Originally established in 1792 due to its central location between major Virginia towns, Centreville sits just 20 miles west of Washington D.C. The area's rich Civil War history is evident at sites like the Mount Gilead Historic Site and Stuart-Mosby Civil War Cavalry Museum, while modern apartment communities and townhomes now occupy the rolling hills that once served as strategic lookout points during the conflict.

Centreville's location at the intersection of Interstate 66, U.S. Route 29, and Virginia Route 28 provides direct routes to employment centers throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,143. The area's apartment communities tend to be smaller in scale, offering an alternative to the high-rise developments common in neighboring communities.

The Centreville Historic District and neighbourhoods like Centre Ridge and Virginia Run each maintain their own distinct character. Shopping centers including Centreville Crossing and Centrewood Plaza serve as community hubs, while the nearby Bull Run Regional Park offers outdoor recreation opportunities. Popular residential areas include the established neighborhoods near Stone Middle School, known for their mature tree canopy and spacious townhomes, as well as the newer developments surrounding Westfield High School.