Fairfax derives its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, to whom King Charles awarded 5,000,000 acres of land in Northern Virginia in the 1700's. By 1874 Fairfax was incorporated as a Town, and by 1961 Fairfax became a City. Now Fairfax offers its residents a comfortable and vibrant suburban lifestyle within close proximity to the bustling city of Washington, D.C. As of 2020, the population of Fairfax is 25,228.

One of the highlights of living in Fairfax is its convenient location. Situated just 16 miles west of downtown D.C., residents have easy access to the nation's capital's cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. The area is well-connected, with major highways such as Interstate 66 and Interstate 495 (the Capital Beltway) nearby, providing quick and convenient travel options.

In terms of community life, Fairfax fosters a strong sense of belonging and engagement through numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Some local favorites include The Chocolate Lovers Festival, The Antique Car Show, Rock The Block, Fall Festival, and The Holiday Market.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Fairfax, with an abundance of parks, nature trails, and recreational facilities. The Fairfax County Park Authority maintains an extensive network of parks and green spaces, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, camping, playing, and various sporting activities. 

Fairfax also offers a diverse dining scene, with a wide range of culinary options to suit all tastes. From trendy bistros and international eateries to cozy cafes and family-friendly restaurants, residents can explore a variety of flavors from around the world. From a New York-style deli like Chutzpah, a beloved Chinese restaurant like Mama Chang, a scrumptious Italian-American wine bar like Dolce Vita, a traditional Irish pub like The Auld Shebeen, a combination Mediterranean restaurant/art collective like Epicure Cafe, to a classic local brewery like Ornery Beer Company you won't be disappointed. 

The neighboring area of Merrifield brings even more perks to living in Fairfax with the completion of The Mosaic District in 2018. The Mosaic District is a unique district that houses a hand-selected mix of retailers and restaurants while boasting intelligent urban design and a passion for enabling authentic community engagement. In Mosaic, you'll find restaurants like Alta Strada, Bar Taco, Caboose Commons, Mom and Pop, Pupatella, Shake Shack, and Urban Hot Pot, along with shopping/entertainment options like Barnes & Noble, Custom Ink, Lululemon, Mom's Organic Market, Muse Paint Bar, Mint Nail Lounge, Solidcore, Target, William Sonoma, and so much more. 

Northern Virginia is known for great schools. All of the public schools in Fairfax are operated by Fairfax County Public Schools. You can explore the zoned schools for each home you are considering using their helpful Boundary Finder Tool. I recommend carefully researching area schools before making a home purchase since where you live will have a big impact on the type of education your children will receive. If you live in Fairfax, here is a list of the schools that your children could be districted to: 

To learn more about Private Schools in Northern Virginia, Click Here!

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