What You Should Know Before Moving To Fairfax, Virginia
Considering moving to Fairfax, VA? I don’t blame you. There are plenty of good reasons for living in Fairfax. Located in the state of Virginia, this suburb of Washington, D.C., is indeed one of the best places to live and grow old in.
If you are looking for a peaceful community for the whole family, then Fairfax is a great choice. With public parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, low crime rates, and the best education in one of the top public school systems in the country, your kids are guaranteed a safe haven for learning.
You and your loved ones can also look forward to a thriving economy with high employment rates, numerous job opportunities, and scope for business growth if you are an entrepreneur. You can also find numerous opportunities in Washington, D.C., just 17 miles away.
When it comes to the elderly and their healthcare needs, you will be relieved to know the county has good care facilities when it comes to nursing homes and assisted living centers and at costs that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Fairfax, NoVA, is home to national historical sites featuring memorabilia from the Civil War. Venues for cultural and recreational pastimes, and a wide array of shopping and dining establishments ensure fun weekends.
Here are more incentives for you to move to Fairfax, in case you’re still vacillating.
Fairfax In Numbers: What You Need To Know
Population: 23,865 (6.9% growth rate)
Median Age: 39
Unemployment Rate: 2.1% (national average: 3.7%)
Climate: Pleasant in May, June, and September; least comfortable in January and February
Average Commute Time: 31.2 minutes (national average: 26.4)
Rankings based on the U.S. Census key statistics and insights from experts:
Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in VA: #11 of 163
Best Places to Retire in VA: #34 of 279
Most Diverse Suburbs in VA: #51 of 163
Cost Of Living In Fairfax VA
Wondering what is the cost of living in Fairfax? It’s 52% higher than the national average.
This high cost is reflected in the county’s median home value of $533,300 compared to the national average of $184,700. Meanwhile, the median rent is at $1,899 versus the $949 national average.
Before these numbers make you doubt if it’s worth the big move, let’s look at the other side of the coin.
What is the average income in Fairfax County, NoVA? The median household income there is $111,574, more than double the national average of $55,322.
Education In Fairfax
Compared to the $12,383 national average school expenditure per student, public schools in Fairfax VA spend $14,978. The student-teacher ratio in the county is 12.8 to 1.
Fairfax county public schools is one of the country’s largest school systems with a level of excellence recognized by the international academic community. You also have a choice to enroll your children in first-rate private institutions.
For higher education, you can find five major universities and colleges in Fairfax, plus over 60 in the nearby Washington, D.C., area. Among these are George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Camden Monument, VA?Health Care In Fairfax
When it comes to technology, Fairfax County leads the pack, and this is evidenced in its medical centers and hospitals. For instance, the Inova Health System is widely recognized by national publications and organizations for its efforts in innovation and excellent patient services. Inova has only seven hospitals, and five of them are in Fairfax County.
Other health care providers found in the county are:
- HCA Virginia Health System in Reston Hospital Center, Dominion Hospital, and two surgical centers.
- Kaiser Permanente, which operates six medical centers, including Tysons Corner.
- Children’s National Medical Center with a regional outpatient center as well as a center for blood disorders and cancer.
Northern Virginia Real Estate: Fairfax
Median Home Cost: $551,200
Home Appreciation: 3.1% in the last 10 years
You won’t run out of real estate options in Fairfax, VA, no matter what your budget is and irrespective of the kind of lifestyle you lead.
Whether you prefer living in a suburban landscaped environment or your work requires you to reside near the city, you will definitely find a home that fits your profile. The county offers townhomes, luxury estates, contemporary condominiums, and single-family detached houses.
Best Places To Live In Fairfax County, VA
What is it like to live in Fairfax, VA?
Current residents love that popular attractions are accessible. It’s just 30 minutes to Washington, D.C, 25 to Centreville, and 20 to Annandale. Old Town Fairfax offers many festivals.
Transportation is great and commuting to work is easy.
Shopping options are diverse with Fair Oaks Mall, Walmart, Home Depot, and a variety of groceries.
The area is ideal for families with young children. Most parents report being extremely happy with the high quality of education. Parks are abundant and so are kids’ facilities, like Little Gym and Gymboree.
