Everything About Living in Manassas, VA, You Should Know Before Moving

Quiet & affordable lifestyle with proximity to DC

Living in Manassas, VA, means enjoying a quieter, more affordable lifestyle while still having access to Washington, D.C. The historic downtown has local shops, restaurants, and year-round events. It is thus a great place for families and young professionals. 

With parks, museums, and a diverse population, Manassas offers a little bit of everything for those looking to settle down in Northern Virginia.

Where Is Manassas, VA, located?

Manassas, VA, is located in Northern Virginia, about 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. If you’re wondering which county Manassas, VA, is in, the answer is a bit tricky. 

The City of Manassas is an independent city. It is not part of any county, but it was once a part of Prince William County. Nearby, the Manassas Park is also independent. Even though Manassas is not part of Prince William County, the Prince William County Courthouse and other county government buildings are located there. 

Manassas is well-connected, with easy access to I-66, Route 28, and VRE commuter rail stations. The city is a popular choice for those commuting to D.C. or other parts of Northern Virginia.

What is the cost of living in Manassas, VA?

The cost of living in Manassas, VA, is lower than in Washington, D.C., with groceries being a mix of cheaper and slightly more expensive items. 

Below is a comparison of key living expenses:

Manassas, VA, population & demographics

The Manassas population in 2023 was 42,696, with a median age of 35.1 years. The city has a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. 

There are around 14,041 households, and the median household income is $110,559, which is higher than the national average. The poverty rate is 4.74%, making it one of the more financially stable areas in Northern Virginia. 

Manassas is diverse: 37.8% of residents identify as White (non-Hispanic), while the Hispanic population makes up a large portion of the community. Many residents work in construction, healthcare, and professional services. 

The city continues to grow, attracting new residents due to job opportunities, affordable housing, and its proximity to Washington, D.C.

Is Manassas, VA, a good place to live?

Whether Manassas, VA, is a good place to live depends on your priorities. Many residents love the area for its affordability compared to the rest of Northern Virginia. Homeowners find that they get more space for their money, with single-family homes on larger lots and lower mortgages than in neighboring cities. 

The Old Town area is a highlight, with local restaurants, breweries, and community events like First Fridays. There’s also plenty of diversity, which means access to great international food.

However, Manassas isn’t perfect. Some areas have lower-rated schools, and commuting to D.C. can take over an hour during rush hour. Public transit options exist, but they’re not as robust as in closer-in suburbs. While some parts of Manassas have a reputation for being lower-income, many locals argue that the concerns are exaggerated, especially when compared to other U.S. cities.

Is Manassas, VA, safe? Crime rates & safety

Manassas, VA, is safe, with moderate crime rates compared to national averages. The city has a C rating for crime and safety, with some neighborhoods being safer than others. 

Violent crime rates are lower than the national average, with assault at 156.4 per 100,000 residents, compared to 282.7 nationally. Robbery rates are also lower, but reports of rape are slightly above the national average. Property crimes like theft and motor vehicle theft occur, but burglary rates are significantly lower than the national average.

Many residents feel generally safe, with 78% saying they feel safe in their neighborhood. The police are active, with 67% of residents describing law enforcement as visible and responsive.

Exploring downtown Manassas: Shopping, dining, & entertainment

Downtown Manassas is the heart of the city. It blends history, culture, and modern attractions. The Historic Manassas Train Depot, built in 1914, now serves as a visitor center and a stop for Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express trains.

Popular attractions include:

• Old Town Manassas: A historic district with over 200 buildings, local boutiques, and antique shops.
• Harris Pavilion: Hosts farmers’ markets, concerts, and ice skating in winter.
• Manassas Museum: Showcases Civil War artifacts and regional history.

Dining and nightlife:

• Battle Street Bistro: A favorite for brunch and craft cocktails.
• Heritage Brewing Co.: Offers locally brewed craft beer.

Annual events like First Fridays and the Manassas Railway Festival bring the community together for food, music, and entertainment.

Education & schools in Manassas, VA

Manassas offers a mix of public and private schools, serving students from preschool through high school. Manassas City Public Schools and Prince William County Public Schools operate the area’s public schools. 

