Warrenton, Virginia Property Management Services

Located just 47 miles from Washington, D.C., Warrenton is small-town charm personified. Not only is it the centerpiece of Virginia’s horse country, the town and surrounding neighborhoods exude the state’s history. Residents and visitors share in the enjoyment of horse shows and organized hunts dating back to the late 1800s. If you’d like to feel like you’re stepping back in time, we highly recommend Warrenton.

Location of Warrenton

Warrenton is located in central Fauquier County and serves as the county seat. The town has a total area of 4.5 square miles and is in the Piedmont region of Virginia, just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Warrenton is surrounded by Virginia horse and wine country, making it a popular day-trip destination for D.C. residents and in-state and out-of-state visitors looking to enjoy a long weekend or extended stay.

Warrenton is easily accessible from all directions by car. It is conveniently situated at the junction of Routes 15, 17 29, and 211. The historic Vint Hills Farms military facility is less than ten miles east of town, and the famous Airlie Conference Center is three miles north.

Population and Demographics

The population of Warrenton has remained constant since the 2010 U.S. Census, which counted 9,611 residents. Current estimates put the population today at just over 10,000. 

The average family size in Warrenton is three people with a median income of $73,000. The median age in the town is 38 years, almost 25% of the population is under age 25, and 17.5% of residents are age 65 or older.

The four most prominent ethnic groups in Warrenton are White (76.2%), Black or African American (7.98%), Hispanic (7.98%), and Asian (6.04%). 94.5% of Warrenton’s residents are U.S. citizens.

Area History

According to the Town of Warrenton’s website, Warrenton had its origin at the junction of the Falmouth-Winchester and Alexandria-Culpeper roads, where a trading post known as the Red Store was established. At the time of the Revolution, a settlement had begun, and by 1790 the first courthouse was built, a jail was erected, and an academy named for General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero, was founded. Richard Henry Lee donated 71 acres of land for the county seat, which was incorporated as the Town of Warrenton in 1810.

According to an early account, "Huge wagons and vans come over the mountains from the rich counties of Orange, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Loudoun, loaded with wheat, corn, and oats; the housewife sent her poultry and dried fruit; great herds of cattle wended their way to this town...For its size (604 population in 1860), Warrenton was the richest town in the whole South."

During the Civil War, the town was near the scene of battles and skirmishes, during which the churches and schools were used as hospitals, frequently occupied by Federal troops. Warrenton was the object of raids by Colonel John S. Mosby, known as the "Gray Ghost," who later made his home there and practiced law in the California Building across Court Street. A monument to Mosby stands beside the Old Courthouse. 

A favorite Warrenton landmark is a statue of Chief Justice John Marshall which was erected in 1959 during Fauquier County's Bicentennial Celebration.

Sitting beside the Old Courthouse is the Old Jail, a well-proportioned brick and stone building dating back to 1808, which is now the home of the Fauquier Historical Society and serves as a museum. 

After the Civil War, Warrenton became known throughout the nation for its galaxy of brilliant lawyers who practiced at its bar and as a mecca for horse lovers. In 1883 the Warrenton Hunt was established, and in 1900 the Warrenton Horse Show, which has achieved national fame as the "Hunter Show of America," began. In 1922 the first Virginia Gold Cup Race was run. Other hunts, such as the Casanova and Old Dominion, are located within a few miles of the town.

The history section on the town’s site summarizes current day Warrenton nicely: “The quaintness, tradition, and charm of bygone eras are apparent along Old Town Warrenton streets lined with historic houses and brick sidewalks. Townsfolk gather on the steps of the post office or at a coffee shop to pass the time of day, perhaps pausing to listen as the old courthouse clock strikes the hour.”

Education

Warrenton’s public schools are part of the Fauquier County Public School System. The town’s elementary schools include J.G. Brumfield, C.M. Bradley, and P.B. Smith. In addition, there are two middle schools, Warrenton Middle and Taylor Middle, and one high school – Fauquier High School.

Things to Do

If you like to spend time out and about in the fresh air, you’ll love exploring Warrenton.

Old Town Warrenton radiates the town’s history. The town’s center contains homes and businesses dating back to the mid-1700s. The courthouse and old jail are just a couple of Old Town’s highlights. 

If you enjoy great wine, enjoy the scenery as you travel to some of the area’s many wineries. Wine connoisseurs consider the vineyards and wineries in the Outer Warrenton neighborhoods, like Opal and New Baltimore, on par with Napa and Sonoma.

Fox Den Antiques is a must-see if you enjoy antiquing. You’ll find it in the historic area of town, and you’ll be delighted with the broad array of used furniture, collectibles dating back from the Civil War era to the 1950s, sports memorabilia, paintings, and much more.

Home Prices and Trends

 In March 2022, Warrenton home prices were up 20.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $628,000. On average, homes in Warrenton sell after six days on the market compared to twenty-six days last year. There were 36 homes sold in March this year, down from 56 last year.

The real estate in Warrenton consists primarily of single-family homes, which vary greatly in size. The town’s larger homes are located on spacious lots closer to the center of town and prominently feature large porches. Warrenton also offers more affordable options, such as row homes and apartments.

Is Warrenton the Best Place for You?

If you’d like to live in a small town rich in history, located in the middle of Virginia’s horse country, and surrounded by incredible wineries, Warrenton is a great place to live. 

You’ll be far from the hustle and bustle of D.C, but you’ll be just an hour away from the Smithsonian, the National Mall, and all of the other landmarks in the nation’s capital.

 Warrenton is one of our favorite places to match renters and real estate investors with the ideal property. Call us today and let us know what you’re looking for in Warrenton – we’d love to help you find it!