Fairfax 87 Exceptional
Fairfax Livability #13 ranked city in Virginia#315 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Fairfax

PROS
  • Amenities 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 Commute

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

  • Crime 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 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 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 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.

What's it like Living in Fairfax?

Located in the state of Virginia, Fairfax is a mid-sized city with a population of 24,037 people. Fairfax has a population density of 3,853 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Fairfax offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fairfax, Virginia could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Fairfax and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.

Fairfax has a livability score of 87 out of 100 and is ranked #11 in Virginia and #263 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Fairfax ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Fairfax ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Fairfax ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-) Fairfax does not do 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.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Fairfax, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Fairfax undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Fairfax, the average school test scores reached an impressive 82%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Fairfax an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Fairfax has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Fairfax meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Fairfax. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Fairfax are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Fairfax come in at $1,083,006, which is 149% 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 6.7, which is 48.9% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fairfax

See all the best places to live around Fairfax

How Do You Rate The Livability In 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) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.