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Fairfax, VA

Frequently asked questions

Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, Virginia formally the City of Fairfax, and colloquially known as Fairfax City, Downtown Fairfax, Old Town Fairfax, Fairfax Courthouse, FFX, and Fairfax, is an independent city in Virginia and the county seat of Fairfax County, Virginia, in the United States.  As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,146.

Fairfax is part of both the Washington metropolitan area and Northern Virginia regions. It is located 14 miles (23 km) west of Washington, D.C. Fairfax is served by Washington Metro's Orange Line through its Vienna station, which is a mile northeast of Fairfax. CUE Bus and Metrobus operate in Fairfax, and Virginia Railway Express's Burke Centre station is located three miles southeast of Fairfax.

George Mason University, located in unincorporated Fairfax County along Fairfax's southern border, is the largest public university in Virginia with 40,185 students as of 2023

Fairfax is located close to the geographic center of Fairfax County, at 38°51′9″N 77°18′15″W (38.852612, −77.304377). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16.3 km²), of which all but 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) is land.

While the city is the county seat, a small portion of the county comprising the courthouse complex, the jail, and a small area nearby is itself an exclave of the county within the city.  Fairfax County's Government Center is west of the Fairfax. 

Fairfax was founded on land originally occupied by the Iroquoian Native American tribe. The city derives its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was awarded 5,000,000 acres (20,000 km²) of land in northern Virginia by King Charles. The area that the city now encompasses was settled in the early 18th century by farmers from Virginia's Tidewater region. The town of "Providence" was established on the site by an act of the state legislature in 1805.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Fairfax, with the city offering a range of facilities and initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Fairfax County Health Department plays a crucial role in providing public health services and ensuring the well-being of the community.  In addition to the city's commitment to health, Fairfax boasts top-notch medical facilities, including the Inova Fairfax Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services. Experience holistic wellness at ACAC Fitness & Wellness Centers. Discover fitness programs, group classes, and spa services designed for total well-being. Elevate your fitness journey at Onelife Fitness. Access premium gym facilities, personal training, and group exercise classes for all fitness levels. Join American Family Fitness for a comprehensive fitness experience. Enjoy gym amenities, fitness classes, and wellness programs tailored to your needs. Relax and rejuvenate with Massage Envy's professional massage services. Choose from a variety of massage techniques and wellness enhancements at multiple locations in Virginia.

Top sites in Fairfax, VA are Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, NRA National Firearms Museum, and Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.

Population: 25,144 (2023). ZIP code: 22030. Area codes: 703, 571. Elevation: 312 ft (95 m). Area: 6.27 sq mi (16.25 km²).

FAQs

Is Fairfax, VA a good place to live?

Fairfax County is known not only for its vibrant community and great job market but also for its low crime rates. Residents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their community is safer than many other areas in the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. According to BestPlaces.net, Fairfax County’s violent crime rate stands at 11.2, while its property crime rate is 26.3.

Why is Fairfax, VA famous?

Our city is widely known for its outstanding cultural amenities. Every year the city sponsors world-class events such as Fall for the Book, Spotlight on the Arts, and a fun weekend-long Chocolate Lovers Festival. This is in addition to three annual flagship events: the day-long Independence Day celebration, recognized as the best parade and most colorful fireworks in the area; the Fall Festival, where Old Town Fairfax opens its streets to hundreds of renowned craft merchants and thousands of visitors; and the Holiday Craft Show, which fills Fairfax High School with amazing handcrafted wares that bring shoppers from surrounding states.

What is the ethnicity of Fairfax, VA?

As of 2021, 30.6% of Fairfax County, VA residents were born outside of the country (351k people). In 2021, there were 2.47 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (566k people) in Fairfax County, VA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 229k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 109k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

City of Fairfax

Wikipedia

Datausa

Askawalker

Fairfax County Health Department

Inova Fairfax Hospital

ACAC Fitness & Wellness Centers

Onelife Fitness

American Family Fitness

Massage Envy's

Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim

NRA National Firearms Museum

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.