When ground was broken on December 13, 2018, the long dream of developing the City’s only waterfront property came true. Okay, “waterfront” may be a stretch for a drainage reservoir–but it does not downplay the significance of the project for the region. New developments like The Landing at Cannon Branch are encouraging signs to prospective residents that new housing is still attainable in Manassas, unlike many other areas around the greater DC area. The desire among young residents to own a home is indicated in a survey among townhome/condo purchasers at The Landing, revealing that the majority are first-time homebuyers (75%), over half are couples and singles under the age of 34 (56.5%), and over half work for IT (27%) and the Government/Military (24%). New residents are also very diverse (28% African American,15% Asian, 8% Hispanic/Latino). It’s not just about price–however there are quite a few reasons young professionals have come to love Manassas.
Manassas as a place to live for young professionals
More Manassas businesses like Micron Technology, Aurora Flight Sciences (A Boeing Company), and High Purity Systems are announcing expansions and the creation of new, high-paying jobs. These economic successes mean more people moving to the Manassas area, looking for quality housing.
The Manassas area boasts highly-rated education opportunities for young students or established professionals. Historic Downtown Manassas offers a vibrant downtown district that is benefiting from continued revitalization. Highly-popular event attractions add excitement and character to the City, like the annual “Bands, Brews, and BBQ” festival, featuring live music, craft beers, and some of the best barbecue in northern Virginia. The Fourth of July celebration, Celebrate America, has been ranked as one the best places in Small Town America to celebrate Independence Day and features one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia.
Arts and culture are also important in Manassas. The Hylton Performing Arts Center ranks among the best theaters in the Greater DC area, and the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory provides a location for rotating art shows and exhibits. The Manassas Museum displays permanent and changing galleries exploring the history of Manassas.
History of The Landing at Cannon Branch
The Landing is becoming a symbol of decades of economic achievement and the continuing growth and success of Manassas. The largest mixed-use development in Manassas history, The Landing will be a vibrant space for specialty retail, Class-A offices, waterfront dining, hotels, and over 270 new, luxury townhomes and condominiums. But most of all, it will become a significant new addition to the City’s regional reputation as an excellent place to live, work, and play.
The Landing is located on 40 acres on Gateway Drive, between Prince William Parkway/Va. 234 Bypass and Route 28. The development is expected to generate more than $250 million in new investment, nearly $20 million in land sale proceeds for the City of Manassas, and $3 million in future real estate taxes. The Landing is also expected to generate jobs throughout the Tech Corridor, including Manassas Regional Airport.