In Lakeside Montclair, Life Happens Outdoors

Beaches, Boats, Trails Help Large Planned Community Feel Cozy

On a map, sprawling Montclair can seem overwhelming.

However, a drive through this Prince William County neighborhood shows that even with 4,000 houses and more than 15,000 residents -- a population larger than Williamsburg or Falls Church -- a cozy atmosphere is still possible.

Tracy Hansen moved to Montclair with her parents in 1981, when the planned community was in its infancy. She returned with her husband in 1999, when they were expecting their first child.

"Revisiting made me remember why it was such a great community to grow up in," she said. "Montclair is not just a bunch of tract houses on bulldozed land. It has a nice neighborhood environment, close enough to D.C. but far enough away."

A 108-acre man-made lake built in 1965 is the first thing residents tout about the community. With three beaches, several waterside picnic areas and a ban on motors larger than trolling motors, the lake offers Montclair residents a quiet nearby respite from outside commotion.

Houses in a variety of styles are nestled among mature trees. There are large Colonials, cozy cottages and townhouses, including a townhouse community with canoe and kayak racks in a lakeside common area.

The lake's perimeter varies considerably in topography. Some back yards gently slope to the waterline. Navigating the steep stairways in others gives owners a cardiovascular workout.

Residents invariably wince, however, when they speak of any commute involving Interstate 95 or Route 1. "It can be horrendous," Hansen said.

Those who make the trek most easily have flexible schedules allowing them to bypass rush hour or can take advantage of Virginia Railway Express or the county's OmniRide bus service.

Because of the traffic, a Montclair mantra seems to be: You don't drive anywhere on a Friday afternoon.

But you may not want to. Montclair, an official bird sanctuary, is an outdoor-oriented community. In addition to the lake, there are a variety of parks, trails and playgrounds -- including the community-built Kids Dominion, with its pint-size climbing walls and a water fountain set within in a huge, comical lion's head.

In June, the community celebrates Montclair Day, a tradition since 1979. On July 4, residents gather on the lake or at Dolphin Beach to enjoy a big fireworks display without the holiday traffic hassle. There's also an annual teen beach party and an Oktoberfest, each drawing hundreds of residents. A variety of resident-initiated clubs, including those for seniors, bunko players, gardeners and history buffs, help folks find their niche.