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Fairfax, Virginia is about 17 miles west of Washington, DC, in the heart of Northern Virginia. It offers a historic downtown, established neighborhoods, George Mason University, and quick access to I-66, Route 50 and the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station. My office is a few minutes away in Vienna, so I show homes in Fairfax every week. This guide covers what buyers should know before they start: where Fairfax actually is, neighborhoods, taxes, schools, commute, local life and how to put in an offer that works.
“Fairfax” Can Mean Three Different Things
This is the first thing I explain to buyers. A listing that says “Fairfax” could be:
- The City of Fairfax: a small independent city of its own, with its own city government, services and city real estate tax.
- Fairfax County: the large county that surrounds the city and includes Vienna, McLean, Reston, Burke and many other communities.
- A “Fairfax” mailing address: many homes outside the city limits, and places like Fairfax Station, use a Fairfax address.
- Old Town Fairfax: the historic center around Main Street, close to restaurants, the courthouse area and city events.
- Mosby Woods: an established neighborhood of single-family homes near Route 50 and the Fairfax Corner area.
- Mantua: a mostly single-family area on the east side, popular with families.
- Kings Park West: a large community with a mix of home styles and green space.
- Fairfax Station: larger lots and a more rural feel to the south, near Burke Lake Park. It has a Fairfax mailing address but is in the county, not the city.
- Old Town Fairfax for restaurants, shops and the Fairfax Museum at 10209 Main Street.
- Burke Lake Park for trails, fishing and family outings.
- George Mason University for sports, performances and the Center for the Arts.
- Fairfax Corner for shopping, dining and a movie theater.
- Alfred Yun Quartet at the Sherwood Center: October 16.
- Rock the Block and ARTScreen “Knives Out”: October 23.
- Fall Tree Pickup at City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street: October 24.
- AB EX FFX exhibit at the Fairfax Museum: on view through December 18.
- Get pre-approved first. See our home buying process guide and common loan types.
- Decide your must-haves before touring, so you can move quickly when the right house appears.
- Price your offer on recent sales, not the list price.
- Think carefully about contingencies. Inspection and financing protections are worth keeping unless you and your agent have a good reason to change them.
- Work with an agent who knows the area. Read how a buyer’s agent works.
- Assuming a “Fairfax” address is inside the City of Fairfax, then being surprised by the tax bill or school assignment.
- Trusting a listing’s school information instead of checking the boundary for that exact address.
- Skipping a rush-hour test drive of the commute.
- Skipping a thorough inspection of the roof, HVAC and drainage on older homes.
- Starting house hunting before talking to a lender.
Which one you are buying in affects your tax bill, your services and, in some cases, your school assignment. Always confirm the exact address before you make an offer.
What the Fairfax Housing Market Looks Like
Fairfax is a mix of older single-family homes on established lots, townhome communities and condos, plus newer infill and rebuilt houses. Because it sits close to Tysons, DC and GMU, demand stays steady, and well-priced homes in good condition tend to sell fast. Prices vary widely by home type and neighborhood, so a median for the whole area says little about the specific home you want. Ask me for recent sold homes on your target streets and I will show you what similar homes actually closed for.
Rates matter at any price point. Run your own numbers with our mortgage calculator, and read my take on 7% mortgage rates in Northern Virginia.
Popular Fairfax Neighborhoods
Browse my Fairfax homes for sale page to see what is on the market now.
Taxes: City of Fairfax vs. Fairfax County
The City of Fairfax sets its own real estate tax rate, separate from Fairfax County’s. The rates are close but not identical, and both change every year when the budgets are adopted. On a home of this value, a small difference in rate adds up, so ask for the current rate for the exact address. You can check the latest rates on the City of Fairfax website and the Fairfax County website.
Schools
Homes inside the City of Fairfax are served by the City of Fairfax school system: Daniels Run Elementary, Providence Elementary, Katherine Johnson Middle School and Fairfax High School. Homes in the surrounding county with a Fairfax address are served by Fairfax County Public Schools, and the assigned school depends on the street. Boundaries can change, so check the address on the City of Fairfax Schools site or the FCPS website before you make an offer rather than relying on a listing.
Commute, Metro and Getting Around
The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station on the Orange Line is the closest station for much of Fairfax. The free CUE bus connects the city to Metro. Drivers use I-66, Route 50, Route 123 and the Fairfax County Parkway, and drive times swing widely with rush-hour traffic. Before you fall in love with a house, test the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
Things to Do in Fairfax
Local Events Coming Up
Here is some of what the City of Fairfax has on the calendar this fall. Dates can change, so check the City of Fairfax website before you go.
How to Compete in Fairfax
Common Mistakes Fairfax Buyers Make
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax, VA a good place to live?
Many buyers think so. It combines a historic downtown, parks, a major university, Metro access and an easy drive to Tysons and DC. Prices are generally lower than in McLean or Vienna, though still high compared with much of the country.
What is the difference between Fairfax City and Fairfax County?
The City of Fairfax is a small independent city with its own government, tax rate and school system. Fairfax County is the much larger county around it. Many homes with a Fairfax address are in the county, not the city.
How do I find out what a home will really cost me each month?
Add your loan payment, property tax, insurance and any HOA fees. Our mortgage calculator is a good start, and a lender can give you an exact figure.
Ready to Look at Homes in Fairfax?
Browse my Fairfax homes for sale page, see nearby Vienna and Falls Church, or read the wider Northern Virginia homes for sale guide. Thinking of selling instead? Get a free home value estimate.
Contact me today to start your Fairfax search, or call my direct line at 202-710-3342 (office: 833-944-4611).
Mukaram Ghani
RE/MAX Galaxy, serving Northern Virginia
Event details are from the City of Fairfax; school names are from the City of Fairfax Schools website. Both change often, so confirm before you rely on them. This article is for general information only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice.