Trying to choose between a single-family home and a townhome in Haymarket? You are not alone. Many buyers here weigh space, budget, commute, and HOA tradeoffs before they decide. In this guide, you will get a clear, local look at what each option offers, what it really costs in Prince William County, and how to match your choice to your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Haymarket at a glance
Haymarket sits on the far northwest edge of the Washington, D.C. metro area near I‑66 and Route 15, with development that stretches beyond the small town limits into surrounding subdivisions. You get suburban convenience with a compact, walkable “Old Town” that hosts Haymarket Day, a seasonal farmers market, and local events that bring the community together. For basic orientation, review the town’s location and major roads on the Haymarket page on Wikipedia, and see the local events calendar on the Town of Haymarket site.
Commuting often means I‑66 eastbound to Fairfax, Arlington, or D.C., and it can be long and variable in peak hours. There is no direct VRE station in Haymarket; the nearest service points are on the Manassas/Broad Run line to the south and east. Learn more about routes and stations from Virginia Railway Express.
Single-family vs. townhome: space and layout
What you get with single-family
- More interior square footage and flexible layouts for a home office or multigenerational needs.
- Larger private yards for outdoor living, pets, gardens, or a future play set or pool.
- More separation from neighbors for privacy and noise control.
Across Haymarket, Gainesville, and nearby pockets, single-family neighborhoods range from smaller-lot suburban streets to master-planned and gated communities like Piedmont, as well as estate-style and riding-club areas with larger parcels.
What you get with a townhome
- Efficient floor plans and stacked living that maximize usable space.
- Smaller private outdoor areas with shared green spaces or community amenities.
- Lower purchase prices on average than comparable detached homes in the same area.
Townhome sections cluster near community centers, pools, and I‑66 access. You will see them in Westmarket, inside master-planned sections such as Parks at Piedmont, and near shopping and dining corridors.
Maintenance and HOAs: who handles what
Townhomes
- Many townhome and condo HOAs cover exterior common-area maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, and amenity upkeep. Some associations also handle roof or exterior elements, but it varies by community documents.
- You will pay monthly or quarterly dues and should understand potential special assessments. Get the CC&Rs, budget, and reserve study to confirm what is included. For a quick overview of how HOAs work and why fees vary, review this HOA fees explainer.
Single-family homes
- You typically handle your own exterior maintenance: lawn care, roof, siding, driveway, and any private well or septic where applicable. Some single-family HOAs cover common areas, pools, trash, or snow, but not your private lot.
- In amenity-rich, gated neighborhoods, HOA dues are higher because they fund security, athletic clubs, pools, and programming. Always verify the inclusions and budget.
Costs and taxes: what to expect
Purchase price ranges
Local listing data from 2024 to 2025 shows typical ranges:
- Townhomes: often mid‑$400,000s to high‑$600,000s in Haymarket and nearby Gainesville sections.
- Single-family detached: commonly mid‑$600,000s to $1M+, with the upper end in luxury and estate pockets.
Aggregated indicators can differ because they use different methods and geographies. For example, Zillow’s Haymarket ZHVI reported a typical value near $800,000 as of late 2025, while other services have shown lower monthly medians based on smaller, volatile sample sizes. Treat these as directional and always compare by product type and neighborhood at offer time.
Property taxes in Prince William County
Prince William County’s adopted FY2026 real estate tax rate is $0.906 per $100 of assessed value. That equals 0.906 percent of assessed value annually. You can confirm the current rate on the county’s FY2026 budget page.
Quick example: If your assessed value is $700,000, annual tax is approximately $700,000 × 0.00906 = $6,342, or about $528.50 per month. Your bill will reflect the county’s assessment and any exemptions.
Insurance differences
- Single-family owners usually carry a standard HO‑3 homeowners policy that covers the dwelling and other structures. See an overview of HO‑3 coverage from Insurify.
- Townhome and condo owners often carry an HO‑6 or similar policy for the interior and personal property, because the association’s master policy usually covers common elements and possibly part of the exterior. Learn about HO‑6 considerations and loss assessments from BusinessYield’s HO‑6 guide. Always check the association’s master policy and deductible.
HOA dues: how they vary
In Haymarket, HOA dues range from low-double digits to several hundred dollars per month depending on the product and amenity set. Townhomes with limited amenities often sit on the low end. Gated or master-planned communities with pools, security, and fitness centers run higher. For general context on why fees differ and what they may include, review this HOA fees overview. Always verify the exact dues and inclusions for the property you are considering.
Lifestyle and location fit
When a single-family home fits best
- You want maximum indoor space and a larger private yard.
- You value a detached setting and room to personalize the lot over time.
- You prefer neighborhoods with robust on-site amenities and a built-in social calendar.
