Located in Northern Virginia, Fairfax has a population of about 25,000 people and is located 20 minutes from Washington DC - a mere 12 miles from Dulles Airport. This makes it an excellent suburb for those who work in the government but want to live in a beautiful and historic area outside of the city. In 2009, Forbes magazine rated Fairfax as the number three of the top 25 places to live, because of its high median salaries, top schools and more. Those moving to Fairfax will discover a city that prides itself with its mix of historic and progressive outlooks.

Economy:
Due to its proximity to the nation's capital, Fairfax enjoys a fairly robust economy. The median income is higher than the national average. While Fairfax is currently feeling the recession, jobs continue to be available in Washington DC and the surrounding areas.

History:
The city was named after Thomas Fairfax by King Charles of England. It has an especially rich history from the Civil War era. The first courthouse was built in 1742, and housed Union military forces during the Civil War. The second battle of Bull Run was fought not too far away. Clara Barton ministered to the wounded at St. Mary of Sorrows Church.

Tourism:
There are so many historical sites and museums in and around Fairfax, it is impossible to list them all. So many Civil War battles and activities occurred around the area, it is a major tourist attraction for the area. Fairfax has three main festivals yearly: Celebrate Fairfax in June, Fall for Fairfax in September and the Chocolate Lovers Festival in February. Staying in Fairfax costs less than half as much as staying in nearby Washington DC, but is only a subway ride away from all that the nation's capital has to offer in the way of sightseeing.
The Ratcliff-Alison House is the oldest in Fairfax, built in 1812. The Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center was built in 1873. The Old Fairfax Jail was built in 1891. The Fairfax Courthouse was built in 1800. Also of interest is Gunston Hall, built in 1755 by George Mason, one of the framers of the United States Constitution.

• Fairfax was the childhood home of Sam Champion ("Good Morning America"), Jason Sudeikis ("Saturday Night Live") and Lorenzo Odone, the subject of the movie "Lorenzo's Oil."
• After the pews were torn out and burned for heat in St. Mary of Sorrows church during the Civil War battle of Manassas, President Ulysses S. Grant sent a check to replace them.
• George and Martha Washington's wills were probated at the local courthouse.
• A Union Army Colonel escaped capture by Mosby's Rangers by hiding under an outhouse in 1863.

• George Mason University
• Lord Fairfax Community College