Why Fairfax, VA is a Best Place to Live
This Virginia town gets a spot on our Top 100 Best Places to live – here's why.
In Northern Virginia is Fairfax, voted among the Best Places to Live in America by Livability.com. Fairfax offers a top-notch quality of life, with a median household income of $124,000 and a median home price of $470,300. Here are some positive aspects of life in this community, including great views of Great Falls (pictured):
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Getting Schooled
Many residents enroll their children in the highly rated Fairfax County Public Schools district, while college options include George Mason University and Virginia International University. About 55 percent of adult residents in Fairfax have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Excellent Downtown
A quaint downtown area called Old Town Fairfax is filled with unique restaurants and retail spaces, and the district attracts hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year. Also gracing Old Town Fairfax are a new library, modern office spaces and upscale residential condominium units.
Strong Economy
One of the advantages of living in Fairfax is its diverse economy, with strong sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. The city also has several business incubators in place to help entrepreneurs and startup companies succeed.
Here are 8 Reasons to Move to Fairfax, VA
The Great Outdoors
The size of Fairfax is only six square miles, yet there are more than 220 acres of parkland within the community. That includes 25 public parks and 28 miles of trails, plus there are several athletic fields for youth leagues and adults. One of the most popular spots is Providence Park, which has a hiking/biking trail, playground equipment, tennis courts and a large multipurpose field.
Taking the Wheel
Residents have convenient transportation choices, including Interstate 66 that runs along the northern border of Fairfax. Also available to motorists is U.S. Route 29 and U.S. Route 50, and two state routes also pass through the city. For commuters to-and-from Washington, D.C., multiple routes of the Washington Metrobus serve Fairfax.
Now Playing
Fairfax is a thriving arts community, largely supported and promoted by the Fairfax Commission on the Arts. The Commission organizes and presents a variety of events throughout the entire year, including a Free Performance Series in Old Town Hall. Residents and tourists can also enjoy an array of robust nightspots and independent restaurants throughout the city.
See All of 2017’s Top 100 Best Places to Live – Including Fairfax, VA
Festivals Galore
Several festivals take place each year, and a number of different themes are portrayed. Springtime events include an annual Chocolate Lovers Festival, Fairfax Civil War Day and a Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts, while a National Trails Day occurs every June to celebrate the city’s trails and open spaces. Also popular is an Irish Festival in September, a Fall Festival in October, a Holiday Craft Show in November and a Festival of Lights & Carols every December.