Living in Fairfax County, VA
Explore Possibilities in Fairfax
One of the nation’s premier communities, minutes from D.C.
Fairfax County neighborhoods are home to everything from the shopping center mecca of Tysons Corner to the planned communities of Reston and Merrifield.
Catch outdoor concerts at the famous Wolf Trap, hike at Great Falls National Park, or enjoy the company of new neighbors in your suburban community with tree-lined streets.
The county also offers plenty of opportunities for sports enthusiasts like watching local teams play baseball, football, soccer, and basketball. They can also take part in recreational activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing; and visit museums, galleries, and historical landmarks.
The region has been named as one of the top places to live in the country, let alone one of the best places to live in Northern Virginia. It’s been recognized by Money Magazine, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, and CNNMoney.com. It was also ranked among Forbes Best Places To Live in 2017 and 2018.
Fairfax, Virginia cost of living is lower than the cost of living in Washington D.C., while still retaining the perks of living in a big city. Compared to D.C., costs for utilities, housing and transportation are lower in Fairfax County. To find jobs in Fairfax, browse our jobs board.
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Walk Score
Walk Score measures the walkability of any address. READ MORE
48 in Walkability
This community is driver-friendly. Most commutes will require a car.
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Commute Time to Airport
25 min drive to DCA or 25 min drive to IAD
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Commute Time to D.C.
30 min drive
Demographics
Schools in Fairfax County
America’s best in public and private K-12 education
Fairfax County Public Schools is the largest school division in Virginia, with 180,000 students across 198 schools and centers. More than 200 languages are spoken across the district, which has no racial majority. This highly diverse district offers Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes and is highly ranked by Niche in both academics and athletics.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, established through a partnership between Fairfax County Public Schools and private industry STEM leaders, is ranked as the No. 1 public high school in America by U.S. News & World Report.
Private education in Fairfax County is also highly ranked. The Potomac School is ranked by Niche as the No. 3 private school in Virginia and Madeira is ranked the No. 1 all-girls high school in Virginia and No. 1 private school in Virginia.
Fairfax County Transportation
Fast and easy options no matter your preference
Getting in, out and around in Fairfax County is easy thanks to the Metro, the Fairfax Connector bus route and a number of highways and connecting roads.
Residents with jobs in Fairfax, VA or D.C. and other surrounding Northern Virginia neighborhoods have access to plenty of transportation options to make commuting easy and convenient.
Transportation options in Fairfax include:
- 10 Metrorail stations, 3 new stations opening 2022
- 18 Metrobus routes
- 5 Virginia Railway Express stations
- More than 100 Fairfax Connector routes
- 54 Capital Bikeshare locations
- Uber, Lyft and numerous taxi companies
Fairfax County Attractions
Where luxury lifestyle, history and the arts come together
Many communities claim to have something for everyone. In Fairfax County, it’s an indisputable fact. Relax at the dozens of wineries and breweries, experience history at Civil War battlefields and take in live music and the arts.
When it’s time to shop or eat, you’ll never be without options in Fairfax. The Tysons Corner Center is home to 300 stores from fast retailers to luxury European brands, restaurants and entertainment options.
Accessible by public transportation, you also have the option to drop off your car at the valet spa where it will be ready for you after being hand-washed and detailed. Across the street, Tysons Galleria is the region’s premier upscale shopping and dining experience where you can find the likes of Burberry, Cartier and Saint Laurent.
Fairfax County Taxes
Competitive state for taxes
Tax rates in Virginia are competitive, especially compared to surrounding states. According to Wallethub, the tax burden in Virginia is lower than that of states like Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina.
- State Income Tax (VA): 5.75%
- Real Property Tax Rate: $1.110 per $100 Assessed Value
- Sales Tax (Combined State and Local): 6.0%