Fairfax

Welcome to Fairfax

Huge area with a mix of urban and suburban environments

Fairfax encompasses many other cities with a mix of urban and suburban environments, including the central area of Fairfax County and the historic City of Fairfax. Fairfax City offers easy access to several major highways via the Orange Line Metro station about a mile north of the City of Fairfax’s city limits in neighboring Vienna. Old Town Fairfax is the charming historic downtown area. The broader community of Fairfax has several large country parks and miles of scenic trails. Fairfax has a wide-ranging real estate mix. Housing options include older and newer single-family homes in addition to condominiums in trendy contemporary mixed-use developments.

What to Love

• Huge area with diverse communities
• Convenient D.C. Metro and highway access
• Historic downtown in Old Town Fairfax
• Many annual events
•  

People & Lifestyle

This sprawling community covers a large swathe of Northern Virginia, one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. The communities of Fairfax offer a wide range of neighborhoods and amenities. From trendy restaurants and cultural attractions to beautiful parks and outdoor recreation, attractions in Fairfax are seemingly endless. You can find George Mason University just south of the City of Fairfax, and the area is home to many university students and faculty. Other residents range from young families and urban professionals to retirees.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Main Street, located in the heart of Old Town Fairfax, features some great local restaurants and retailers, including TJMaxx. Grab a bite at The Auld Shebeen. This authentic Irish pub serves weekend brunch specials and traditional Irish dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and a signature Guinness beef stew. The Auld Shebeen’s relaxed main level has live Irish music on the weekends while the basement hosts regular rock concerts and DJ nights. Old Town Plaza is home to a variety of restaurants and services. Popular establishments at Old Town Plaza include Bollywood Bistro, known for its contemporary Indian cuisine.  Havabite Eatery serves gourmet pizzas, Greek-style gyros and souvlaki, Italian-American sub sandwiches, and a wide choice of Greek and Italian entrées.

Things to Do

Fairfax has several areas of gorgeous natural scenery, including Long Branch Stream Valley Park, where trails follow the path of a stream for several miles through Fairfax. There are several distinct parks, tennis courts, and playgrounds sprinkled along the trails. The Children’s Science Center in the City of Fairfax is packed with fun, hands-on activities for kids. Other cultural attractions include performances at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts and EagleBank Arena. Fairfax Fall Festival is a large community celebration usually held in October. This hometown festival features hundreds of vendors selling gourmet foods and handicrafts along with three stages of music and live entertainment. The Celebrate Fairfax Festival typically takes place in July. This weekend-long celebration consists of live music, carnival rides, and many fun activities for all ages. Other events in Fairfax throughout the year include the Chocolate Lovers Festival in February, April’s Fairfax Civil War Day with re-enactments at the historic Blenheim Estate, and the largest Fourth of July parade and fireworks display in the D.C. area.

Schools

Fairfax is served by the Fairfax County Public Schools District.

• Fairfax High School, Public, 9-12
• Woodson High School, Public, 9-12
• George Mason University, Public, Higher Education