Living in Stafford

Stafford County has a great mix of civilized refinement and natural beauty

Learn more about the county:

Locally, a wealth of fine arts and performing arts resources
Close proximity to rich arts and culture offerings in Washington DC and Richmond

Stafford County Public Schools serves nearly 28,000 students in 31 schools in a county covering 280 square miles.
Stafford County Public Schools (K-12) equaled or exceeded the state on all Virginia Standards of Learning tests, achieving higher scores on 28 or the 29 assessments; SCPS’ average SAT score is 1533 (higher than Virginia’s 1490).
Largest school division in Virginia with all of its schools fully accredited.
Higher Education offered at University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community. (Link this to the Workforce and Community Education section under Workforce Training)
The Marine Corps University located on Quantico Base, partially located in Stafford.
Virginia is home to some of the nation’s top research and academic institutions, including: University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason, VCU and more.
Several private K-12, undergraduate and specialized training institutions serve Stafford.

Stafford is ranked one of Virginia’s healthiest counties.
Stafford Hospital, part of Mary Washington Healthcare, offers modern facilities and an array of routine and specialty services.
Numerous healthcare clinics and urgent care facilities are located throughout county.

Land and housing costs are significantly lower than in other communities in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC region.
Property taxes are lower than in Northern Virginia/Washington DC, yet the county amenities like parks, recreational facilities, open space and public libraries are widely available.
A wide variety of housing options are available, from gated communities to starter homes, townhouses, cluster homes and apartments.
Golf and waterfront communities.
Home ownership 79.5%.
Average household size 3.0, compared to US average 2.6.

Law enforcement, fire and emergency services funded and provided through Stafford County property taxes.
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office offers crime prevention programs, community policing and criminal investigations. Also coordinates local Homeland Security.

All-hazards response agency.
Combination career-volunteer department provides emergency response and mitigation to all fire, rescue, emergency medical and environmental hazard (Haz-Mat) incidents.
Lead agency for emergency management.
Oversees Explosive Ordinance Disposal, building plan review and fire code enforcement, fire and environmental crime investigation, and public fire and life safety education and preparedness.
15 fire and rescue stations in partnership with 14 volunteer rescue or fire/rescue companies.

George Washington’s Boyhood Home located in Stafford, source of the “Cherry Tree Legend.”
Past dates back to largest of the dinosaurs, various Native American tribes, 17^th Century settlers.
Played critical role in “Trail to Freedom” for slaves during Civil War.
Numerous Revolutionary and Civil War sites.
County’s rich history researched by Stafford Historical Society and the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center.

Recreational opportunities abound throughout Stafford.

Bordered to the east by the Potomac River and to the south by the Rappahannock River, county offers 51 miles of shoreline.
Waterways and numerous lakes provide fishing, water sports and water access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Government Island, natural park and archaeological site, includes trail system and interpretive signs.