Innovation Town Center by D.R. Horton is one of Prince William County’s most promising new construction neighborhoods. 

Still in development, this neighborhood is perfect for buyers who want brand-new homes, space to grow, and lifestyle conveniences without paying Fairfax or Loudoun prices.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything a prospective homebuyer needs to know: the location, local lifestyle, outdoor recreation, the builder behind the homes, floor plans, and who this community is best suited for.

• Location and Surroundings
• Shopping and Essentials
• Local Flavor and Entertainment
• Outdoor Recreation
• About D.R. Horton
• Home Types, Floor Plans, and Pricing
• Pros and Cons
  • Pros
  • Cons
• Schools
• Who is This Community For?
• Final Thoughts

Location and Surroundings

Innovation Town Center puts you on the western edge of Manassas, close enough to get into the city of Manassas for restaurants and local shops but far enough that most trips are suburban drives. It sits in a highly connected pocket of Manassas, framed by four key roads that shape what day-to-day living and commuting feel like.

• Prince William Parkway runs along the western edge and works as your main commuter spine. This is a major north–south arterial that gets you toward I-66 or down toward the I-95 corridor.
• Wellington Road to the north acts as a minor arterial and an alternative east–west connector for local trips. The county has active improvements underway here, including a new shared-use path project designed to close pedestrian and bike gaps along the corridor. Expect moderate traffic at peak times, but also better non-car mobility over the next few years.
• University Boulevard to the south is becoming one of Prince William County’s major east–west connectors. New segments are already open, and long-term plans call for a fully expanded, four-lane corridor with sidewalks and a shared-use path. For residents, this means growing flexibility—less reliance on the Parkway and a smoother east–west commute as the area continues to develop.
• Freedom Center Boulevard to the east functions as one of the community’s main internal collectors. It feeds traffic toward the Parkway and links the neighborhood to future retail, parks, and mixed-use areas planned under the Innovation Town Center master plan. These internal roads are designed to be more walkable than traditional suburban layouts.

All of this roadwork—and the fact that multiple projects are active or recently completed—translates to better long-term mobility. The tradeoff is the usual: ongoing development brings construction, shifting patterns, and growing traffic as the area builds out.

For weekday commuters, the main arteries are I-66 to the north and Route 28 to the east; both are the obvious routes toward Tysons, Fairfax, and further into the Capital Beltway. Expect drive times to vary with peak-hour traffic, but the neighborhood’s real advantage is direct access to the kinds of roads that move you out of the city without needing to thread through a lot of residential streets.

Why This Area Matters

Innovation Town Center is positioned to become one of Prince William County’s next major mixed-use districts. As new retail, restaurants, and walkable paths fill in, the community is expected to shift from a “developing suburb” to a modern, live-work-play environment. Early buyers usually benefit most in areas like this: better pricing on the front end, and more lifestyle amenities as the plan builds out.

Shopping and Essentials

Living at Innovation Town Center means your errands don’t have to eat up your day. Grocery runs, quick takeout, and everyday shopping are all just minutes away, with everything from local strip centers to a full-size mall within easy reach. It’s convenience without compromise — exactly what busy buyers want.

• Sowder Village Square (3 miles) — A local strip/retail center (within or immediately adjacent to Innovation) offering convenient neighborhood-serving shops, such as Target, T.J. Maxx, and a CVS.
• Manassas Shopping Center (6 miles) — A compact strip mall with a mix of restaurants, convenience and service-oriented stores — good for quick daily errands. 
• Manassas Mall (4 miles) — A large regional mall anchored by a full-service retail lineup including a Walmart Supercenter (grocery + general merchandise), plus dozens of shops, dining and entertainment options.
• Manaport Plaza (4 miles) — A strip center along Sudley Road offering assorted retail and restaurant options, adding to the broader retail catchment near Innovation.
• Westgate Plaza (4 miles) — A grocery-anchored shopping center (formerly had a grocery anchor) with national retail and services, offering additional convenience for everyday shopping needs. 
• Bull Run Plaza (3 miles) — A sizable retail center including a full-scale grocery store Giant Food, general-merchandise and discount retail, dining, fitness and services — a strong multipurpose retail hub for residents.
• Promenade at Manassas (5 miles) — A traditional shopping center along the Sudley Road retail corridor that contributes to the region’s broader retail network — useful for overflow or specialty shopping needs.

