Your Fairfax, VA Real Estate Questions Answered

Just about 20 miles from the heart of Washington, DC, is the independent city of Fairfax. This suburb has been ranked by independent media as a city with a high quality of life. Fairfax includes well-ranked schools, many beautiful parks, and a strong job market. It is close enough to the nation’s capital and its high-quality amenities, but far enough away to have a slower pace. You can commute into the DC area if you wish, but everything you need for your daily life is nearby if you’d rather avoid the local traffic.

If you’re considering moving to the DC metro, why not look at Fairfax? Here is what you need to know about Fairfax real estate.

What is the average price of a home in Fairfax, VA?

In August 2022, there were 419 properties for sale in Fairfax, including 180 single-family homes and 18 vacant residential lots. The median listing price for homes in Fairfax was $699,000, up just over 9% from last year. This comes out to $318 per sq ft. The average sold price was slightly higher, at $700,000.

Vacant lots in Fairfax range in price from $335,000 to $1.9 million. Homes in the city range from $429,000 for a modest, four-bedroom, three-bathroom brick cottage to $3.49 million for a new construction, seven-bed, 5.5-bath home.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Fairfax, VA?

Fairfax has an abundance of condos and townhomes, with a total of 223 listed in August 2022. They range from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom 682 sq ft apartment to a multi-level, five-bedroom, 4.5-bath home with 3,534 square feet.

The Fairfax area has many condo and townhome communities with varying amenities and HOA fees. If you’re interested in learning more about the different types of low-maintenance housing options in Fairfax, we recommend getting in contact with a local real estate agent.

What is the property tax rate for Fairfax, VA?

Virginia taxes properties at 100% of their assessed value, with January 1 as the valuation date. Taxes are due twice a year, on July 28 and December 5.

Property tax rates in Fairfax County vary depending on your district, but the base rate in the City of Fairfax was $1.01 per $100 of assessed value in 2022.

Under this rate, a home appraised at $300,000 would pay about $3,030 yearly in property taxes. That does not include school board levies or other special district taxes.

What is the cost of living in Fairfax, VA?

The Sperling Best Places Index helps compare the cost of living across the nation. The national average is 100. Any score below 100 indicates an area’s goods and services are overall cheaper than the rest of the United States. A score above 100 means they are more expensive.

The overall cost of living is significantly higher in Fairfax compared to the rest of the United States, with a score of 152. Grocery and transportation exceed the national average; they come in at 114.1 and 127.6, respectively. Housing in Fairfax scored 238.4, which is 138% more expensive than the national rate.

On the other hand, healthcare and utilities were below the national average, at 99.9 and 97.4, respectively.

What county is Fairfax, VA in?

As the county seat of Fairfax County, the city sits almost directly in the center of the region. Being so close to the United States’ capital, Fairfax County is known for its diverse, affluent, and highly educated citizens.

Several of the country’s major three-letter agencies, such as the CIA, NRO, and NCC make their headquarters here, as well as seven Fortune 500 companies.

It provides access to several natural areas, including the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), Pohick Bay Regional Park, Bull Run Occoquan Trail, and Great Falls Park along the banks of the Potomac. Residents have modern entertainment options, like Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure.

Is Fairfax, VA growing?

Yes, Fairfax is growing, although not as steadily as some other areas of the United States. The population was 22,565 at the time of the 2010 census. The 2020 census reported an additional 1,581 residents, bringing the total population to 24,146. Growth is more constrained due to Fairfax’s city limits and highly developed urban area.

Fairfax County is predicted to reach 1.2 million residents by 2025 and exceed 1.3 million by 2040.

What neighborhoods are in Fairfax, VA?

Several neighborhoods are in and around Fairfax, each with its unique features. No matter where you choose to live, you’ll undoubtedly find something to love.

At the heart of the city is downtown Fairfax. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s amenities: local businesses, retail outlets, grocery stores, fast food and sit-down dining, and four green areas: Providence Park, Van Dyck Park, Daniels Run Park, and Thaiss Park. Downtown is where many of the city’s events take place, such as the Festival of Lights and Carols or Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts.

The census-designated Oakton is north of downtown, home to the Fairfax County Public Library. Residents have amenities like the Oak Marr Rec Center, Nottoway Park, and the Oakton Community Park. The southeastern corner of Oakton had the most properties for sale in summer 2022, including several condominium and townhome options.

To the east of downtown Fairfax is the quaint residential neighborhood of Mantua, which feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the central city. It is bordered by Accotink Creek within Mantua Park. This naturalized area provides residents with trails for hiking and biking. Mantua is home to some townhomes but mainly consists of single-family properties. Several gated communities are here, including Pickett’s Reserve and Barrister’s Keepe.

Adjacent to Mantua is the neighborhood of Strathmeade Springs, a residential community built beside the Inova Fairfax Hospital. Eakin Park and Pine Ridge Park frame the neighborhood.

To the west of downtown Fairfax is Legato, another spacious residential community home to several naturalized areas, including Brentwood Park and Pollinator Meadow. Major shopping, schools, and county offices are convenient for residents.

The census-designated King’s Park West sits at the far west end of Fairfax. Like many other neighborhoods in the area, King’s Park has plenty of green spaces, including Country Club View Park, Royal Lake Park, and Lakeside Park.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Fairfax, VA?

There are no major bodies of water in or around Fairfax, so the chances of finding waterfront properties in the city are slim. There are, however, several small or private bodies of water where some properties sit. There are currently only three waterfront properties listed in the greater Fairfax area.

How is golf in Fairfax, VA?

Avid golfers will be pleased to know that ample public and private golf opportunities are available in and around Fairfax. Top choices include:

• Army Navy Country Club, a private, member-owned club with a total of 54 holes to play
• Penderbrook Golf Course, a public course with 18 holes and a par 71 rating
• Oak Marr Golf Center, a county-run public course with nine holes
• Country Club of Fairfax, a private club with 18 holes and many amenities

Are there golf course communities in Fairfax, VA?

Considering how many golf courses are nearby, many of the city’s properties sit just minutes away from one. The only official golf course community in the area is Penderbrook.

Penderbrook’s residential community has over 1,700 homes ranging from garden townhomes to executive-style custom family homes. The community divides into seven distinct neighborhoods. Residents have many amenities: a clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, tot lot, basketball courts, and a swimming pool complex.

What areas are near Fairfax, VA?

The city of Fairfax is just a 30-minute drive to Washington, DC, making the capital city an excellent option for a day trip full of high-quality amenities and historical value.

Fairfax County itself is where many city-dwellers go to get away. As such, there are plenty of arts, recreation, dining, and entertainment opportunities in and around the city of Fairfax. Some of the region’s most popular tourist destinations include Great Falls Park, the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the National Museum of the US Army, and the childhood home of George Washington, Mount Vernon.

Fairfax is one of the outer suburbs, but it’s easy to get to other local cities like Manassas, Arlington, Vienna, and Centreville. Dulles International Airport is about 13 miles away, or about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Other options for recreation and entertainment include the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts or the Workhouse Arts Center. Alternatively, you could shop and stop for a bite to eat at the Tysons Corner shopping mall.

What to know about living in Fairfax, VA

While Fairfax has a significantly higher cost of living than surrounding areas, it comes with top-quality amenities and countless recreational opportunities. Its distance from Washington, DC, ensures it gets the best of what the capital offers while retaining a level of small-town charm. Residents have amenities from National Parks to world-renowned museums and everything in between.

Thinking about moving to the area? Consider contacting a local real estate agent to further explore your options.