Fairfax

Top 25 Places to Live Well

Once ranked third in Forbes’ list of the “Top 25 Places to Live Well,” Fairfax, Virginia is a highly desirable place to live for families and professionals alike. Fairfax is located in the heart of Northern Virginia, just 15 miles southwest of D.C., bordered by Arlington and Alexandria to the west and Vienna to the north. The area is well known for its emphasis on quality education and high median income. Fairfax is home to George Mason University and some of the highest rated public schools in the country.

The area’s convenient location is easily accessible via I-66, Route 50, I-495, and Route 28, but the Vienna Metro station is the closest stop to Fairfax. Beautifully preserved land, historic sites, plenty of shopping centers, and family-friendly events provide residents with a well-rounded lifestyle between urban and rural living. With its abundance of parks, schools, local events, and a healthy job market, Fairfax certainly lives up to its designation as one of the nation’s top places to live well.

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About

Like most Northern Virginia neighborhoods, Fairfax also has its own historical significance. In the early 18th century, Lord Thomas Fairfax was awarded the parcel of land named after its owner by King Charles of England for his success in the English Civil War. The area was settled by migrating Tidewater farmers, looking for religious freedom and better economic opportunities. Fairfax was the site of the first land battle of the American Civil War in 1861, and the Fairfax County Courthouse — built in 1800 — is the oldest and most historic building in Fairfax. It was used by Union forces as military headquarters throughout the war. Fairfax remained an area dominated by farms and small estates until it boomed in the 1950s, growing rapidly into the neighborhood we know today. In 2005, Fairfax experienced extensive redevelopment with plans for even more retail and restaurant space, office buildings, and upscale residential condominiums. Now Fairfax is a bustling, mini metropolis and still growing!