Fairfax

The City of Fairfax is a small, independent city — separate from the much larger Fairfax County that surrounds it — with a genuinely walkable Old Town at its center and a character all its own. At just over 6 square miles, it offers a rare mix of small-town charm and easy access to everything Northern Virginia has to offer. Fairfax also holds a distinctive title: despite being its own independent city, it's the county seat of the much larger Fairfax County that surrounds it.

Fairfax is served by the following residential zip codes: 22030, 22031, 22032, 22033, 22034, 22035, and 22036.

A School System That's Genuinely Unique Fairfax has an arrangement found almost nowhere else in Virginia: the City of Fairfax owns its own school buildings — Fairfax High School, Katherine Johnson Middle School, Providence Elementary, and Daniels Run Elementary — but Fairfax County Public Schools operates them under a decades-long service agreement. That means City of Fairfax residents get their own locally elected School Board representing their interests, combined with the resources of one of the largest school systems in the country. Fairfax High School is also home to the Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts, a specialized program drawing students from across the county. As always, we recommend verifying exact school assignment for any specific address.

Life in Old Town Fairfax Old Town Fairfax is a genuine National Register Historic District — 28 contributing buildings dating back to the 19th century, centered around the courthouse where Fairfax County government once sat. The centerpiece is Old Town Hall, built in 1900 and gifted to the city by Joseph E. Willard; today it hosts weddings and community events and houses the Fairfax Art League. Just steps away, Old Town Square transforms into a splash park every summer, and the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center — housed in the city's first brick public school, built in 1873 — offers walking tours and exhibits on local history.

The neighborhood's proximity to George Mason University gives Old Town an energetic, youthful feel alongside its historic character, with a genuinely diverse restaurant scene — from De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich Shop to Eerkin's Uyghur Cuisine — reflecting the mix of longtime residents, students, and young professionals who call the area home.

For green space, Van Dyck Park offers 20 acres of playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails just outside Old Town — a favorite for families.

Ready to Explore Fairfax?

Whether you're drawn to Fairfax for its walkable Old Town, its unique school system, or its central location in Northern Virginia, we're happy to help you find the right fit.

 
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