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Central Fairfax

Burke

Lakes, trails and commuter rail in a classic suburb.

Fairfax County (unincorporated)15 miles from the White House
HistoryHomesCommuteEconomyGovernmentResearch
Potomac RiverDC✈DullesArlingtonAlexandriaFalls ChurchAnnandaleTysonsMcLeanViennaSpringfieldMount VernonFairfax CityBurkeRestonHerndonChantillyCentrevilleGreat FallsLorton

Schematic map · not to scale

Population42,3122020 Census
Land area8.6 sq mi
People per sq mi4,9202020
To the White House15 mistraight-line
Real estate tax$1.12per $100 · FY2027, effective July 1, 2026

Overview

What Burke is like

Burke is a green, residential suburb near George Mason University, known for Burke Lake Park and the Burke Centre planned community with its own trails and pools.

History

How Burke came to be

  1. c. 1824

    Silas Burke built his home overlooking the Pohick Creek valley.

  2. Late 1840s

    The Orange and Alexandria Railroad opened “Burke's Station.”

  3. 1951

    The federal government planned a new airport here — then chose Chantilly (Dulles) instead in 1958.

  4. 1960s–70s

    The saved land became Burke Lake Park and the Burke Centre planned community.

Homes you'll find

  • Single-family homes, many from the 1970s–1990s
  • Townhomes in planned communities
  • Some condominiums

Today's market in Burke

Prices, days on market and inventory change every month, so I don't print numbers that go stale. Ask me for a free, up-to-date market report for Burke — recent sales, price trends and what's for sale now, straight from the MLS.

Get a free market report

Getting around

  • VRE commuter rail at Burke Centre and Rolling Road stations
  • Fairfax County Parkway, Braddock Road and Old Keene Mill Road
  • Franconia–Springfield Metro is a short drive

About 15 miles in a straight line to the White House. Real drive times vary a lot with traffic — test your commute at rush hour before you buy.

Weather

January45° / 30°avg high / low
July90° / 72°avg high / low
Rain & snow43 inper year · 12 in of snow
Hot days37days of 90°F+ per year

Four real seasons: humid summers, colorful falls, mostly mild winters with a few snowstorms. Frost-free roughly March 27 to November 18. NOAA 1991–2020 averages at Reagan National Airport.

Economy

Where people work

  • George Mason University (nearby)
  • VRE commuter rail to DC and Alexandria
  • Fort Belvoir and Springfield employers are close

Local favorites

Places people love

  • Burke Lake Park
  • Burke Centre trails
  • Lake Royal
  • Pohick Stream Valley Park

Local government

Burke is unincorporated and governed by Fairfax County.

  • Chairman, Fairfax County Board of SupervisorsJeffrey C. McKay
  • SupervisorDepends on the address — Burke is mainly in the Braddock and Springfield districts
  • Governor of VirginiaAbigail Spanberger (since January 2026)

As of September 2026. Officials change with elections — confirm on the official websites.

Taxes

Real estate tax: $1.12 per $100 of assessed value (FY2027, effective July 1, 2026), set by Fairfax County. Official rates ↗

Example: a home assessed at $700,000 would owe about $7,840 a year at the Fairfax County rate.

Virginia also taxes cars and other vehicles yearly (personal property tax), and some areas add small special-district taxes. Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for tax relief programs.

Before you buy

Points to consider

  • Homeowner association dues in planned communities
  • Fairfax County Parkway traffic at peak times

Schools

Public schools

Served by Fairfax County Public Schools. Test scores and school details are in the official links below. Boundaries change — always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address.

Research this area

Official data on Burke

Crime, school test results and population details come straight from official sources. Each link opens in a new tab, so this page stays open.

Census QuickFactsPopulation, age, income, housing and more — official U.S. Census data↗Fairfax County Police crime mapOfficial crime data from the local police department↗Virginia School Quality Profile: Fairfax County Public SchoolsTest results, graduation rates and more from the Virginia Department of Education↗FCPS school boundary locator (check any address)Confirm which schools serve a specific address↗FEMA flood mapsCheck whether an address is in a flood zone↗Metro trip plannerPlan a commute by Metro and bus↗Fairfax County property records & assessmentsAssessed values, sales history and property details↗Find your elected officialsLook up your state and federal representatives by address↗

Nearby

Also worth a look

Fairfax City

A historic small city next to George Mason University.

City of Fairfax (independent city)

Springfield

The crossroads of Northern Virginia, with Metro and VRE.

Fairfax County (unincorporated)

Annandale

Established, convenient and full of great food.

Fairfax County (unincorporated)

See all 17 areas →

Sources: 2020 U.S. Census; Fairfax County, Arlington County and city/town government websites; NOAA climate normals; Virginia Department of Education. Updated September 2026. General information only — verify details that matter to your decision.

Contact

Thinking about Burke?

Tell me a little about what you're looking for. I'll reply personally, usually within one business day.

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