The variety and density of retail also support a lifestyle where you don’t need to drive long distances constantly: short drives (or potentially future walkability, depending on final community zoning) will suffice for most needs. For buyers, this adds real value — newer-home comfort and retail convenience in one package.

Local Flavor and Entertainment

Living at Innovation Town Center puts Old Town Manassas within easy reach — your go-to spot for dining, drinks, and culture. Whether it’s dinner, a night out, or catching a show, everything you need to enjoy the city’s vibrant lifestyle is just a short drive away.

• Carmello’s ($50-100) — Fresh, flavorful Mediterranean dishes in a cozy setting. Perfect for a relaxed dinner or sharing small plates with friends. 
• Semifreddo Italian Cuisine ($30-50) — Classic Italian fare with a modern twist. Ideal for date nights or family dinners where pasta and wood-fired pizza take center stage.
• The Black Sheep — Contemporary American dishes in a stylish yet approachable atmosphere. Great for brunch, dinner, or casual drinks after work.
• Katerina’s ($10-20) — Authentic Greek flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. A go-to spot for fresh seafood, gyros, and family-style meals.
• The Bone ($10-20) — Ribs, brisket, and all the smoked meats you could want. Perfect for laid-back gatherings and hearty comfort-food meals.
• La China Poblana ($10-20) — Known for their tacos and vibrant flavors. Casual, flavorful, and perfect for a quick bite or taco night with friends.
• Siam Classic ($10-20) — Bold, aromatic Thai dishes that bring spice and freshness to every plate. A favorite for lunch breaks or adventurous dinners.
• Public House Kitchen and Brewery ($20-30) — Combines great food with craft beers made on-site. Ideal for unwinding, catching a game, or enjoying a local beer flight with friends.

For coffee, you’ll need to make the short drive into Old Town, where Jirani Coffeehouse, Larcomar Café Lounge, and Puerto Rico Café serve up expertly brewed drinks in spots perfect for working remotely or meeting friends.

Entertainment is always on in Old Town. Nova Live is a massive, all-in-one entertainment campus that goes way beyond a typical brewery. It features multiple restaurants, an outdoor stage for live music, concerts, and festivals, plus a soon-to-open Tempo by Hilton hotel right on campus. Whether you’re grabbing dinner, tasting craft beers or spirits, catching a show, or enjoying a night out without leaving the neighborhood, NOVA LIVE gives you a full lifestyle destination all in one place.

Beyond that, venues like the Harris Pavilion host concerts and festivals, the Hylton Center brings professional theater and performances, and local arts hubs like the ARTfactory and Historic Manassas showcase galleries, art walks, and cultural events. There’s literally always something happening, whether it’s a live band, gallery opening, or a weekend festival.

With this much variety in dining, drinks, and culture just minutes away, Innovation Town Center lets you enjoy the energy of Old Town without ever feeling far from home. Whether it’s date night, grabbing coffee with a friend, or catching a show, the lifestyle here is active, convenient, and always interesting.

Outdoor Recreation

Living at Innovation Town Center means outdoor activity and recreation are always within reach. Whether it’s a weekend hike, a morning jog, or a family outing, these nearby parks make it easy to stay active and enjoy nature.

