Fairfax, Virginia

Fairfax is a city of about 23,000 people in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Region. It's about 21 miles southwest of the nation's capital. If you're driving by car, this drive would take you anywhere from 40 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. The main auto routes in the area are 123, 236, and 495, which is the beltloop around D.C. With the traffic and parking situation in the D.C. area, however, and the good public transportation system, it just doesn't make much sense for most people to take your car into D.C. You may not want have one all together. The CUE city bus system goes around Fairfax itself to George Mason University, the shopping centers, other areas, and to the GMU metrorail station. The GMU metrorail, or "metro" will take you on into D.C.

The 23,000 people in the city of Fairfax are a fairly diverse group. About 66% are white, 13% Hispanic, 6% black, 3% mixed, 3% Korean, 3% Asian Indian, 2% Chinese, 2% Vietnamese, 2% other Asian, 1% Philipino, and .8% American Indian. By national standards, residents of Fairfax tend to be fairly affluent. However, keep in mind that the greater D.C. area is not a cheap place to live. The average household income is about $70,000. For a family, it's about $80,000.

Apartments and Neighborhoods in Fairfax

Naturally, closest to George Mason University will tend to be more apartments aimed at college students. There is an old downtown Fairfax that is full of old historical buildings and is a nice place to walk around and meet your neighbors. Some of your choices in Fairfax include Layton Hall Apartments on Layton Hall Drive, Gainsborough Court on Jermantown Road, and The Apartments at Regents Park on Clocktowerplace. There are plenty of others, including in neighboring Oakton and Vienna.

Things to Do in Fairfax

Despite the urban sprawl, Fairfax has managed to keep 21 small parks available, including Daniels Run Park near Heritage Lane, Embassy Lane, Tedrich Blvd and Estel Road. It has a trail for hiking, jogging, walking, or biking. Van Dyck Park on Old Lee Highway offers similiar, but also a lighted basketball court, play areas, lighted tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court. The Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center on Main Street in old towne Fairfax offers displays and information on the history of the area. Take a look at some of the old buildings downtown while you're in the area. Many of the buildings are from the 1800s, such as the Old Town Hall, and the Ratcliffe-Allison House and Pozer Garden.

Fairfax also has a number of special events throughout the year, such as a special Historic Homes Tour in early summer, an Irish festival in the fall, a Festival of Lights and Carols in early December, and a Chocolate Lovers Festival