Also, the local government maintains public areas and amenities efficiently and is one of the most responsive in the whole of Northern Virginia, another bonus if you are considering a move here.
Where To Live In Fairfax, VA
If you haven’t made up your mind about where to settle down in Fairfax, you’ve got quite a few options to pick from. Many will agree that these are the best places to live in Fairfax County:
Franklin Farm
A quaint town near Dulles International Airport, this community comprises Ashburton Oaks, Franklin Farm, and Still Oaks. The child-friendly environment features about 200 acres of open space, community centers, children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, and swimming pools. It is also near the commercial complexes of Reston and Herndon.
Oakton
With a population of 37,000, this 10-square mile community is home to hundreds of oak trees, from which its name is derived. Housing is an interesting blend of mostly single-family homes and condominiums, apartments, townhomes, and large estates. Many residents are professionals and young families.
Among the schools, Oakton High School is considered one of the best in Virginia and offers an impressive sports program.
Shopping centers located in Fair Oaks and Tyson’s Corner are accessible through Routes 66 and 123. Washington, D.C., can be reached by car or via the Vienna Metro.
McNair
McNair has a population of 17,000. A planned community situated on what used to be a farm, McNair sits in the middle of Dulles Toll Road, Monroe Street, Frying Pan Road, Wasser Terrace, and Sully Road. It is also near Dulles Airport, Reston Town Center, and downtown Herndon.
The neighborhood is friendly and resident leaders organize lots of activities for families. Schools include McNair Elementary, Carson Middle, and Westfield High. Professionals working at the Dulles Corner office complex have flocked to this community.
McNair homes are spacious, many with ceilings 10 feet high. Real estate value has been on the up since the Metro opened. The residential enclave is just five miles from the Wiehle-Reston East Station of Metro’s Silver Line.
Mantua
With a population of 7,520, Mantua is located between Little River Turnpike and Route 50. This largely single-family affluent neighborhood is tightly knit, where everybody knows everybody. It belongs to the 15% highest income neighborhoods in the country and is wealthier than 98.6%.
Mantua is near I-66 and just outside the Beltway, which makes it easy for commuters to go back and forth.
Like most areas in Fairfax, VA, this community contains schools within the reputable Fairfax County school system. These include Mantua Elementary, Frost Middle, and W.T. Woodson High.
Mantua is known for mid-century architecture. Houses mostly stand on big lots and are a mix of colonial, modern, ramblers, and split-levels. Prices start at $800,000.
This diverse selection, combined with a low crime rate and peaceful surroundings, makes it an ideal retirement place. In fact, many of the residents are college-educated seniors.
Reston
Founded in 1964, this planned community is a mix of urban neighborhoods and quiet woods. It has designated residential places as well as spaces for work, play, business, education, and worship.
At the same time, open spaces – village centers – are maintained and conserved. These include Hunters Woods, Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Tall Oaks, and of course, Reston Town Center downtown.
An ideal place for families, Reston offers plenty of entertainment and dining options. The pavilion holds concerts, community events, and winter ice skating.
Other Fairfax Country Living Options
In addition to these five communities, these are other neighborhoods you would want to look into:
- Merrifield – Located in the eastern part of Fairfax County, it is bounded on the north by I-66 on the south by U.S. Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard), on the east by Capital Bellway, and Virginia State Highway 243 (Nutley Street) on the west
- Dunn Loring – Situated in the northeastern area of the county with Tysons Corner on the north, I-66 on the south, Capital Bellway on the east, and the town of Vienna to the west
- Idylwood – Found in the eastern part of the county and bordered by Pimmit Hills and Tysons Corner to the north, West Falls Church to the south, Falls Church to the east, Dunn Loring to the west, and Merrifield to the southwest
Final Thoughts On Living In Fairfax, VA
Moving to a new place is a major decision to make with many factors to consider. Fairfax County in Northern Virginia is a great choice for young families as well as for multigenerational families.
Thanks to its features, facilities, and amenities, the county allows for a peaceful and wholesome lifestyle.
If this introduction to the county has piqued your interest, we’d be glad to help you find your next home! Darren’s team is an expert in finding the best location in Northern Virginia that fits every homebuyer’s unique needs and preferences.
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