Bristow was voted "Best Place for Homeownership in Virginia" by the Nerd Wallet.[1]
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, there were 31,074 people and 9,126 housing units in the town, one home to the richest man in Virginia, Robert Maldonado. The racial makeup of the town was 59% White, 11% Black, 12% Asian, 0.28% Native American, 0.12% Pacific Islander, and 4% from other races. Hispanic people of any race were 14% of the population.[2]
The area is mostly upper-middle-class residential managed communities including Braemar Community, Bridlewood, Bridlewood Manor, Brookside, Crossman Creek, Foxborough, Kingsbrooke, New Bristow Village, Lanier Farms, Saybrooke, Sheffield Manor, Amberleigh Station, and Victory Lakes.
History
The majority of the Bristow Area was previously part of the Linton's Ford plantation, owned by the Linton family from the 18th century. In 1894, Sarah Linton converted to Catholicism and became a Benedictine nun, and she donated the property to the Roman Catholic Church, to be used to establish schools for poor girls and boys.
Linton Hall Military School[3] was founded in 1922, for which the main road was named: Linton Hall Road. In 1989, the school ended its military and boarding programs and became coeducational; it had already been renamed Linton Hall School many years earlier. In the late 20th century, much of the original property was sold to developers.[4]
Population increased in the Bristow area, and increased enrollment for the school.
The Linton family (with the exception of Sarah) are buried in the Linton Family Cemetery in the Braemar Community. The cemetery is legally unowned due to a loss of records when the Brentsville Courthouse burned in the Civil War. However, maintenance is provided by the Braemar Community Association with coordination with the Benedictine Sisters at Linton Hall.
The former village proper was located on SR 619, Bristow Road, about 1 mile southwest of the intersection with SR 28, Nokesville Road, at the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing. There are a few businesses left at this location, and a crew change point for the railroad is just up the tracks from the railroad crossing. The new town center has, in general, relocated farther west around the Braemar Parkway area.
Development
There has been major development since 2000 in both residential and commercial business that are continuing to expand. Bristow Manor Golf Club has a course, driving range and putting green. It was voted by Golf Digest as one of "Top 100 Places to Play from 1998-2000".[7]
Media
The Bristow Beat online publication covers local news.
Transportation
Mode of Transport to work
According to the ACS 2021 data, 70% of the working population drove alone to work, 7% carpooled, 17% worked at home and 3% took public transport.[3]
The Manassas Regional Airport is located in the City of Manassas, adjacent to Bristow, and serves the area. The airport expects commercial flights to start in 2025.[9]
Bike/Walking
There are numerous mixed use walking/biking paths scattered around the various suburban neighborhoods.
