Living in Stafford

• 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.

Sheriff’s Office

• 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.

Fire & Rescue

• 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.

County’s historic assets provide foundation for thriving tourism industry.

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.

Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center