Fairfax Is Not One Market
What Prices Do Across Fairfax
What Fairfax Is
Fairfax real estate in Northern Virginia includes the independent City of Fairfax and surrounding Fairfax County addresses with a Fairfax mailing address. Homes range from 1960s brick Colonials to custom estates in Oakton and condos near Mosaic. The U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 median value of owner-occupied homes in Fairfax is $722,600. Your jurisdiction affects taxes and services.
Is the City of Fairfax different from Fairfax County?
Yes. The City of Fairfax is an independent city, so it sits outside any county jurisdiction and sets its own tax rate. Many homes with Fairfax mailing addresses are in surrounding Fairfax County instead. Check which jurisdiction taxes a home, since property tax, services and schools can differ between the two.
Most of ZIP code 22030 is inside the independent city. ZIP codes 22031, 22032 and 22033 also appear for the area. Learn more on our page about how Virginia's independent cities work.
Which areas should you compare for homes in Fairfax?
Buyers compare Fairfax areas by lot size, housing type and school pyramid. Oakton and Mantua have custom estates on wooded lots. Fairfax City has a historic core and redevelopment. Fairfax Station has larger lots. Mosaic District and Merrifield offer walkable urban living near the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and I-495.
| Area | What it is known for | What buyers weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Oakton / Mantua | Custom estates on wooded lots | Privacy, school pyramid |
| Fairfax City (historic core) | Historic downtown and the City Centre West redevelopment | Walkability, city services |
| Fairfax Station | Mature trees and large lots | Land, watershed rules |
| Mosaic District / Merrifield | Walkable shopping near the medical campus and I-495 | Convenience, condo or townhouse options |
| Great Falls / McLean (periphery) | Established single-family homes | Setting, Langley pyramid |
How should you price when selling a house in Fairfax?
Price from recent sales of similar homes in the same neighborhood and jurisdiction. The Census median above is a five-year survey estimate of owner-reported value, not a current sale price. A 1960s Colonial in the city, an Oakton custom estate and a Merrifield condo are different products and need different comparables.
We review the comparables with you, check condition and updates, and set a list price you can support during the appraisal.
How do you get around Fairfax?
Key roads include Fairfax Boulevard (US-50), Route 123, Little River Turnpike, I-66 and I-495. Local intersections include Fairfax Boulevard at Chain Bridge Road and Little River Turnpike at Ox Road. Many residents commute to the District or Tysons. Test your route at real commute hours before you buy.
Arlington is the neighbor to the east. George Mason University, Fairfax Corner and Fair Oaks are major local hubs, and the Blenheim Boulevard multimodal project links neighborhoods and the historic downtown. Old Lee Highway and Woodburn Road are common back routes.
Which schools serve Fairfax homes?
Fairfax is served by Fairfax County Public Schools, or by the City of Fairfax schools for some city addresses. W.T. Woodson High School is on Main Street and Oakton High School is on Sutton Road. Mantua Elementary is on Horner Court. Confirm the current assignment for any address before you make an offer.
The Fairfax County School Board approved boundary changes in January 2026 for the 2026-27 school year. Families should check how those changes apply to a specific home.
What should you do first when buying or selling in Fairfax?
Start by deciding your timeline and your must-haves, then review comparable sales for your neighborhood. Sellers should gather records for the roof, HVAC and any renovations. Buyers should line up financing, decide how much home, lot and commute they want, and confirm tax and school details for each address.
- Pull recent comparable sales for your neighborhood
- Confirm whether the home is in the City of Fairfax or Fairfax County
- Check the assigned schools for the exact address
- Plan an inspection that covers age-related systems
These steps make an offer or a listing easier to defend, and they reduce surprises between contract and closing.
How do we help with Fairfax real estate?
We help sellers price and prepare homes, and we help buyers compare neighborhoods, jurisdictions and commute routes. Levi Loveless is a RE/MAX Realty Group agent licensed in Maryland and Virginia, working with team partner Taylor Dawson. We review contract terms with you and coordinate inspections, appraisal and closing.
Our office is at 7373 Wisconsin Ave Suite 1700 in downtown Bethesda, about 30 minutes from Fairfax via I-495. For Fairfax clients, we usually meet at the property or somewhere convenient to you. Call (301) 275-7744.
Explore Fairfax Neighborhood by Neighborhood
How We Read the Fairfax Market
Fairfax Market Questions
Next steps for sellers and buyers
Whichever side of the move you are on, start here.
Make Your Decision With Local Context
What taxes should I ask about in Fairfax?
Ask which jurisdiction taxes the home. Homes inside the independent City of Fairfax pay city rates, while Fairfax-addressed homes in the surrounding county pay Fairfax County rates. Some city homes also carry district service fees, such as leaf collection or refuse fees, billed with real estate taxes. Ask for the current tax bill.
Fairfax at a glance
| City | Fairfax |
|---|---|
| Agent page | Real estate agent in Fairfax |
| County | Independent city, VA |
| Median home value | $722,600 (owner-occupied homes, Fairfax city, 2020-2024) |
| Agent | Levi Loveless, RE/MAX Realty Group |
| Licensed in | Maryland and Virginia |
| Office | 7373 Wisconsin Ave Suite 1700, Bethesda, MD 20814 |
| Phone | (301) 275-7744 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, table B25077.
