Haymarket

Founded in 1799, Haymarket might have been named Skinkerville after William Skinker on whose land the town was built. The Virginia General Assembly granted Skinker the rights to lay out the town, and his original design consisted of 13 streets and 140 lots. Just two years later, Haymarket was selected to host a new District Court, which ensured its early economic success.

On November 4, 1862, Union soldiers set the entire town on fire. Only four buildings survived the conflagration, including the former courthouse which had by then been converted to an Episcopal church. Haymarket remained a virtual ghost town until the end of the war when its slow rebirth began.

In the early 1990s, The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans to build a new theme park on land it had purchased near Haymarket. The decision was met with fierce opposition by local environmentalists and others concerned about putting a theme park–even one celebrating the nation’s history–near land where Civil War battles had been fought. Plans for the park were abandoned, and the land was sold to housing developers. Now, the Dominion Valley Country Club, with its championship Arnold Palmer golf course, seven outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and nearly 3,000 homes, sits on the land once envisioned as the theme park.

Haymarket’s economy is primarily driven by its residential and small business sectors. The town serves as a suburban retreat for many professionals who work in Fairfax County and Washington, D.C. The local economy benefits from a mix of retail, dining, and service-oriented businesses that cater to the needs of its residents.

The town has seen an increase in local businesses and retail developments, driven by the growing population and the increasing demand for convenient, high-quality services. Local events and farmers' markets also contribute to the town's economic vibrancy, fostering a sense of community and supporting local entrepreneurs.

Marking the rapid and steady growth of greater Haymarket, Mountain View Elementary School opened its doors in September 1995. Alvey Elementary was next to open in 2003 followed by Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Elementary in 2008. A fourth elementary school, Haymarket Elementary, began welcoming students in 2012. All four schools are considered by GreatSchools.org to be producing student achievement above what is found in the rest of Virginia. Students at Alvey, Mountain View and Haymarket Elementary are making far more progress in terms of academic achievement and test scores than students elsewhere in Virginia according to GreatSchools.

Haymarket’s lone middle school, Ronald Reagan Middle School, opened its doors in 2012. Its students also tend to make more progress than students elsewhere in Virginia in terms of academic achievement and test scores.

For 2024, Battlefield High School is ranked as the third best high school in Prince William County by US News. Among Virginia’s 329 public high schools, US News ranked Battlefield as number 41 for 2024.

Despite the setback posed by the 2008 recession, the real estate market in Haymarket has been booming for more than two decades, with prices rising particularly steeply since 2020. Housing options in the town range historic homes and quaint cottages to modern townhouses and spacious single-family homes.

Dominion Valley Country Club, a gated community with nearly 3,000 homes, offers a mix of large, single family homes and townhomes. Regency at Dominion Valley, part of that larger Dominion Valley development, consists of more than 850 homes designed for active adults 55 years old and older. While it’s the largest development in Haymarket, it is not the only gated, golf-centric neighborhood in the community.

The Piedmont community consists of 1,619 homes spread across the Piedmont golf community, the non-gated Old Carolina Estates, and the Piedmont Riding Club. Roughly half the size of Dominion Valley, it has an 18-hole championship golf course, two outdoor olympic-sized swimming pools, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center and a large clubhouse.

Not interested in a gated community? There are numerous other options from 10-acre plots with multi-million dollar homes, to more modest detached homes, to townhomes.

Transportation in Haymarket is primarily centered around its accessibility to major highways and roads. U.S. Route 15 is the main thoroughfare connecting Haymarket to other parts of Northern Virginia and beyond. The town's location provides convenient access to Interstate 66, which connects to Washington, D.C., making it an option for commuters.

Public transportation options are relatively limited within Haymarket itself, but nearby commuter rail services and bus routes offer additional travel options. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides commuter rail services from nearby stations, which is a popular choice for those working in the metropolitan area. Additionally, ride-sharing services and local taxi options are available.

Haymarket hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including farmers' markets, festivals, and holiday celebrations. These events foster community spirit and provide residents with opportunities to engage with their neighbors and local businesses. Haymarket Day, an annual event in October, is the largest of the town-sponsored events, frequently drawing as many as 200 vendors and more than 15,000 people. From late April through early November, a farmers market is held every Sunday. Each August a summer concert is held, and every December there is a Christmas Celebration and Craft Bazaar.

The town’s amenities include parks, recreational facilities, and historic sites. Popular spots include the Haymarket Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The town also features several local shops, restaurants, and cafes that enhance its small-town charm. The presence of nearby natural attractions, such as the Bull Run Regional Park, provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Silver Lake Regional Park includes more than 230 acres, 23 acres of which is a lake. James S. Long Regional Park is home to soccer fields, baseball fields and nearly five miles of equestrian trails that connect with Silver Lake Park.

The Haymarket IcePlex is an indoor rink where you can skate, take group or private ice skating lessons, learn synchronized skating, take hockey lessons, or join the Piedmont Predators youth hockey travel team.

The Winery at La Grange and other nearby wineries offer regular wine tastings. The Winery at La Grange is also available as a wedding venue, a restaurant, or a place to rent a picnic table for the day to bask in the sun while you sip wine.

Haymarket, Virginia, offers a unique combination of historical significance, suburban comfort, and community-oriented living. Its geographical location, rich history, and growing economy contribute to its appeal as a residential destination, while its strong educational framework, diverse housing options, and accessible transportation enhance the quality of life for its residents. With its blend of modern amenities and historical charm, Haymarket continues to attract individuals and families seeking a welcoming and vibrant community.