Fairfax City

The City of Fairfax is an independent city located in the center of Fairfax County. It also serves as the county’s seat. Although the town was formally named in 1874, the region’s history dates back to the early 18^th century, when King Charles of England granted Lord Fairfax 5,000 acres of land. Today the city serves as the commercial and governmental center for the most populous jurisdiction in both the state of Virginia and the Washington Metropolitan area.

Quality of Life:

The City of Fairfax extends outward from its historic Old Town district, which is located in the blocks surrounding the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Main Street, where the County Courthouse was built in 1790. The City of Fairfax is rich in Civil War history: the courthouse was the site of the first Confederate officer casualty. The downtown area also serves as a cultural hub, offering a variety of festivals to suit every interest. The Fairfax Fine Arts Festival held every April offers a venue for hundreds of local artists. In the fall the “Fall for the Book” features lectures and discussions with nationally recognized writers, all hosted at the new regional library.

Further out from the Old Town hub, a variety of newer developments offer an array of amenities. Fairfax Corner, a new mixed-use development, offers a variety of shopping and dining options, and Fair Oaks mall serves as a major retail center for the region.

Getting Around:

Due to its location at the center of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax is conveniently located near a variety of major arteries and choices for mass transit. The downtown area is located about 2 miles southwest of the Vienna Metro, and major arteries include Lee Highway, Route 50, Route 123, and I-66.

Airports:

Ronald Reagan National Airport:  < 15 miles.
Washington-Dulles International Airport:  < 10 miles.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport:  < 40 miles.