Fairfax 87 Exceptional
Fairfax Livability #11 ranked city in Virginia#263 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Fairfax

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

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What's it like Living in Fairfax?

Fairfax, Virginia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 23,312 people. Fairfax has a population density of 3,736 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. An important consideration when living in Fairfax is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Fairfax, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Fairfax and in the areas around Fairfax is a much easier task.

Fairfax has a livability score of 86 out of 100 and is ranked #11 in Virginia and #232 in the USA. Based on this score, Fairfax would be considered a very livable city! Fairfax also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Fairfax ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B-) Fairfax does not score well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're considering living in Fairfax, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Fairfax provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Fairfax schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 82%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Fairfax an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Fairfax market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fairfax. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fairfax are affordable. Median real estate prices in Fairfax come in at $587,000, which is 136.3% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fairfax, the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 42.1% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fairfax

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Compare Fairfax, VA Livability

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      Fairfax transportation information

      Statistic Fairfax Virginia National
      Average one way commute31min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.4%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.4%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home9.8%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Fairfax, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).