Fairfax, Virginia is a six-square-mile city located in the center of Northern Virginia, about 12 miles west of Washington, D.C. It is within the heart of Fairfax County known for its high household income, high tech economy and a sophisticated population of more than one million residents. The City of Fairfax is a charming, historic city with lush tree-line streets. This modern city has a population of 21,498 residents and is independent from the jurisdiction of the county with its own schools, government, and police.

In 1904, an electric trolley line ran from Fairfax to downtown DC, making Fairfax a part of Greater Washington. From the latter half of the 20th century through to today, Fairfax has continued to prosper. As the government in Washington expanded, Fairfax grew as a bedroom community. The rapid growth of George Mason University made Fairfax a center for higher education. And, due to its central location, tourists discovered Fairfax as the place to stay while visiting Washington. The median household income within Fairfax County is almost double the rest of the state at $81,050 per year.

The City of Fairfax offers a wide range of housing styles and prices. In 2005, the median resale price for single-family detached houses was $425,000. For townhouses, the median price was $230,000, and for condominium garden apartments, the median price was $215,000.

As is true throughout the area, the cost of new home construction is substantially higher; new home prices averaged more than $408,600. With access to such high incomes and affordable housing costs, Fairfax makes an outstanding choice for relocation.

In this area you will also find two pleasant suburbs that have proven to be popular relocation destinations. Money Magazine recently named the town of Oakton, Virginia to its venerable list of "Best Places to Live". Its proximity to places such as Washington, D.C. and the Technology Corridor offer residents a plethora of employment possibilities. And since it lies within a short drive's distance from the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains, locals have an equally impressive array of recreational activities.

The nearby town of McLean provides a similar atmosphere, with excellent schools and a family-focused environment. With the region's rich history, there are plenty of fairs and festivals, some of which have their roots in the nation's founding. One of the most popular is the McLean Day festival, offering residents such diverse entertainment as a tennis tournament, fun-run, battle of the bands, and a family carnival. Other much anticipated events include the epicurean Taste of McLean and the Fall Cultural Festival. Residents in this region tend to be a well-educated group of professionals, who enjoy the area for its traditional American setting.

The city is full of unique and interesting historic places. There are a total of 109 historic properties within the city limits. The National Register District and the Old and Historic Fairfax District are both listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register. The Fairfax Public School, which is now the Fairfax Museum and Virginia Visitors Center, the 1805 Ratcliffe Allison House, the 1850 Blenheim estate and even the 1947 Tastee 29 Diner are all on the National Register.

Fairfax is famous for its annual festivals and really knows how to host a party! Festival season begins on a romantic note with The Chocolate Lover's Festival in early February. Spotlight on the Arts is ten days of concerts, performances, exhibits and galas in April to highlight the work of young, emerging and distinguished artists. Civil War Weekend held in May celebrates the heroism and heritage of local residents during this tumultuous time in American history. Independence Day Celebration boasts the region's largest parade, afterwards is an ice cream social with the local fireman and policemen, then a concert and a fireworks display. The Fall for the Book Festival, held in October on the campus of George Mason University celebrates the printed word. Authors and poets gather for a series of seminars, readings and round table discussions. The Fairfax Fall Festival, held in October, hosts the arts and crafts of more than 200 artisans. Music fills the air and the city's restaurants create an outdoor food court for a taste of the town. City of Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols, held in December transfer the city into a winter wonderland full of holiday cheer. Sleigh rides, Santa, s'mores and a Yule log are family favorites.

Washingtonians depart DC to come to Fairfax and shop for fine furniture, household goods, luxury automobiles, motorcycles and other high-ticket items and to stroll the streets of Old Town Fairfax for those unique gift items unavailable anywhere else. Old Town Fairfax is currently undergoing a major redevelopment that will increase its retail space while creating a more harmonious streetscape. Old Town Fairfax is a treasure trove of tiny shops and boutiques tucked within historic buildings. Within a few blocks walk along Main Street, Chain Bridge and North Street, you'll discover friendly shopkeepers who delight in helping residents and visitors find that perfect gift or decorator item. On Saturdays, during the warm weather months, the Old Town Fairfax Farmer's Market is held. Coffee, fresh pastries, produce, flowers and similar fresh finds, make this the morning spot to shop in Old Town.

The City of Fairfax School Division is comprised of four schools housing some 2600 students in grades K-12. Last year, Fairfax graduates received more than $2.5 million in scholarships. Seventy-two percent of the graduates are attending quality, four-year colleges and universities in Virginia and nationwide. Fairfax schools are recognized for the rigor of its academic program, and has unparalleled integration of technology in the curriculum. The high school was ranked by Newsweek magazine as one of the "100 Best High Schools In America." George Mason University opened in September l964 and now has an international reputation. It offers 59 undergraduate degrees, 79 graduate degrees and a law school with an enrollment of more than 24,000. As a part of its mission as a liberal arts school, the University opened the Center for the Arts, a 2000 seat concert hall, which has become a venue for internationally renowned artists.


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