Real Nova Network by Chris Colgan

Manassas, Virginia, stands as one of Northern Virginia's most unique cities—a place where America's past is not just preserved but is the vibrant backdrop for a thriving, modern community. For those wondering, "What is it really like to live in Manassas?" you've come to the right place.

As a Northern Virginia real estate expert who grew up here, I've helped countless families find their home in Manassas. I can tell you it offers a rare blend of affordability, culture, and connectivity.

Let's explore what "Living in Manassas 101" truly means.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Manassas

Manassas is a fantastic place to call home, but like any city, it has a unique profile. As a local expert, I believe in giving you the complete picture.

The Pros:

• Affordability: Compared to Fairfax or Arlington, Manassas offers a significantly more accessible price point for a wide range of properties.

• Community & Culture: The "small-town" feel of Old Town, combined with events like First Fridays, creates a strong sense of community.

• Major Employment Hub: Manassas is not just a commuter city; it's a job center. It's home to major employers like Micron and Lockheed Martin and is a short drive to other tech and government hubs.

• Tons of Shopping & Amenities: From local boutiques in Old Town to major retailers, all your daily needs are covered. Plus, the Manassas Mall is slated for a massive revamp, which is huge news for the area.

• Green Space: The Manassas National Battlefield is a 5,000-acre backyard for hiking, running, and unwinding.

The Cons:

• Significant Traffic: Let's be upfront. The I-66 and Route 234 (Sudley Road) corridors can be a major challenge during rush hour if you're not using the Express Lanes or VRE.

• Mix of Older Homes: While this is a "pro" for those who love historic charm or a fixer-upper, buyers looking for exclusively new construction will find the inventory is a mix of new builds and homes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

A City Steeped in History & Outdoor Life

You can't talk about Manassas without acknowledging its historical significance. The city is bordered by the Manassas National Battlefield Park, a stunningly preserved 5,000-acre park that marks the site of two major Civil War battles.

But for residents, this history translates into an incredible modern amenity. The park is crisscrossed with miles of hiking, running, and horseback riding trails. It’s an unparalleled green space right in your backyard.

The Heartbeat: Old Town, Entertainment & Major Developments

The true soul of the city is Old Town Manassas. This charming, walkable downtown is centered around a historic train depot and brimming with local boutiques, craft breweries, and diverse restaurants. The community's passion comes alive during First Fridays, which run from spring through fall. On these nights, the streets close to traffic and transform into a massive block party with live bands and local food.

Beyond Old Town, Manassas is a hub for entertainment. You're just a short drive from Jiffy Lube Live for major summer concerts, and for a great local hangout, my personal favorite spot is Nova Live, which has an awesome atmosphere.

Top-Tier Education & Local Institutions

Manassas boasts excellent schools, and because of the unique city/county jurisdictions, you have several systems in one area (more on that in our FAQ!). As a lifelong resident, I have a special connection to the schools here. My favorite is, of course, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School (part of Prince William County Schools), an incredible facility named in honor of my grandfather, the late Senator Chuck Colgan.

The Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) campus in Manassas provides a powerful and accessible pathway to higher education.

Manassas is also a healthcare hub for the region, anchored by the Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center. This is a major local employer and a critical amenity for residents.

Manassas Real Estate: A Deep Dive Into the September 2025 Market

As a real estate professional, I live by the data. Here’s the expert analysis of what’s happening in Manassas right now, based on the latest September 2025 reports.

The overall median sold price for all home types in Manassas was $558,500, a 2.0% increase from last year. But the real story is in the different property types.

H3: The Detached Single-Family Home Market

This segment is favoring buyers more than in previous years.

• Median Sold Price: $695,000 (a solid 5.9% increase from 2024)

• Days on Market: 26 days

• Key Insight: The "Contract Ratio" (a measure of demand vs. supply) is at 0.55. This, combined with a 14.6% increase in supply, indicates the market is moving in the buyer's favor. Buyers have more negotiating power here than they've had in a long time.

H3: The Townhome & Condo Market

This is where the action is. The attached home market is hot and seeing significant growth.

• Townhome Median Price: $490,000 (a massive 15.3% jump from last year!)

• Condo Median Price: $352,500 (the perfect entry-point for homeownership)

Insider Tip: A "Secret" Condo Neighborhood

As someone who has lived and worked here for years, I have a favorite hidden gem: Rollingwood. It's a fantastic condo neighborhood tucked away right next to the hospital. I used to live there, and it's an absolutely perfect location for hospital staff or anyone looking for a quiet, convenient, and affordable entry into the Manassas market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Living in Manassas

Q: What's the difference between Manassas, Manassas City, and Manassas Park? A: This is the most common and most important question I get! "Manassas" is a large area, but it's broken into three distinct parts.

1. Manassas City (Zip: 20110): This is an independent city. It has its own excellent school system (Manassas City Public Schools), its own police department, and its own city government. Old Town is located here.

2. Manassas Park (Zip: 20111): This is also an independent city, just like Manassas City. It has its own city government, school system (Manassas Park City Schools), and services.

3. Manassas (Prince William County): This is the large, unincorporated area that has a "Manassas" address but is part of Prince William County. These residents use Prince William County Public Schools and services.

To add to the fun, the Prince William County Courthouse is located right in the middle of independent Manassas City! Knowing this difference is critical when you're searching for a home.

Q: What are the major employers in Manassas, VA? A: Manassas is a major job center. Key employers include tech giants like Micron and aerospace/defense leader Lockheed Martin. The Novant Health hospital is also a major employer, along with the city and county school systems and governments.

Q: Is Manassas, VA, a good place to live? A: Absolutely. It offers a unique combination of historic charm, modern amenities, diverse and affordable housing, and a strong sense of community.

Q: What is the commute from Manassas to Washington, D.C. like? A: The VRE train is the real game-changer. It's a stress-free ride from the Old Town station directly to Union Station in D.C. By car, I-66 traffic can be heavy, but the Express Lanes help.

Is Manassas, VA, the Right Move for You?

Reading about Manassas is one thing, but seeing it is another. If you truly want to get a feel for the different neighborhoods, the historic downtown, and the new developments, you can see the city for yourself in my epic Manassas driving tour video.

Manassas offers a lifestyle that's hard to find elsewhere in NOVA. It's a place where you can own a home with a yard, enjoy a vibrant local culture, and still be connected to the entire D.C. metro area.

Thinking about making Manassas your home? My team and I know every corner of this city—and just as importantly, we know the difference between the county and the independent cities.

I'm Chris Colgan with EXP Realty. Let's find your perfect place. You can see all active listings on our dedicated Manassas Real Estate page.