Living in Stafford
Stafford County has a great mix of civilized refinement and natural beautyLearn more about the county:
Arts and Culture
- Locally, a wealth of fine arts and performing arts resources
- Close proximity to rich arts and culture offerings in Washington DC and Richmond
Education
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.
Healthcare
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.
Neighborhoods and Housing
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.
Public Safety
- 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.
History
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, 17th 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.
County’s historic assets provide foundation for thriving tourism industry.
Sports and Recreation
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.
Stafford County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
- 11 public parks and trail facilities.
- Sports and athletics programs and leagues for adults and children.
- Outdoor recreation activities, events and services.
- Music, dance and cultural arts activities.
- Arts and crafts.
- Instructional classes and workshops.
- Hobbies and special interest activities.
- Special events.
- Self-Improvement opportunities.
- Indoor recreation programs.
- 2 public pools including one indoor pool.