Nearby Parks

• Manassas National Battlefield Park (5 miles) — Over 5,000 acres of historic fields and wooded trails. Offers hiking, horse trails, picnic areas, a visitor center, and interpretive programs. Ideal for history buffs and anyone wanting a scenic escape from development.
• Bull Run Regional Park (10 miles) — Roughly 1,500 acres of natural space with hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, fishing spots, and access to the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail. A weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. 
• Dean Park (5 miles) — Walking and biking trails, ball fields, tennis/pickleball courts, a skate park, playgrounds, and Lucky’s Dog Park. Great for daily activity, family outings, or dog walks.
• Baldwin Park (5 miles) — Smaller, neighborhood-friendly park with playgrounds, garden paths, and benches. Perfect for quick strolls or kid-friendly outings.

Sports & Recreation Amenities

Beyond trails and open space, Innovation Town Center puts you close to structured sports and indoor recreation. These facilities make it easy to keep active year-round, regardless of weather or skill level:

• Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center (3 miles) — Indoor climbing walls for bouldering and top-rope, fitness classes, youth programs, and group events. Perfect for climbers of all levels.
• K Sports Complex (3 miles) — Turf fields, basketball and volleyball courts, batting lanes, and a full gym. Supports leagues, training programs, and recreational sports for all ages.
• The Magic Putting Place (7 miles) — 36-hole mini-golf course for family fun or casual outings with friends.

At Innovation Town Center, you get the best of both worlds: wide-open green spaces for nature and leisure, plus dedicated sports and recreation centers to challenge your skills, try new activities, or stay fit with ease. Convenience, variety, and active living — it’s all part of the lifestyle here.

About D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton is one of the biggest names in American homebuilding, and at Innovation Town Center, they bring that scale straight to you. This community is part of their Tradition Series, meaning it’s designed for families who want functional layouts, smart use of space, and practical features without paying luxury-builder premiums.

D.R. Horton operates under multiple home-series brands — Express, Tradition, Emerald, and Freedom — so whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone looking for a more upscale finish, there’s a home type that fits. Their size and volume, consistently ranking as the largest U.S. homebuilder by closings, gives them a competitive advantage in supply-chain efficiency, material sourcing, and inclusion of features — which often translates into better value for buyers compared to smaller builders.

One of the biggest perks at Innovation Town Center is the Home Is Connected® smart-home package, included as standard in every D.R. Horton home:

• Qolsys IQ Panel Hub — central command for all smart devices in your home.
• Smart Thermostat (Honeywell, Z-Wave) — control heating and cooling from your phone or hub.
• Smart Front-Door Lock — lock/unlock remotely, no keys needed.
• Deako Smart Light Switches — control lights with your phone, smart hub, or automation.
• Video Doorbell — see, hear, and talk to visitors from anywhere via your phone.
• Alarm.com App Integration — manage all smart devices from a single, easy-to-use platform.

From day one, you can control lights, locks, temperature, and your doorbell right from your phone — no retrofitting, no extra installers, no hassle.

D.R. Horton gives you predictable quality, functional layouts, and a home that’s ready for modern life. With the Tradition Series and Home Is Connected® package, your Innovation Town Center home is move-in ready and future-proof, combining convenience, comfort, and smart technology all in one.

Home Types, Floor Plans, and Pricing

D.R. Horton has 49 new construction townhomes at Innovation Town Center — a rare opportunity in this up-and-coming, mixed-use community. While there’s just one floor plan, the Auburn, it’s anything but basic: every inch is designed to make daily living easier, entertaining more enjoyable, and family life more comfortable. With thoughtful layouts, modern finishes, and smart-home features included, these townhomes give you the space and flexibility of a single-family home without the maintenance or footprint.

Quick Specs:

• Priced from $745,000s
• 4 bedrooms
• 3.5 bathrooms
• 2-car front-load
• 2,270 sq. ft.
• 3 stories

Plan Details:

• Width: 22’
• Rear Deck: 15’ x 8’
• Private Rear Yard

Highlights:

• Lower Level: Bedroom with full bath — perfect for guests or a private home office — plus convenient garage access.
• Main Level: Open-concept layout with a spacious kitchen featuring a large center island, adjoining dining area, and great room — ideal for entertaining and everyday living.
• Upper Level: Three generous bedrooms, including a luxurious owner’s suite with a large walk-in closet and private bath, plus a hall bath and laundry area for maximum convenience.

