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Fairfax, VA, Fairfax County Real Estate
Fairfax County Named the Best Place to Raise a Family in America (2025)
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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.
Let’s Get You Home
Ready to buy or relocate?
- DM me: @chriscolganteam
- Email: info@colganteam.com
- Search Fairfax Homes
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— Chris Colgan, Realtor & Founder