When a townhome fits best
- You want less exterior maintenance and a lower purchase price.
- You prefer to be closer to shopping, restaurants, and I‑66 access.
- You like the idea of shared amenities without managing a big yard.
Old Town and Westmarket areas offer access to Haymarket’s walkable downtown events and shops. Larger master-planned sections trade walkability to Old Town for on-site amenities and community programming.
Resale, financing, and inspections
- Resale and buyer pools. Townhomes often attract first‑time and move‑down buyers and can sell quickly at approachable price points. Larger single-family homes draw move‑up buyers and may take longer depending on inventory and season. Month‑to‑month stats can swing due to small sample sizes, so use up-to-date comps when you are ready to write an offer.
- Financing. Conventional loans work for both product types. Townhomes and condos may require lender review of the association’s budget, reserves, litigation, and owner‑occupancy. If you are considering an attached home, ask your lender to pre‑screen the HOA early.
- Inspections. In townhomes, pay attention to shared rooflines, exterior drainage, siding, and any known association projects. In single-family homes, review site drainage, driveway and culvert condition, and exterior systems. For both, request the most recent reserve study, association minutes, and capital plans before you finalize. A primer on why reserve studies and capital planning matter is available from BASE HOA.
Commutes and schools
- Commute testing. Drive your route during your actual rush hour. I‑66 flow and Route 15 congestion vary by time of day, weather, and work schedules. There is no direct Haymarket VRE station; the nearest options are on the Manassas/Broad Run line. See routes and schedules on VRE’s site.
- Schools. Prince William County Public Schools serve Haymarket addresses, and assignments depend on the exact address. Many Haymarket areas feed to Mountain View Elementary, Bull Run Middle, and Battlefield High, but you should verify each property using the PWCS school tools or contact the schools directly. As a starting point, see the Mountain View Elementary page. Use only official PWCS resources for address-specific checks.
Quick decision guide
Choose a single-family if you
- Want a larger yard and more privacy.
- Need extra rooms for office, hobbies, or guests.
- Plan to stay longer and value space over convenience.
- Are comfortable managing exterior upkeep and higher utility costs.
Choose a townhome if you
- Want a lower entry price and predictable HOA scope.
- Prefer less yard work and easier lock‑and‑leave living.
- Value proximity to local amenities and major roads.
- Are fine with attached living and smaller private outdoor space.
Buyer checklist for Haymarket tours
Print or save this list to compare single-family and townhome options side by side.
- Budget and cash flow
- Tally monthly P&I, property tax, HOA dues, owner insurance, utilities, and a maintenance allowance. For taxes, multiply assessed value by the county rate shown on the Prince William FY2026 budget page.
- HOA documents
- Request the CC&Rs, budget, most recent reserve study, and recent board minutes. Confirm exactly what the HOA pays and what you must cover. For an overview of HOA fee components, see this guide.
- Insurance and master policy
- Schools and distances
- Commute test
- Drive the route during your normal rush hour, and check options for park‑and‑ride or the nearest VRE station if rail commuting matters to you.
- Resale and comparables
- Review 12‑month sales for the subdivision, noting days on market and price trends by product type. Thin inventory can make monthly stats swing, so look at a full year.
Ready to compare homes?
Whether you are leaning toward a spacious single-family in a master‑planned neighborhood or a low‑maintenance townhome close to Old Town, you have great options in Haymarket. If you want a calm, step‑by‑step approach with local context, pricing strategy, and help balancing commute, schools, and amenities, reach out. Schedule a Free Consultation with Krissy Cruse to map the right plan for your move.
FAQs
What are typical Haymarket townhome prices in 2024–2025?
- Many Haymarket and nearby Gainesville townhomes traded in the mid‑$400,000s to high‑$600,000s based on 2024–2025 local listings. Always verify current comps before you offer.
How much are HOA dues in Haymarket?
- HOA dues vary widely, from low-double digits to several hundred dollars per month depending on the community and amenities. Confirm the exact amount and inclusions in the HOA documents and budget.
What is the Prince William County property tax rate?
Do townhomes require different insurance than single-family homes?
- Yes. Single-family homes usually use HO‑3 policies, while townhomes and condos often require HO‑6 policies plus loss‑assessment coverage, depending on the association’s master policy. Review policies with your insurer.
Is there a VRE or Metro station in Haymarket?
- There is no direct VRE station in Haymarket. The nearest VRE service is on the Manassas/Broad Run line to the south and east. Get route details from VRE.
Which schools serve Haymarket addresses?
- Prince William County Public Schools serve the area, with assignments by exact address. Use PWCS tools or contact schools like Mountain View Elementary to confirm assignments for a specific property.