Pros and Cons

Before you decide if Innovation Town Center is right for you, it helps to weigh the tradeoffs. This isn’t just about square footage or price — it’s about lifestyle, location, and what daily life will actually feel like here. Let’s break down the biggest pros and cons so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Pros

A Walkable, Mixed-Use Lifestyle (Once Fully Built Out)

The biggest advantage of living in Innovation Town Center is the lifestyle this community is designed to offer. You’re buying into a walkable town center concept, one that blends residential, retail, green space, and amenities into one compact, convenient place to live. As the area fills in over time, the goal is simple: park the car, walk to daily essentials, and enjoy the benefits of a mixed-use neighborhood without having to drive across town.

Easy Proximity to Shopping, Dining, and Daily Convenience

Even before the full build-out is complete, you already have a strong retail lineup close by. From Target and T.J. Maxx at Sowder Village Square to the Walmart Supercenter at Manassas Mall to the broader retail corridor along Sudley Road, most of your daily needs are just minutes away. This isn’t the type of suburban neighborhood where you’re driving 20 minutes for groceries. Convenience is built in.

Close to George Mason University – Science and Technology Campus

Living within 2 miles of GMU’s SciTech Campus puts you close to one of the region’s major academic and research hubs. Whether you work in higher ed, biotech, or supporting industries, that proximity can make daily life easier. Even if you don’t, being near a university adds energy, events, and long-term stability to the area.

An Up-and-Coming District with Long-Term Potential

Innovation Town Center isn’t just another suburban development — it’s part of a larger planned district aimed at becoming a high-amenity, mixed-use hub. As more retail, commercial space, and community features are added, early buyers often benefit from being in the first wave. You’re getting in before the area fully matures, which is appealing for buyers who want future upside.

Cons

Still Under Development — Both the Town Center and the Surrounding Area

Innovation Town Center is new, and that means the neighborhood is still growing into its final form. Not every retail space is open. Some parcels are still dirt. Streetscapes, trails, and supporting infrastructure are all in progress. If you want a neighborhood that feels “finished” from day one, this early phase may feel too raw.

Surrounding Roads Are Evolving Too

Because the broader Innovation corridor is planned to support new businesses, residential growth, and future commercial activity, the road network around the community is also in transition. Wellington Road, University Boulevard, and Prince William Parkway are all high-traffic through-roads that continue to see congestion, periodic improvements, and long-term planning. As the area grows, traffic volume will grow with it, and construction activity can be part of the lifestyle for the next several years.

Not Walkable Yet (Until the Town Center Fully Builds Out)

Yes, Innovation is designed to be a walkable mixed-use district. But during development, you’re still driving to most daily needs. The future walkability is a big selling point, but it’s future-focused, not present-day reality.

Limited Coffee Shops and “Third Places” Nearby

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a built-in coffee culture, Innovation isn’t there yet. Most of the best cafés — Jirani Coffeehouse, Larcomar Café Lounge, Puerto Rico Café — are in Old Town Manassas. They’re not far, but they’re not around the corner either. For now, you're driving for a latte, not strolling for one.

A Longer Commute to Northern Virginia’s Major Job Hubs

This is a major consideration for many buyers. Manassas offers space and value, but it sits far from the region’s biggest employment centers:

• Arlington (Clarendon / Ballston / Courthouse / Rosslyn) — a long, predictable commute from outer Prince William County.
• The Pentagon & Amazon HQ2 (Crystal City) — multiple choke points + high traffic corridors.
• Tysons Corner — one of the most difficult commutes from Manassas, especially during peak hours.
• Reston Town Center — cross-county commuting with no direct, easy route.
• Fort Belvoir & Quantico — possible, but long
• U.S. Capitol (Washington, DC) — you’re outside the Beltway and dealing with downtown congestion.

