Options and Quality?
Haymarket is served by the highly-rated Prince William County Public Schools. The district includes standout schools like Battlefield High School and Patriot High School, which consistently rank among the top high schools in the state and boast excellent performance in core subjects.
- How Much Will I Pay in Property Taxes?
Property taxes in Haymarket are calculated at an effective rate of 1.04%. For a median-priced home of $677,500, a homeowner could expect to pay approximately $7,019 annually. This rate is reflective of the area's high property values and the excellent quality of local services funded by these taxes.
- What's the Cost of Living Like?
The cost of living in Haymarket is about 23.1% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs. However, some expenses are lower than average; for example, average energy bills are over 10% lower than the national average.
- How's the Commute to Washington, DC?
Haymarket offers great commuting options. The drive to D.C. is about 45 minutes without traffic. Public transit is also robust, with bus services connecting to the Metro. For local commuters, a drive to a nearby hub like Chantilly takes only 20-30 minutes.
- What Dining and Entertainment Options Are Available?
Haymarket has a diverse and growing dining scene, from historic spots like the Red House Tavern to local favorites like Hidden Julles Cafe and Olde Dominion Tavern. For entertainment, residents enjoy numerous wineries, golf courses, and beloved community events like the Haymarket Day festival.
- What Neighborhoods Should I Consider?
Top-tier neighborhoods include the Dominion Valley Country Club and the Villages of Piedmont, both known for their comprehensive amenities, upscale homes, and strong family appeal. These communities offer a fantastic mix of single-family homes and townhouses with easy access to parks and the town center.
- What's the Community Character?
With a population of around 1,600, Haymarket perfectly blends its historic 18th-century charm with modern development. The community is known for its white-collar workforce and strong civic pride, offering what many residents describe as "the charm of the past mixed with the amenities of today."
- What Utilities and Services Can I Expect?
Residents receive excellent utility services. Water is provided by Virginia American Water, sourced from the Potomac and Occoquan rivers, costing about a penny per gallon. The provider has invested over $53 million in recent years to ensure system reliability and quality.
About the Author
As a lifelong resident of Haymarket and the grandson of one of its most dedicated public servants, Senator Chuck Colgan, I don't just work in this community—I live and breathe it. My deep family roots and firsthand experience watching this town evolve have given me an unparalleled understanding of its history, its neighborhoods, and its people. My mission is to use that lifetime of local knowledge to provide more than just a real estate transaction, but a genuine, guided experience into the community I'm proud to call my home.
Let's Find Your Home in Haymarket
Haymarket is a special place that holds onto its history while embracing a bright future. If you're looking for strong communities, great schools, and an unmatched quality of life, I may be biased, but I believe you've found the perfect place to call home.
Ready to explore Haymarket with a true local expert? Buying a home is about more than just a transaction—it's about finding your place in a community. You need more than an agent; you need a guide. Let's put my lifetime of Haymarket knowledge to work for you.
Call or text me directly to get started.
Chris Colgan
EXP Realty LLC
Your Haymarket Real Estate Specialist
Lifelong Resident
(571) 624-1001
chriscolganteam@gmail.com
www.ColganTeam.com
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