Dale City

About Dale City

Dale City is a very diverse, growing community in Virginia's Prince William County. Located about 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., it's a cozy suburb of the nation's capital and an annex of Woodbridge, Virginia. Dale City is not actually an officially incorporated city; instead, it's a collection of many smaller communities and neighborhoods. Every neighborhood in the area ends in "dale," a connection to the name Dale City.

The History of Dale City

Dale City was developed in 1960 by real estate developer Cecil D. Hylton. He chose the name Dale City as a nod to the many rolling hills and dales in the area.

Originally, there were no shopping areas in the mainly residential community, so locals had to drive to Prince William Plaza or Marumsco Plaza for groceries. Shopping centers weren't added until the 1980s, and as development continued, the city got its first churches, schools and other facilities.

Living in Dale City

Dale City is a popular home base for many young families and has welcomed a diverse population that includes many different cultures and ethnicities. The community has a lower-than-average crime rate, which has played a large part in attracting people to the area.

Thanks to recent development, amenities are easier than ever to access. Dale City is near Potomac Mills Mall, which is among the largest shopping malls in northern Virginia. There are also several hospitals and medical facilities in the area, as well as more than five colleges and universities within a 25-mile radius.

Dale City Schools

Schools in Dale City are part of Prince William County Public Schools District. In addition to its traditional elementary, middle and high schools, the district offers alternative and special education campuses. There's also a special site school and an Academic Year Governor's School.

Resources for Moving to Dale City

As you get ready for your move to Dale City, the following information will be helpful:

• Utilities: Major utilities providers in the area include the Virginia-American Water Company and NOVEC.
• Garbage and Recycling: The county facilitates trash, recycling and compost services.
• Transportation: Public transportation options in the Dale City area include the Virginia Railway Express and the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority bus routes.

Dale City Housing

Home prices in Dale City are well above the national average, but that's not surprising given its proximity to Washington, D.C. When compared to many other suburbs of the D.C. metro area, Dale City is actually fairly reasonably priced. The community offers a mix of single-family homes and town houses, which makes it easier to find something to fit your budget and lifestyle.