Central Fairfax
A historic small city next to George Mason University.
Schematic map · not to scale
Overview
The City of Fairfax is independent from Fairfax County but sits in its center. Old Town Fairfax keeps its historic courthouse and brick buildings, and George Mason University is just outside the city line.
History
The Fairfax County Courthouse was built; it still stands.
The Town of Providence was established around the courthouse.
Confederate raider John Mosby captured a Union general here, and a Civil War skirmish followed.
Renamed Fairfax and incorporated as a town.
Became an independent city; its schools have been run by Fairfax County Public Schools by agreement since then.
Looking at homes for sale in Fairfax City? Browse them on Zillow, Redfin or Realtor.com — they all show the same listings. Then send me the link: I'll call the listing agent and tell you what the listing leaves out. I also watch for coming-soon homes that aren't online yet.
Found a home in Fairfax City? Send me the linkHome sales from July–September 2026, compared with the same months a year earlier.
Source: Bright MLS Industry Watch, Q3 2026 (data as of October 10, 2026). Report by ShowingTime Plus, LLC.
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.
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
Local favorites
The City of Fairfax has its own mayor and City Council, independent of Fairfax County.
As of September 2026. Officials change with elections — confirm on the official websites.
Real estate tax: $1.0725 per $100 of assessed value (FY2027), set by City of Fairfax. Official rates ↗ · Work out a home's real tax bill →
Example: a home assessed at $700,000 would owe about $7,508 a year at the City of Fairfax 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 fall in love
Local rules and recent changes that photos and Zestimates can't show. I check these for every home we look at.
The City of Fairfax contracts with Fairfax County Public Schools, so this year's FCPS boundary changes can matter here too.
Check the address in FCPS Boundary Explorer ↗The city's rate is $1.0725 per $100 for FY2027, plus a stormwater fee per billing unit.
Work out your real tax bill →Under Virginia's disclosure law the seller makes no promises about the home's condition, flood zones, airport noise, septic or radon. Inspections and your own checks protect you.
Virginia Code § 55.1-703 ↗You can cancel within 3 days of receiving the association's resale certificate. Read it for fees, special assessments and rental limits.
Virginia Code § 55.1-2312 ↗Before you buy
Schools
Served by Fairfax County Public Schools (the city arranges schooling with the county). 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
Crime, school test results and population details come straight from official sources. Each link opens in a new tab, so this page stays open.
Nearby
A small town feel next door to Tysons and Metro.
Town of Vienna (inside Fairfax County)Lakes, trails and commuter rail in a classic suburb.
Fairfax County (unincorporated)More space for your money along I-66, with history next door.
Fairfax County (unincorporated)Sources: 2020 U.S. Census; county, city and town government websites; NOAA climate normals; Virginia Department of Education. Updated September 2026. General information only — verify details that matter to your decision.
Contact
Tell me a little about what you're looking for. I'll reply personally, usually within one business day.
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