Welcome to Fairfax, VA
Discover the Historic Charm and Modern Amenities of Fairfax, Virginia
Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, the city of Fairfax offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With its rich history, excellent schools, thriving job market, and proximity to Washington D.C., Fairfax is an attractive destination for those looking to relocate to a vibrant and welcoming community.
📍 Fairfax, VA at a Glance
- Population: 24,019
- Location: 17 miles west of Washington, D.C.
- Incorporated: 1805
- Known For: Historic downtown, strong public schools, government and tech jobs
🔗 Dive Deeper into Fairfax
💸 Cost & Budget
- Cost of Living Overview — High-level look at Fairfax’s overall monthly expenses
- Monthly Budget Examples — Sample budgets for different household sizes
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
- Housing Costs & Ownership — Rent vs buy, property tax, and HOA fee breakdown
- Income Needed to Live Comfortably — Salary targets by lifestyle and household type
- What It’s Like to Live Here — Local sentiment, community vibe, and quality of life
- Student Living in Fairfax — Cost and lifestyle for college and university students
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
- Grocery Costs — Typical monthly grocery spending for Fairfax residents
- Public Transit Costs — Fares, passes, and best-value transportation options
- Utilities Breakdown — Electricity, water, trash, and seasonal bill fluctuations
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
Fairfax leans Democratic in national elections but has a mix of liberal and conservative residents. The city has an active civic life with many community organizations and events.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Fairfax has a low crime rate compared to national averages. The city is served by the Fairfax County Police Department and has a strong focus on community policing.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
Downtown Fairfax features a variety of local restaurants like Hamrock’s Restaurant, Sisters Thai, and Dolce Vita Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. The city hosts festivals and events throughout the year.
🏛️ Local Government
Fairfax has a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and six city council members. The city provides high-quality services and is known for its responsiveness to residents.
🚍 Transportation
Fairfax is served by the Washington Metro system, with the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station on the Orange Line. The city also has a robust bus system and easy access to major highways.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
Fairfax offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The median home value is $561,900, which is higher than the national average but competitive for the D.C. metro area.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
The city has numerous parks and green spaces, including Van Dyck Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and a skate park. Residents also enjoy easy access to regional parks and hiking trails.
💼 Job Market
Fairfax has a strong job market, with major employers in government, education, and technology. Top employers include George Mason University, the City of Fairfax, and CGI. The median household income is $105,297.
🧑🏫 Education
Fairfax is known for its excellent public schools, which are part of Fairfax County Public Schools. The city is also home to George Mason University, the largest public research university in Virginia.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Fairfax has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The city experiences all four seasons and gets an average of 43 inches of rainfall per year.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents of Fairfax appreciate the city’s strong sense of community, excellent schools, and convenient location. Many describe the city as a great place to raise a family and enjoy a high quality of life.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Fairfax
With its historic charm, modern amenities, top-rated schools, and thriving job market, Fairfax offers an attractive blend of small-town living and big-city opportunities. Its proximity to Washington D.C. and diverse community make it an appealing choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.