Fredericksburg,
located just one hour south of Washington DC and 45 minutes north of Richmond
(state capital), is actually an old Colonial town with a strong Civil War
background. Though the town itself only covers a few square miles, the
urban areas surrounding the city are where the growth and development is
located. Fredericksburg is closely linked to Stafford
and Spotsylvania Counties
both of which spread out many miles in all directions. In fact most people
living in the surrounding area will tell you that they live in Fredericksburg
(including the staff at SimplyFredericksburg). The Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania
and Stafford area is reported to be one of the fastest growing areas in
the CommonWealth and in the top 20
in the nation. The growth can be attributed to several facts:
-
A large portion of the Fredericksburg
residents commute to the DC area.
-
Three large military
installations are nearby.
-
Fredericksburg is home to several major
companies.
History: The
City is situated along the Rappahannock River and located within the Spotsylvania
county lines, but politically independent. The City was founded in 1728
and named after Prince Frederick Louis of Wales, the father of George III
of England. Fredericksburg was incorporated as a town in 1781 and became a city in 1879. You can read the City's charter on-line.
Fredericksburg has taken on two different dimensions over the
years. While it's many historic sites and lovely tree shaded residential
neighborhoods give it a unique colonial atmosphere that attracts thousands
of visitors, the town also serves as the focal point of business, shopping
and finance for its neighboring counties. The historic part of the city
itself only covers 40 square blocks, but the City of Fredericksburg covers
10 square miles. The historical district has over 350 original buildings
built before 1870. The population in Fredericksburg is just over 20,000
and growing daily with a median income of around $40,000. Fredericksburg
was the boyhood home of young George Washington, James Monroe practiced
law here, and Thomas Jefferson also lived in our city. Many civil
war battles were fought here or near the city. For more about the history
check here for links and historical
places to visit.
Tax Situation:
Current tax rates are $1.16/$100 assessed at
100% for real estate (collected in May and Nov.), $2.99/$100 assessed at
90% for personal property. Sales tax: 4.5% (3.5% state + 1% local). Meals
are taxed at 4.5% while lodging is taxed at 4%. Auto decals cost $10.00
for all vehicles. All decals must be purchased within 60 days of establishing
residence in the city, if moving from another state. You have 30 days,
if moving from within the state. All decals are purchased at City Hall
with a deadline of April 1. If stickers are not placed on the vehicles
by the deadline a fine of $100.00 may be levied.
Form of Government:
City
government offices are located at City Hall, 715 Princess Anne Street.
The Fredericksburg
City Council , the longest running governing body in Virginia, is composed
of seven members including the Mayor. One half of the council is
elected to four year terms every even numbered year. The mayor conducts
the council meetings, which often deal with long term issues such as the
city's emphasis on tourism and economic development. The City Council members
are paid $7,000 a year and the mayor is paid $8,000.
Public Transportation: There
is a wide array of transportation
available in and around the City.
Public Facilities and Services:
Electricity supplied by Dominion Virginia
Power and Rappahannock Electric
Cooperative. Natural gas available through Columbia
Gas of Virginia. Water rates are $1.00 for 100 cubic feet with sewer
fees being $2.44 for 100 cubic feet. Contact the utilities office at (540)372-1182.
Trash and recycling are collected twice a week. There is one landfill
in the county (joint with Stafford County), which residents can use free
of charge. Fredericksburg is policed by both the Fredericksburg Sheriffs
Department and Fredericksburg Police
Department. The City has 50+ paid firefighters and 100
volunteers. 911 emergency service is operational in the City
and surrounding counties. Virginia
Division of Motor Vehicles website will provide newcomers to the area
with all the details pertaining to vehicle operation and when to obtain
a drivers license. A branch of Central Rappahannock
Regional Library system 480,000+ volumes circulate among 7 libraries
in system (and one bookmobile). Library information: (540) 372-1144. The
library system was rated one of America's best public libraries in a nation-wide
study. Visit our Utilities page for further
information.
TV/Radio and entertainment: There
is one local cable TV station but numerous
radio
stations to choose from.
Lodging: There are a variety
of hotels/motels available
to stay at in Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.
Public Schools: There are many
schools
in the 2 surrounding counties (Spotsylvania and Stafford) so the best thing
to do outside of speaking with your neighbors is to call the school board
to find out what school your child will attend. Currently your child may
attend a school that is far from your place of residence. They may also
pass by several other schools on their way to school everyday. The area
school systems are under a constant state of re-districting, due to the
rapid area growth.
Colleges: Closest colleges include
Mary
Washington College in Fredericksburg, Germanna
Community College with a campus in Fredericksburg, and Rappahannock
Community College with campuses nearby. There is a listing of other
Virginia colleges here.
Recreational Facilities: There
is a number of activities
that are available to do whether with friends of family.
Sports: The professional
teams are listed with phone numbers to call for information.
Local college and high school
sports will available soon.
Shopping:
Spotsylvania
Mall, off of I-95 exit 130, contains over 120 stores, including major
department stores (Sears, JCPenney, Belk, Costco and Hecht's), boutiques
and specialty shops. Central Park shopping area is located across from
Spotsylvania Mall and is growing every day. Central Park includes Kohl's,
Lowes, Target, PetsMart, Shoppers Club, Office Depot, Best Buy, Sports
Authority, Men's Warehouse, Super WalMart and Borders Books. Massaponax
Factory Outlet Stores, off I-95 exit 126, has approximately 20 outlet stores,
including Bugle Boy, Corning Reeve and Rackroom Shoes. There are mall "general"
stores located throughout the area.
Statistics & Facts
| The population of Fredericksburg
is approximately 19,279. |
| The approximate number of families
is 8,102. |
| The amount of land area in Fredericksburg
is 11 sq. miles. |
| The distance from Fredericksburg to
Washington DC is 49 statute miles. |
| The distance to the Virginia state
capital is 52 statute miles. (Statute miles are "as the crow flies") |
Fredericksburg is positioned 38.29
degrees north of the equator and 77.48 degrees west of the prime meridian.
*Based on 2000 US Census http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/51/51630.html/ |
Zip Codes: 22401
Area Code: 540
Phone Prefix: 220,
226, 295, 310, 318, 361, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373
374, 379, 408, 534, 654, 710, 735, 741, 785, 786, 809, 834, 840
841, 842, 845, 891, 893, 898, 899, 972
*Note New phone prefixes are being added rapidly
due to the increase use of cellular phones.
Sister City: Frejus,
France
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