Getting to know Fairfax
Old Town sits near Main Street and Chain Bridge Road. Fairfax Boulevard crosses the city farther north, while George Mason University lies just beyond the southern city boundary. These destinations can lead to quite different daily routes.
- Old Town
- Near Main Street and Chain Bridge Road.
- Farther north
- Fairfax Boulevard crosses the city.
- Southern edge
- George Mason University is outside the city boundary; daily routes vary.
Postal areas, community boundaries, and school boundaries do not align.
Explore the areas
Compare four starting points for your search.
- Homes
- Condos, townhomes, small-lot homes, and established residential streets surrounding the core.
- Look into
- Check event activity, parking, and walking routes.
- Homes
- Established detached homes, townhomes, and communities of different ages.
- Look into
- Try the route during a university event.
- Homes
- Newer mixed-use residences, condos, townhomes, and established neighborhoods behind commercial frontage.
- Look into
- Look at road noise, crossings, and planned development.
- Homes
- Ramblers, split-levels, Colonials, renovated homes, and infill.
- Look into
- Ask about renovation records and drainage.
Orientation map · numbered areas are approximate
Old Town and the historic core
The city's civic and event center, with a compact street grid and nearby restaurants and services.
Homes: Condos, townhomes, small-lot homes, and established residential streets surrounding the core.
Look into: Check event activity, parking, and walking routes.
Map sources & boundaries
Fairfax city: January 1, 2026 official boundary. Numbered areas are approximate orientation points, not official subarea boundaries. Postal and school boundaries may differ.
- Fairfax County GIS — selected public parks ↗
- U.S. Census TIGERweb boundaries (January 1, 2026) ↗
- U.S. Census TIGERweb roads ↗
- U.S. Census TIGERweb water bodies ↗
- Fairfax County GIS — Metro routes, stations and W&OD Trail ↗
- City of Fairfax maps and GIS ↗
Road · dashed gold line: Metro · dotted green line: trail · blue: water · green: park
Homes and lots
Established homes
Ramblers, split-levels, and Colonials alongside townhomes, condos, and newer construction.
Lot & location
Compare upkeep and the routes to everyday destinations.
Attached homes
Review association costs, parking, and shared maintenance.
Everyday life
Errands & local life
Old Town Square, restaurants, and local events.
Old Town Square and the surrounding streets host events, restaurants, and services. Some homes make errands walkable; others are more convenient by car.
Parks & time outdoors
City parks and trails near your chosen neighborhood.
Explore city parks and trails from the neighborhood you are considering.
Your actual commute
CUE bus connections to Metro.
CUE bus connections. Test the route from the home at your travel times.
Schools
City schools operate through an agreement with Fairfax County Public Schools. Verify the full address and school year.
City schools operate through an agreement with Fairfax County Public Schools. Use the FCPS boundary locator for the property address and relevant school year, then confirm any program or transportation questions with the district.
Before you offer
- Check the property’s city or county jurisdiction.
- Try the CUE connection if Metro will be part of your commute.
- Visit during an event or busy travel period near your preferred area.
Regional market context
Regional figures provide background. Compare similar local homes before judging a specific property.
These figures cover the NVAR region, not this neighborhood alone. Compare recent sales of similar local homes, their condition, and current competition before making a pricing decision.
Common questions
Is Fairfax City part of Fairfax County?
No. The City of Fairfax is an independent Virginia city surrounded by Fairfax County. The two jurisdictions cooperate in some areas, including public-school operations, but taxes and services can differ.
Does every Fairfax mailing address fall inside Fairfax City?
No. Many properties with Fairfax postal addresses are in Fairfax County. Confirm jurisdiction using official property records and maps before comparing taxes, schools, trash service, or permits.
Is there a Metro station in Fairfax City?
The Vienna/Fairfax–GMU station is outside the city boundary. City of Fairfax CUE buses connect local destinations with the station; routes and frequency should be checked for the current schedule.
Sources & update notes
Published June 27, 2026. Updated October 1, 2026. Market reports retain their own dates and geographic coverage.
This guide covers the independent City of Fairfax. Many homes with a Fairfax mailing address are in Fairfax County instead; check the property record for jurisdiction and services.
- Fairfax City QuickFacts ↗ U.S. Census Bureau
- Old Town Square ↗ City of Fairfax
- City of Fairfax Parks ↗ City of Fairfax
- City of Fairfax Transportation ↗ City of Fairfax
- Old Town Fairfax Small Area Plan ↗ City of Fairfax
- FCPS Boundary Locator ↗ Fairfax County Public Schools
- Northern Virginia Market Report Methodology ↗ Liza Eller Homes
- How Fairfax City schools work with FCPS ↗ Fairfax County Public Schools
Photographs show the identified local places; see dates and image licenses below. Maps use separate geographic sources and do not infer boundaries from photographs.
Photo credits & dates
Home inspiration photos illustrate architecture, not homes in the named community, available listings, or Liza Eller sales. Local photographs identify their locations in the captions.
- Blue gabled house with a front porch and mature trees — Curtis Adams · Pexels License. Resized and converted to WebP; responsive display crops. Architectural inspiration only.
- Attached townhomes with gabled roofs, garages, and small front gardens — Curtis Adams · Pexels License. Resized and converted to WebP; responsive display crops. Architectural inspiration only.
- Old Town Hall (Fairfax, Virginia) (53890424273).jpg — ajay_suresh · CC BY 2.0. Taken: 2024-07-27 05:41. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary by screen size. The adapted image retains this license.
- Van Dyck Park footbridge 2020.jpg — Antony-22 · CC BY-SA 4.0. Taken: 2020-12-28 17:10:08. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary by screen size. The adapted image retains this license.
- CUE bus 822 at Vienna station.jpg — Ben Schumin · CC BY-SA 2.0. Taken: 2010-05-01. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary by screen size. The adapted image retains this license.
- Blue Craftsman-style home in Raleigh — Curtis Adams · Pexels License. Taken: 2020-10-01. Resized and converted to WebP; responsive display crops. Architectural inspiration only.
- Two-story brick Colonial with black shutters and a tree-framed lawn — Curtis Adams · Pexels License. Resized and converted to WebP; responsive display crops. Architectural inspiration only.
- Tysons skyline.jpg — Dclemens1971 · CC BY 4.0. Taken: 2026-05-03. Resized and converted to WebP; responsive display crops. No generated scenery or compositing. The adapted image retains this license.
