History and Growth of Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County, Virginia is known for its diverse population and strong economy. Originally settled by Europeans in the early 18th century, it was named after Thomas Fairfax (the 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron), who owned much of the land in the county. During the American Revolutionary War, Fairfax County was a key location for both British and American troops. In the 20th century, Fairfax County became a suburb of Washington, D.C. and experienced significant population growth.
Major Attractions and Surrounding Area
The nearest big city to Fairfax County, Virginia is Washington, D.C. which is located just to the east of Fairfax County. Being located so close to the nation's capital provides many benefits for residents of Fairfax County. One of the main benefits is the easy access to a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Fairfax County residents also have access to a large number of employment opportunities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The proximity to the capital also means that residents of Fairfax County are able to participate in the political process and have a say in the direction of the country. Overall, the close proximity to Washington, D.C. is a major advantage for residents of Fairfax County.
Major Attractions and Draws to Fairfax County
There are many attractions, destinations, and draws to living in Fairfax County, Virginia. Some of the major ones include:
As mentioned earlier, the proximity to the nation's capital provides residents with access to a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.
Located in Fairfax County, George Mason University is a top-ranked research university that offers a wide range of academic programs and attracts students from around the world.
Great Falls National Park
This popular park is located in the northern part of Fairfax County and offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
This is a popular outdoor performing arts venue located in Fairfax County that hosts a wide range of concerts and performances throughout the year.
This is a major shopping and dining destination in Fairfax County that attracts visitors from around the region. Overall, Fairfax County is a great place to live due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., top-ranked universities, and wide range of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities.
Other Nearby Areas to Fairfax County
Not sure that Fairfax County is the place for you? Here are a few other nearby areas, and what people like about each one:
Located just to the south of Fairfax County, Alexandria is a charming city with a rich history. It is known for its charming Old Town area with brick sidewalks and colonial-style buildings, as well as its many independent shops, restaurants, and coffee houses. Alexandria is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington is a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to a number of popular attractions, including the Pentagon, the National Mall, and the Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington is also known for its lively dining and entertainment scene, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
Located to the northeast of Fairfax County, Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and delicious seafood. Some of the popular attractions in Baltimore include the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. The city is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Baltimore Orioles (baseball) and the Baltimore Ravens (football).
School Systems in Fairfax County, Virginia
Here is a list of the public and private school systems in Fairfax County, Virginia, along with ratings and applicable scores for each one:
Fairfax County Public Schools: This is the largest public school system in Fairfax County, serving over 187,000 students. The school system has a GreatSchools rating of 9 out of 10, based on test scores and other factors.
Flint Hill School: This is an independent, co-educational day school located in Fairfax County. It has a GreatSchools rating of 9 out of 10, based on test scores and other factors.
Paul VI Catholic High School: This is a Catholic high school located in Fairfax County. It has a GreatSchools rating of 9 out of 10, based on test scores and other factors.
Flint Hill Lower School: This is a private, independent lower school located in Fairfax County. It has a GreatSchools rating of 10 out of 10, based on test scores and other factors.
Please note that these are just a few examples of the public and private school systems in Fairfax County, Virginia, and there are many other schools in the area as well. Ratings and scores may vary for different schools and may be based on different factors.
Salaries, Crime, and Demographics of Fairfax County, Virginia
According to data from the Fairfax County Police Department, the overall crime rate in Fairfax County, Virginia is lower than the national average. In 2021, the overall crime rate in the county was 2,664 incidents per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 3,971 incidents per 100,000 people.
In terms of salary information, data from the United States Census Bureau shows that the median household income in Fairfax County was $117,716 in 2019, which is higher than the national median household income of $68,703.
In terms of demographics, Fairfax County is a diverse community with a population of approximately 1.2 million people. The county is home to a wide range of ethnic and racial groups, and the population is well-educated, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Overall, Fairfax County is a relatively safe and affluent community with a diverse and well-educated population.
Fairfax County Welcomes You
There are many reasons why people love living in Fairfax County, Virginia, including its proximity to Washington, D.C., excellent schools, vibrant and diverse community, wide range of recreational opportunities, and strong economy. These factors, along with the strong real estate market in the county, make it a fantastic place to purchase a home. If you are considering purchasing a home in Fairfax County, now is a great time to do so. With a wide range of housing options available and a strong real estate market, investing in a home in Fairfax County is a smart decision. To begin your home search in Fairfax County, consider getting in touch with local real estate agent Jessica Bush. She can help you navigate the local real estate market and find a home that meets your needs and budget. Don't miss this opportunity to find your dream home in Fairfax County - contact Jessica Bush today!