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Independent city within Fairfax County
Living in the City of Fairfax
The City of Fairfax is its own small city, separate from Fairfax County government, yet completely surrounded by the county. Old Town, George Mason University and the Orange Line are all close by.
The short answer
What is it like to live in City of Fairfax?
The City of Fairfax is an independent city of about six square miles that is surrounded by, but not part of, Fairfax County. It has its own council, real estate tax rate, police and trash service. Homes are mostly 1950s to 1970s single-family houses and townhouses, with newer infill along Fairfax Boulevard. The fare-free CUE bus links Old Town, George Mason and the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station, and FCPS operates the city's schools under contract.
- Jurisdiction: Independent City of Fairfax (not part of Fairfax County)
- Real estate tax: City rate $1.0725 per $100 (FY 2027, adopted May 2026)
- Metro: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU (Orange Line), just north of city
- Local bus: CUE, fare-free across the city
- Typical homes: Mid-century ramblers, split-levels, colonials; townhouses
- Public schools: City of Fairfax Schools, run by FCPS (verify boundaries)
City of Fairfax
What it's like to live in the City of Fairfax
Most of my clients first meet the City of Fairfax through Old Town: brick sidewalks, the historic courthouse, restaurants along Main Street and University Drive, and Old Town Square, the plaza that hosts concerts and seasonal events. Within a few minutes’ drive, the setting shifts to tree-lined subdivisions, then to the commercial strips of Fairfax Boulevard (Route 50) and Fairfax Circle.
George Mason University’s main campus sits just south of the city line, so the university shapes traffic, rentals and the calendar on that side of town. North of the city, I-66 and the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station handle most trips toward Washington.
A key point for buyers: “Fairfax, VA” on a mailing address does not mean the city. Thousands of county homes share that address, so the tax record is the only reliable test.
City of Fairfax
Homes and housing types in the City of Fairfax
The city grew fast after World War II, so the bulk of its houses are postwar. Newer townhouses, condos and apartments have arrived through redevelopment along Fairfax Boulevard and near Old Town.
| Housing type | What you’ll find | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Ramblers and split-levels | 1950s and 1960s brick homes on established lots | Electrical, sewer lateral, grading and basement moisture |
| Colonials and Cape Cods | Two-story and story-and-a-half homes from the 1960s and 1970s | Roof, windows, prior additions and permit history |
| Townhouses | 1970s and 1980s HOA communities plus recent new construction near corridors | HOA finances, parking rules and builder warranty on newer units |
| Condos | A smaller supply in mixed-use and garden buildings | Reserves, special assessments and financing approval |
| Old Town properties | Older homes and buildings in the Historic Overlay District | Certificate of appropriateness rules before exterior changes |
George Mason’s proximity also creates a steady rental market near campus. If you’re weighing a home partly as an investment, check city rental and occupancy rules first.
City of Fairfax
Getting around the City of Fairfax
- Metrorail: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, the western end of the Orange Line, sits just north of the city near I-66.
- CUE bus: the city’s own fare-free system connects neighborhoods, Old Town, George Mason University and the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station. Fairfax Connector and Metrobus routes also pass through.
- Roads: Route 50 (Fairfax Boulevard), Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road) and Route 236 (Main Street) cross the city; I-66 runs along the north side.
- Airports: Dulles is reached via Route 50 or I-66 and Route 28; Reagan National via I-66.
- Trails: paths through Daniels Run Park and other city parks connect toward Fairfax County’s trail network.
If Metro is part of your plan, check the CUE route and stop nearest the house before you write an offer.
City of Fairfax
Parks, shopping and things to do in the City of Fairfax
- Old Town Fairfax: restaurants, coffee shops and small retailers around Main Street and Chain Bridge Road, centered on Old Town Square.
- Historic Blenheim: a Civil War era house and interpretive center run by the city.
- Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center: the city’s history in a former schoolhouse building.
- Daniels Run Park and Van Dyck Park: wooded trails, courts, playgrounds and fields.
- City events: the city’s Parks and Recreation calendar includes the winter Chocolate Lovers Festival, an Independence Day celebration with a parade, and a fall festival in Old Town.
- George Mason University: the Center for the Arts and campus arena host performances and games just south of the city.
City of Fairfax
Owning a home in the City of Fairfax
Because the city is independent, owners pay City of Fairfax real estate tax instead of Fairfax County real estate tax. City Council adopted a rate of $1.0725 per $100 of assessed value in its FY 2027 budget on May 5, 2026. The city also does its own assessments, trash and recycling, police and permits.
- Historic Overlay District: in and around Old Town, changes visible from the street need a certificate of appropriateness from the city before work begins. Outside the overlay districts, single-family homes are generally exempt.
- HOAs: most townhouse and condo communities have mandatory associations; many older single-family streets do not.
- Floodplains: homes near Accotink Creek and Daniels Run can sit in or near mapped flood zones. Read how to check flood risk.
- Prices: vary widely by house type and street. For current figures, see the Fairfax County market report or ask me for city comparable sales.
For tax or legal questions about a specific property, talk with a Virginia real estate attorney or CPA.
City of Fairfax
Is the City of Fairfax a good fit?
If you want a small-city government and a historic downtown within a short drive of I-66, the city is worth a close look. If a free local bus to Metro matters, check CUE coverage street by street. If you need a new single-family home on a large lot, nearby county areas may offer more choices; my Fairfax County page compares them.
City of Fairfax
Keep exploring City of Fairfax
Read more about City of Fairfax and the area
- Living in the City of Fairfax: Old Town, George Mason and Its Own School Arrangement
- Living in Vienna, VA: Small-Town Feel Inside the Beltway
- Northern Virginia Property Taxes: Rates, Real Bills and What Newcomers Miss
- Living Near Metro in Northern Virginia: What the Silver Line Changed
Run the numbers
- Mortgage Calculator
- Rent vs. Buy Calculator
- Neighborhood Match Quiz
- Fairfax County housing market report (updated monthly)
- More neighborhoods in Fairfax County
Sources: City of Fairfax: FY 2027 budget adopted; City of Fairfax: CUE Bus; City of Fairfax: Certificate of Appropriateness (BAR); City of Fairfax: Special events; FCPS: City of Fairfax School Board; FCPS Boundary Locator. Details checked October 2026; confirm anything time-sensitive with the source.
Neighborhood Advice
Not sure which neighborhood fits?
Book a call and I’ll help you compare neighborhoods around your commute, budget and lifestyle, and figure out where you’ll be happiest living.
City of Fairfax FAQ
Questions about living in City of Fairfax
Is the City of Fairfax part of Fairfax County?
No. It became an independent city in 1961 and has its own government and tax rate, although Fairfax County surrounds it and the county courthouse sits in the city.
Who runs the schools in the City of Fairfax?
The City of Fairfax School Board oversees the city's school buildings, and Fairfax County Public Schools operates them under a services agreement. Verify any address with the FCPS Boundary Locator, and see /school-boundaries-and-home-values/ for how to check.
What is the property tax rate in Fairfax City?
City Council adopted $1.0725 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2027 on May 5, 2026. That city rate replaces, rather than adds to, the Fairfax County rate.
Is there a Metro station in the City of Fairfax?
Not inside the city limits. The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station on the Orange Line is just to the north, and the fare-free CUE bus connects it with Old Town and George Mason University.
How do I know if a Fairfax address is in the city or the county?
Check the property's tax record or the city's real estate assessment search. A Fairfax mailing address alone does not tell you which government taxes the home.
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Let’s find your place in City of Fairfax.
Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or investing, tell me what worries you most. We’ll talk through your goals and build a clear plan, with no pressure and no obligation.
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