Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax covers both the independent City of Fairfax and a wide ring of county neighborhoods with Fairfax addresses, from older brick Colonials to newer townhome communities.
Welcome to Fairfax.
The name causes some confusion. The City of Fairfax is an independent city with its own government, built around a historic downtown called Old Town Fairfax. A much larger area outside the city also uses Fairfax mailing addresses, including neighborhoods near George Mason University, Fair Lakes and Fair Oaks.
That line matters for taxes, trash pickup, permits and other services, so when I help someone look in Fairfax, one of the first things I check is whether a house sits inside the city or out in the county.
Older Neighborhoods Close to Town
In and around the city, many neighborhoods date from the 1950s through the 1970s, with brick ramblers, split-levels and Colonials under big oaks and maples. Lots are often generous, and plenty of these homes have picked up additions or new kitchens along the way.
Van Dyck Park and Daniels Run Park are the city’s go-to spots for playgrounds, trails and ball fields.
Townhomes and Condos Farther Out
Toward Fair Lakes, Fair Oaks and the Route 50 and I-66 corridor, you’ll find more townhome and condo communities built from the 1980s on, often with HOA amenities and shopping nearby. They can be a smart first purchase, or a good fit for anyone who wants less yard to look after. It’s also where most people around here go for the big shopping trips.
Old Town, Blenheim and George Mason
Old Town Fairfax has the historic courthouse, local shops and restaurants, and city events throughout the year. On Old Lee Highway, Historic Blenheim preserves a pre-Civil War farmhouse whose attic walls are covered with names and notes left by Union soldiers.
George Mason University sits at the city’s southern edge and brings concerts, theater and college sports to town.
Metro, CUE Buses and Route 123
The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station, at the end of Metro’s Orange Line, is just north of the city, and the city’s CUE buses connect it with Old Town and the university. Fairfax Connector buses fill in the gaps on the county side, and Route 123, Route 50, Route 29, I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway handle most trips by car.
Fairfax has a lot of variety under one name. Tell me what you’re after, and I’ll help you work out which part of it fits.
Comparing areas? See all the community guides
More Neighborhood Guides
Springfield
Central, well connected, and full of solid older homes.
West Springfield
Settled neighborhoods, big trees and stream valley trails close to home.
Burke
A big planned community, lots of green space and two VRE stations.
Fairfax Station
Wooded lots, quiet roads and a little horse country, close to Burke Lake.
Lorton
Newer neighborhoods, Mason Neck parkland and an easy run up I-95.
Alexandria
Old Town rowhouses, close-in suburbs and the Potomac waterfront.
Arlington County
Metro corridors, older brick neighborhoods and trails along the Potomac.
Prince William County
More room for the money, historic river towns and parks along the Potomac.
Thinking about Fairfax?
I’d love to tell you more about the area, what homes are selling for, and what to look for.