Fairfax, Virginia Property Management Services

Location of Fairfax

The City of Fairfax is the county seat of Fairfax County. It is located 17 miles west of Washington, D.C. Fairfax’s landmass covers just over six square miles.

The city is served by the Washington Metro’s Orange Line, where commuters and visitors can embark and disembark at Vienna Station, located just a mile northeast of the city limits.

Fairfax’s location offers residents easy access to the entire Northern Virginia region. Interstates 66 and 95, along with the 395 and 495 beltways, are the area’s main highway arteries. 

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Fairfax is 24,146, making it the 24th largest city in Virginia. The median age in Fairfax is 38.2 years.

The average household income in Fairfax is just over $138,000. In addition, over 60% of the city’s residents have either a Bachelor’s Degree or a Graduate Degree.

Area History

Farmers from eastern Virginia and Maryland began settling this area in the early 1700s. Fairfax County, named for Thomas, the Sixth Lord Fairfax, whose family’s land grant included all of Northern Virginia, was formed in 1742. The City of Fairfax began as the Town of Providence in 1805, a community built around the Fairfax County Courthouse, completed in 1800 at the corner of Little River Turnpike and Ox Road.

The area was a crossroads of conflict during the American Civil War, creating hardships and disrupting lives for everyone.  On June 1, 1861, the first land engagement of the American Civil War was fought here, resulting in the death of Captain John Quincy Marr, the first Confederate officer killed in the war. 

Fairfax became a crossroads of commerce in the late nineteenth century. The dairy industry propelled economic rebirth and the building of schools, churches, homes, barns, and businesses.

World War II spurred rapid growth across the region in housing, business ventures, and population.  As a result, Fairfax quickly changed from a rural to a suburban community.  In 1959, the Town of Fairfax deeded a 150-acre tract of land to the University of Virginia to establish a permanent home for what is now George Mason University, an innovative leader in higher education.

In 1961, the Town of Fairfax was incorporated as the independent City of Fairfax; a new City Hall was completed in 1962.  The city built schools, established a bus service, expanded services to residents, and created a downtown historic district.  

In the 21st century, Fairfax continues to flourish economically and culturally. Many of the city’s residents are dedicated government employees, and Fairfax County is home to eleven Fortune 500 companies.

Education

Fairfax’s public schools are owned by the city but administered by the Fairfax County Public School system. Schools in Fairfax County consistently rank among the best in the country.

With almost 34,000 students, George Mason University is the largest university in Virginia and is located just south of the Fairfax city limits. In recent years, faculty members have twice won the Nobel Prize in Economics. 

Things to Do

In addition to the popular tourist attractions throughout Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area, there are plenty of reasons to stay close to Fairfax and have fun.

Historic Blenheim offers a glimpse into Fairfax’s early history. It is an antebellum farmhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is famous for the graffiti left by Union Soldiers during the Civil War.

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra often performs in town and, combined with dinner in one of the city’s fine dining establishments, makes for the perfect evening out. Those who love culture can also enjoy music and cultural performances at George Mason University’s 10,000 seat EagleBank Arena.

The Fairfax Art League gallery is a member-owned cooperative that represents 100 local artists. The League hosts monthly exhibits and twice-annual special events.

Home Prices and Trends

With its ideal location and growing population, prices in the City of Fairfax trend toward the higher side of the real estate spectrum in Northern Virginia, even for older, smaller homes. Yet despite the higher prices, the price per square foot is still typically much lower than in Washington, D.C., making Fairfax one of the most popular real estate markets in Northern Virginia. 

In addition to single-family-home neighborhoods, Fairfax is also experiencing a boom in condominiums connected to mixed-use developments.

The median price for a single-family home in Fairfax is $682,500, and homes are typically on the market for an average of 50 days before selling. 

Is Fairfax the Best Place For You?

You won’t find many Fairfax residents who want to live somewhere else. Fairfax might be the best place for you to call home if:

Education is important to you and your family: Fairfax offers some of the nation’s best public and private school options, including George Mason University, which is known for its exceptional academics and performing arts.

Walkability matters: Besides offering superior master-planned suburban life with quick access to the D.C. area, the city is rated 88/100 for walkability. Fairfax residents can easily access the city center on foot.

Lower cost of living: the cost of living is lower in Fairfax than in Washington D.C., while still offering the perks of big city living. Utility, housing, and transportation costs are among the most reasonable in Northern Virginia.

Whether you currently have rental property or are looking to buy one in the Alexandria area, we invite you to contact our team at RentSimple. Let us show you that your priorities are what matter most to us.