“They were fierce negotiators and worked tirelessly to get me a reduced sales price, which is a testament to their skill and expertise.”
Monica Z., Google review
Questions people ask
What taxes should I ask about in Fairfax?
Ask which jurisdiction taxes the home. Homes inside the independent City of Fairfax pay city rates, while Fairfax-addressed homes in the surrounding county pay Fairfax County rates. Some city homes also carry district service fees, such as leaf collection or refuse fees, billed with real estate taxes. Ask for the current tax bill.
What styles of homes are common in Fairfax?
Common styles include 1960s brick Colonials and mid-century moderns, with newer custom Georgian and contemporary estates in Oakton. Mosaic District and Merrifield add walkable condo and townhouse options. Because age, lot and style vary widely, compare condition and jurisdiction along with square footage.
Where does Levi Loveless meet Fairfax clients?
The office is at 7373 Wisconsin Ave Suite 1700 in downtown Bethesda, about 30 minutes from Fairfax via I-495. For Fairfax clients, Levi usually meets at the property or somewhere convenient to you. Levi is licensed in Maryland and Virginia and works with team partner Taylor Dawson.
Moving to Fairfax, VA? Housing Market and Cost of Living Answers
Is Fairfax, VA a buyer's or seller's market?
City of Fairfax had 2.69 months of supply in September 2026, with 70 active listings (+37.3% year over year), per Bright MLS. Under about four months usually favors sellers. In Fairfax, homes sold in a median 36 days over the last three months (Redfin), and conditions vary by price range.
Are homes in Fairfax, VA selling above asking?
From July through September 2026, Fairfax homes sold for a median 99.7% of their list price, according to Redfin. Above 100% means many sold over asking; below means buyers negotiated. Results differ by price point and condition, so we study recent comparable sales before you price or offer.
How much is a house in Fairfax, VA?
From July through September 2026, the median sale price in Fairfax was $725K, according to Redfin. City of Fairfax's September 2026 median sold price was $775K (-12.3% year over year), per Bright MLS. Prices vary widely by home type, size and street, so we pull current comparable sales for your exact property before setting a price.
Is now a good time to buy a house in Fairfax, VA?
The right time depends more on your plans and finances than on the calendar. Compare your monthly cost with renting, how long you plan to stay, and current inventory. Spring brings more choice and more competition, while late fall and winter can bring fewer buyers. We can review current conditions with you.
How can I see Fairfax, VA homes for sale before they hit the market?
This site has no live listing search. We set up a Bright MLS search for clients that sends new Fairfax homes as soon as they list, and we share coming-soon homes when sellers allow it. Tell us your criteria and timeline and we will start the search. Call (301) 275-7744 or book a consultation.
Are Fairfax, VA home prices going up?
City of Fairfax prices follow mortgage rates, inventory and demand from people working along the I-66 corridor and at George Mason University and nearby employers. Different segments can move differently. We compare current sales with the same months last year for your type of home, not a single headline figure.
Is my Fairfax address in the City of Fairfax or Fairfax County?
A Fairfax mailing address does not mean the home is in the City of Fairfax. The independent city has its own boundaries, taxes and services, while much of the surrounding area is Fairfax County. Check the city or county real estate assessment records for the exact address.
What are the neighborhoods in the City of Fairfax, VA?
The City of Fairfax includes Old Town Fairfax, Mosby Woods, Fairchester and other established neighborhoods, along with condo and townhouse communities. Each differs in housing age, lot size and access to shops and commuter routes. We can compare recent sales in the areas you are considering. Call (301) 275-7744 or book a consultation.
How much are HOA fees for townhouses in Fairfax, VA?
HOA fees vary by community, depending on what they cover, such as common areas, trash, snow removal, amenities and reserves. Before buying, review the budget, reserves, rules and any special assessments in the resale packet. Virginia law gives buyers a review period after receiving those documents.
How far is the City of Fairfax from the Vienna Metro station?
The Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Orange Line station sits just outside the city, and the drive time depends on where in the city you live and the time of day. City buses connect parts of Fairfax to the station. Test your route at rush hour before buying.
What drives the price of a townhouse in Fairfax, VA?
Townhouse prices in Fairfax depend on size, age, garage parking, HOA fees, updates and access to I-66 and the Metro. Newer and end-unit homes usually sell higher. We compare recent Bright MLS sales of truly similar townhouses before advising buyers or sellers.
Is Fairfax, VA expensive to live in?
Fairfax costs less than the most close-in Northern Virginia areas but more than many outer suburbs, mainly because of housing and property taxes. Budget for HOA or condo fees where they apply, utilities and commuting. Compare recent sales of the type of home you want.
How do I plan a move to Fairfax, VA?
Plan a move to Fairfax, VA around three things: the area that fits your commute, a budget that includes City of Fairfax or Fairfax County property tax and any HOA dues, and loan pre-approval. We tour homes in clusters, compare recent closed sales and time your purchase against the sale of your current home if needed.
Tell us about your move. Levi or Taylor will reply personally, usually the same day.