|
It is highly notable that Woodbridge experienced its current development boom in the mid-1980s, after being a municipality composed largely of either farms or industrial complexes, as an annex of sorts of Dale City, which had previously been forged as a planned community in the 1960s and 1970s. Its large and rapid growth is cited by many development expert's claim of Prince William County being "The Orange County of Virginia" (though Virginia in fact has an Orange County approximately 60 miles (97 km) South of Prince William County).[citation needed]
Woodbridge is home to Potomac Mills Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Northern Virginia, and at one point, the entire United States, and is the largest outlet mall to date. Woodbridge is a typical suburban city in that many of its residents are employed in nearby Washington, D.C. This is especially true in the areas near Dale City and Manassas. Prince William Parkway is probably the most important road in the city. It connects the city to I-95 and runs right through the middle of Woodbridge. Route 234 is also described as an "outer beltway" connecting the I-95 corridor and U.S. 1 (Jefferson Davis Hwy.) to points west and north and ultimately terminating at Interstate 66. Route 234, also known as Dumfries Road, was widened from two lanes to four to accommodate residential development in the southern part of Prince William County.[citation needed]
Due in part to the I-95 and I-66 HOV waiver given to hybrid vehicles, many D.C. government workers have relocated to the area to take advantage of the lower-priced housing. However, in July 2006, the hybrid/HOV privilege was revoked. Vehicles registered prior to July 2006 are exempted from occupancy requirements in all (HOV) facilities in Virginia until July 1, 2009.
Because of its convenient location along the I-95 corridor, the area is currently experiencing the increase in real estate values that has affected the entire Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in recent years.[citation needed]
Other cultural resources include Rippon Lodge, the oldest house in Prince William County, which was opened as a park and museum in October, 2007.
|