Some of the top-rated public schools include:

• Coles Elementary School (9/10): Strong academic performance.
• Pennington School (9/10): A public magnet school with rigorous standards.
• Ashland Elementary School (8/10): Well-rated for student support.
• Osbourn Park High School (6/10): Recognized for college prep programs.

For higher education, George Mason University’s Science & Technology Campus is in Manassas. It offers programs in engineering, IT, and healthcare. 

Nearby, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides affordable degree and certificate options. Private school options include Seton School and All Saints Catholic School for families seeking faith-based education.

Job market & employment opportunities in Manassas

Manassas has a strong job market with openings in different industries. Many companies in manufacturing, healthcare, and education offer steady employment.

Industries with the most employment opportunities:

• Manufacturing & Technology: Micron Technology and BAE Systems employ engineers, technicians, and factory workers.
• Healthcare & Medical Services: UVA Health System hires nurses, doctors, and administrative staff.
• Education: Manassas City Public Schools employ teachers, counselors, and support staff.
• Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin and Aurora Flight Sciences offer positions in aviation and security technology.
• Government & Public Services: The City of Manassas provides jobs in administration, public safety, and infrastructure.

Major employers in Manassas:

• Micron Technology (1,649 employees)
• UVA Health System (1,330 employees)
• Manassas City Public Schools (1,183 employees)
• Lockheed Martin (1,150 employees)
• City of Manassas (479 employees)

Commute options:

Manassas is connected to Washington, D.C. through the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which runs on weekdays. Highways like I-66 and Route 28 make driving an option, though rush hour traffic can be slow. Many residents use park-and-ride lots to take buses or carpools.

Housing market in Manassas, VA: Where to live

The housing market in Manassas is competitive, with home prices increasing over time. The median sale price in Manassas is $438,000, with homes selling in about 31 days. Prices in the City of Manassas Park are slightly higher, with a median sale price of $440,000, though homes take longer to sell, averaging 48 days on the market.

For renters, costs vary based on location and amenities. Homes closer to Old Town Manassas tend to be higher priced, while more affordable options exist near major highways. 

Outdoor activities & parks in Manassas

Manassas has plenty of outdoor spaces for hiking, sports, and historical exploration.

Parks & Trails

• Manassas National Battlefield Park: A historic Civil War site with over 5,000 acres of trails and open land.
• Liberia House & Grounds: A historic site from the 1800s surrounded by scenic walking paths.
• Dean Park: A community park with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
• Prince William Forest Park: A great spot for camping, biking, and hiking, just a short drive away.

Outdoor Events

• Manassas National Battlefield Park reenactments bring history to life.
• First Fridays in Old Town feature live music and food vendors.
• Fall Jubilee and Manassas Christmas Parade draw large crowds each year.

Transportation & getting around Manassas

Getting around Manassas is easy, whether you drive or use public transit. I-66 is the main highway connecting Manassas to Washington, D.C., while Route 28 links the city to Dulles International Airport and other parts of Northern Virginia. Prince William Parkway provides an alternate route to nearby areas.

For public transportation, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) runs weekday trains to Union Station in D.C. OmniRide Local buses serve Manassas and Manassas Park, while OmniRide Express offers commuter routes to Reston, the Pentagon, and downtown D.C. Amtrak trains also stop at the Manassas station.

For air travel, Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport are both within an hour’s drive, making domestic and international flights accessible.

Pros & cons of living in Manassas, VA

Manassas has benefits and challenges, like any city. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros

• Lower cost of living compared to Washington, D.C.
• Strong job market in manufacturing, healthcare, and government.
• Public transportation options like VRE and OmniRide.
• Plenty of parks, trails, and historic sites.
• Active community events and festivals.

Cons

• Traffic congestion, especially on I-66 during rush hour.
• Some schools have mixed ratings.
• Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to larger cities.
• Weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers and occasional winter storms.
• Certain areas have higher crime rates than others.

Should you move to Manassas, VA?

Manassas is a great choice for those looking for a mix of history, job opportunities, and a lower cost of living compared to D.C. If you’re planning a move, we at Sloan’s Moving & Storage are ready to help. Our movers in Manassas, VA, make relocating simple and stress-free.

Contact our movers in Manassas

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