City or County? This page covers the City of Fairfax, an independent city with its own government. Many homes with a "Fairfax, VA" mailing address are actually in Fairfax County, outside the city. The difference affects taxes, schools and local services.
Living in the City of Fairfax, VA
The City of Fairfax is a small, independent city of about 24,000 people, surrounded by Fairfax County but separate from it. It has its own mayor and city council, its own police and public works, and it sets its own real estate tax rate. At its heart is Old Town Fairfax, with a historic courthouse, local restaurants and a calendar full of community events.
IndependentCity with its own government
6.3 sq miSmall-town size, close to everything
1961Year it became an independent city
Why People Love the City of Fairfax
People choose the city for its small-town feel and its location. You can walk to dinner in Old Town, cheer on the Fourth of July parade and know your neighbors, yet you are close to I-66, Route 50, the Metro and George Mason University. The city also has a wide range of homes, from first-time condos to established single-family neighborhoods and brand-new townhomes.
Homes and the Market
Many of the city's single-family neighborhoods were built in the 1940s through the 1960s, with mature trees and a mix of original and updated homes. You will also find newer townhomes near Old Town and along Fairfax Boulevard, plus condos at a range of prices.
Townhome, sold by our teamTownhome, sold by our teamSingle-family home, sold by our team
Market snapshot, November 10, 2026: About 60 homes in the City of Fairfax are for sale:
19 single-family homes, from about $515,000 to $1,995,000 19 townhomes, from about $485,000 to $1,400,000 22 condos, from about $200,000 to $675,000
Thinking about buying or selling in the City of Fairfax? Give me a call and I will walk you through what is happening on your street.
The city is made up of many small neighborhoods, each with its own feel. Some of the ones we know well:
Cobbdale
Country Club Hills
Fairchester
Farrcroft
Mosby Woods
Westmore
Want to know how one of these compares, or about a street that is not listed here? Ask me.
Getting Around
Route 50 (Fairfax Boulevard) and Route 123 run through the city, and I-66 is just to the north. The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station on the Orange Line is a short drive away, and the city's own CUE bus connects neighborhoods, Old Town, George Mason University and the Metro.
Schools
The City of Fairfax owns its public schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools runs them under a contract with the city. City students attend:
"If you don't use Cristina Dougherty and her team to buy/sell your home in Fairfax, you're not going to get the top-notch care, professionalism, and expertise that is so necessary in the current market. We interviewed three realtors from three different agencies. Cristina was above, beyond, and by far the best choice. She knows the market, knows how to utilize social media, and knows how to make it all work to her clients' best advantage. She is absolutely meticulous down to the tiniest detail. Our house sold in less than a week (more like three days), and we received over the asking price. She knows practically every realtor in the area and has worked with a multitude of title companies, inspectors, etc. She knows the realty business. Full stop."
Karen C.
City of Fairfax FAQ
Is my home in the City of Fairfax or Fairfax County?
A "Fairfax, VA" mailing address does not always mean the city. Many Fairfax addresses are in Fairfax County. Check the listing, the tax records or ask me, because the answer changes your taxes and your schools.
Do City of Fairfax homeowners pay Fairfax County taxes?
No. The City of Fairfax sets and collects its own real estate tax. You pay the city, not the county.
What schools serve the City of Fairfax?
Daniels Run or Providence Elementary, Katherine Johnson Middle and Fairfax High. The city owns these schools and Fairfax County Public Schools runs them.
How close is the City of Fairfax to Metro?
The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station on the Orange Line is a short drive away, and the CUE bus connects the city to the station.
Thinking About the City of Fairfax?
Whether you want to buy in the city or sell your home here, call me at 703-969-0471.