If your job is inside the Beltway, Innovation Town Center gives you lifestyle perks — but you’ll be spending time in the car.

Noise, Activity, and Traffic as the Area Grows

New mixed-use districts bring a different pace of life. Deliveries, retail traffic, construction, events, and ongoing development activity can be part of your day-to-day, especially during the early years. Some buyers love the energy, others prefer quieter, established neighborhoods.

Schools

Other than all we’ve talked about, public schools are also a major factor in choosing where to live for many people, especially families. Innovation Town Center is served by Prince William County Public Schools, one of the top performing school districts in the state. And other than that, it’s also the third most diverse district in Virginia, which helps kids in building stronger social skills, broader perspectives, and greater long-term readiness for college, careers, and life.

When you look at the school ratings for Innovation Town Center, they’re not going to jump off the page. But here’s the thing: these numbers don’t tell the whole story. And if you’ve been researching Northern Virginia for a while, you already know school ratings can be wildly misleading.

GreatSchools, in particular, weighs heavily on test scores, which often reflect demographics, language diversity, and socioeconomic makeup more than classroom quality or student support. Prince William County serves a large, diverse student population, including many multilingual learners. That impacts scoring formulas, not necessarily the day-to-day classroom experience.

School quality goes way beyond one number on a website. Think: teacher commitment, leadership stability, course offerings, extracurricular options, career and technical programs, and how well a school supports kids with different strengths. Unity Reed, for example, is known locally for strong community involvement, a huge range of academic pathways, and programs designed to meet students where they are.

If you’re a parent, the real value comes from touring the schools, meeting staff, and seeing how your child connects with the environment. Ratings are a data point—not a deal breaker—and families moving to Innovation Town Center often find that the district’s diversity, resources, and community focus create a far more supportive and well-rounded experience than the numbers suggest.

Who is This Community Best For?

Innovation Town Center isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. This community works best for buyers who value modern homes, open layouts, and a suburban town-center lifestyle. If you’re willing to trade a longer commute or average schools for new construction, growth potential, and nearby amenities, this could be the right spot for you.

Remote Workers & Flexible Schedules

Innovation Town Center is ideal if your work doesn’t require a daily drive into the region’s top employment hubs. With the Auburn floor plan’s open layouts and smart-home features, remote work and flexible schedules are a breeze. Being just two miles from George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus adds an academic and professional energy to the area, while nearby parks, recreation, and Old Town Manassas’ restaurants and entertainment give you lifestyle perks without fighting rush-hour traffic every day.

Early Buyers & Lifestyle-Seekers

If you like being part of an up-and-coming community, Innovation Town Center offers a chance to get in early. The neighborhood is still being built, and the town center is evolving, so you can be among the first to enjoy the modern, mixed-use vision as it comes to life. For buyers who value future upside and new-construction finishes, this is a rare opportunity in Prince William County.

Space-Seeking Families on a Budget

Families who want more home for the money will find the Auburn’s 2,270 sq. ft., 3-level layout very appealing. With a lower-level bedroom and full bath, three bedrooms upstairs, and flexible main-level space, there’s room to grow. Local schools may not match Fairfax or Loudoun in ratings, but recreational amenities, nearby parks, and the energy of GMU’s campus provide plenty of outlets for kids outside the classroom.

Buyers Prioritizing Suburban Comfort Over Commuting Convenience

If your priority is a quieter suburban lifestyle with modern amenities rather than a short commute to Arlington, Tysons, or DC, this is a strong fit. You get a new-construction townhome with smart-home technology, a private rear yard, and a 15’x8’ deck — all while being part of a neighborhood designed for walkability and future retail and dining options.

Final Thoughts

Innovation Town Center is a chance to grab a modern townhome in one of Prince William County’s most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods. Think open layouts, smart-home features, and a future walkable town-center lifestyle — all in a community that’s growing fast. Head over to our YouTube channel to tour this neighborhood and see other new construction communities across Northern Virginia in action.