Published June 30, 2025

Fairfax County Named the Best Place to Raise a Family in America (2025)

Written by Chris Colgan

Fairfax County Named the Best Place to Raise a Family in America (2025)

👉 View homes for sale in Fairfax County

According to a 2025 national study by SmartAsset, Fairfax County, Virginia is officially the #1 best place for new families in the United States — beating out 829 other counties.

For growing families, this is more than just a headline — it’s confirmation of what locals already know: Fairfax County has it all. From excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods to healthcare access and unbeatable green space, this Northern Virginia powerhouse checks every box for parents building a better life.

Why SmartAsset Ranked Fairfax #1 for Families

SmartAsset evaluated 830 counties nationwide based on:

Childcare affordability
Median housing costs
Healthcare access
Park proximity
Percent of population under 10

Here’s how Fairfax County stood out:

Factor	Fairfax County
Childcare as % of income	24.0%
Median monthly housing	$2,316
Residents per primary care doctor	898
% of population near parks	96%
% of population under age 10	11.6%

✅ Top-tier schools
✅ Safe, spacious neighborhoods
✅ Direct Metro access to D.C.
✅ Diverse, well-established communities
✅ Great resale value and job market

What It’s Like to Live in Fairfax County (From a Local Expert)

Most of my YouTube clients end up buying in Fairfax — and after researching every corner of the county, I understand why.

Whether you’re moving for a Pentagon job, tech career, or a better place to raise kids, Fairfax County offers a community for every lifestyle. Let’s break it down.

Top Neighborhoods in Fairfax County

Reston

Avg Price: $585,000
Niche.com: A+
Perks: Reston Town Center, Silver Line Metro, tech jobs like Google & Rolls Royce

Herndon

Avg Price: $638,000
Highlights: Historic downtown, Dulles proximity, close to Reston’s job market

McLean / Great Falls

Avg Price: $1.4M+
Perks: Elite schools, high-end homes, CIA nearby, short D.C. commute

Vienna

Avg Price: $1.1M
Vibe: Small-town charm, Wolf Trap venue, strong schools, beautiful mix of homes

Springfield / Lorton

Avg Price: $613K–$635K
Ideal For: Military families, Fort Belvoir access, lower cost of living

Other Notables

Burke: $656K avg – suburban + peaceful
Centerville: $644K avg – affordable, great for commuters
Annandale: $620K avg – diverse, suburban-urban blend
City of Fairfax: A+ niche rating, college town feel

Traffic & Transit Tips

Fairfax’s only real drawback? Traffic. Here's how to plan smarter:

Avoid: I-66, I-95, and Beltway bottlenecks at peak times
Use: Silver Line Metro from Reston & Tysons
Bonus: Fairfax has EZ Pass toll express lanes (but they get pricey!)

Should You Buy in Fairfax County Now?

Yes. Demand is high, inventory is tight, and appreciation trends remain strong — especially in walkable, transit-connected communities like Reston, Vienna, and Herndon.

👉 Browse Fairfax County homes for sale now

10 FAQs About Living in Fairfax County, VA

Is Fairfax County really family-friendly?
Yes — SmartAsset ranked it #1 in the U.S. for new families in 2025.
What’s the average home price?
Roughly $650K overall, with some towns much higher or lower.
Which schools are top-rated?
Langley, Madison, Oakton High, and more. The whole FCPS district is strong.
How bad is traffic?
It can be tough. Expect delays on I-95, I-66, and 495 during peak hours.
Does Fairfax have Metro access?
Yes — Silver Line (Reston, Tysons) and Orange Line (Vienna) are major benefits.
Is Fairfax walkable?
Parts of it are. Reston Town Center, Mosaic District, and Tysons offer walkable options.
Is it diverse?
Extremely. Fairfax is one of the most culturally diverse counties in the U.S.
What kind of healthcare is available?
Top-tier hospitals like Inova Fairfax, Reston Hospital, and specialty clinics.
Any downsides to living in Fairfax?
High cost of living and traffic. For the full picture, read: 10 Harsh Realities of Living in Northern Virginia
Who should I contact if I’m ready to move?
Email me at info@colganteam.com or DM me on Instagram @chriscolganteam

Final Thoughts

Fairfax County is thriving — and it’s more than just a top-ranked place to raise a family. With access to jobs, schools, nature, and community, it’s one of the best long-term investments you can make in Northern Virginia.