Land buyers searching for affordable land for sale in Northern Virginia should consider land for sale in Warrenton VA.
The county seat and one of only three incorporated towns in Fauquier County, Warrenton is located roughly one hour from Washington, DC. The population is small – only 9,611 as of the 2010 census – but the picturesque historic downtown district and convenient access to suburban amenities make it an appealing place to call home.
A rich history…
Warrenton has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution. The first courthouse was constructed in 1790, and the town of Warrenton was incorporated in 1810. During the Civil War, Federal troops occupied the town’s churches and schools, and the town was raided by Confederate army cavalry battalion commander John S. Mosby. Also known as “Gray Ghost,” Mosby subsequently settled in Warrenton and practiced law. Chief Justice John Marshall also practiced law in Warrenton. A statue to the Chief Justice stands on Main Street next to the Old Courthouse.
Farming also has a rich history in Fauquier County. Compared to neighboring Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties, Fauquier County has managed to preserve much of its rural character and actively encourages farming. Rural areas make up 90 percent of the county, with efforts like the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program aiding in the preservation of farm land. The Agricultural Development Department also operates Fauquier Farm Link, which serves as a platform to connect farmers looking for farm land with owners who are interested in leasing their land.
How much does it cost to buy land for sale in Warrenton VA?
Last year, the median sale price of land for sale in Fauquier County was roughly $17,000 per acre, making it considerably more affordable than Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties. The price of land for sale in Warrenton VA trends a little bit higher—roughly $50,000 per acre, on average, during the past year, with prices ranging from $3,400 to $260,000 per acre. However, that is still pretty affordable for Northern Virginia when you consider that the median price per acre of land in Fairfax County during the same period was roughly $549,000. In fact, roughly half of all land sales in Warrenton in 2019 involved parcels that sold for $200,000 or less.
As with any land market, there tends to be a negative correlation between land area and the price per acre of land for sale in Warrenton. This helps explain why this 528 acre property on Meetze Road sold for $4,923 per acre ($2.6 million total), while this 2.23 acre lot on James Madison Highway sold for $44,843 per acre ($100,000 total).
Hiking and wine…a perfect pairing!
Another reason to love Warrenton is its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations reaching 2,338 feet above sea level in some areas of the northern portion of Fauquier County. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are any number of hiking trails within easy driving distance to explore on the weekends. Local favorites are Old Rag Mountain (1 hour), Buzzard Rock (45 minutes), and Little Devil’s Stairs (35 minutes). And, with 25 wineries on the Fauquier County wine trail, there are plenty of options for refreshments on the way home (just don’t drink and drive)!
If you’ve got any questions as you search for land for sale in Warrenton VA, please contact me anytime. Warrenton is a fantastic place to call home, and I’d love to show you around! Jonathan Kennedy – 202-750-4050 – Kennedy@KennedySellsVA.com.
