Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been spending more time than usual in our homes. We’re ready for a change, and you may be considering a move. Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or following a new job, Fairfax, VA, is an amazing place for you and your family to find a fresh start.
Fairfax is a thriving, safe city that has plenty of activities for everyone in your family. Read on to learn about living in Fairfax, VA, and what you can expect to find when you move there.
Why Move There?
Before we get into all the things to do while living in Fairfax, let’s talk some about the city and why so many people want to move there. As we’ll discuss in a moment, Fairfax has some of the best school districts, not just in Virginia, but in the entire country. The strong job market also provides plenty of opportunities for young professionals and working parents to grow their careers.
Fairfax is a very safe city, with a violent crime rate that’s less than half of the national average. There’s a great public transportation system that makes it easy to get anywhere you need to go, including into Washington, D.C. And the city’s proximity to a variety of regional attractions means you’ll never be sitting around bored on a weekend, wondering what to do.
Things to Do
If you’re looking for some family fun, you don’t have to go far from Fairfax to find it. If you want to dive into our nation’s history, try visiting George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. Frying Pan Farm Park can also give you an idea of what it was like to live on a farm when our country was first getting started.
If you’re more into nature experiences, visit Great Falls National Park for a gorgeous hike. The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts blends the best of natural beauty and human talent. And Tysons Corner has amazing shopping, dining, and even crafting opportunities for you and your family.
Restaurants
There are tons of amazing places to get a bite in Fairfax, ranging from casual to fine dining. Eerkin’s Uyghur Cuisine offers a fusion of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Chinese cuisine that will quickly become a staple in your diet. If you’re looking for something a little more local, check out the 703 Bar + Kitchen for some amazing Chesapeake cuisine.
Bellissimo is a great date night spot offering seafood and top-notch Italian fare. Curry Mantra has all your Indian cuisine needs covered; we especially recommend the chicken chettinad with banana leaves. And if you want something a little more Mediterranean, check out Nostos or Le Mediterranean Bistro, both fabulous dinner options.
Nightlife
Once you finish your meal at one of Fairfax’s amazing restaurants, it will be time to head out on the town. If you’re wanting a drink, check out one of Fairfax’s many craft breweries or themed bars. Lost Rhino Brewing, Port City Brewing, Spacebar, and Rustico offer an amazing tour of Fairfax’s craft beverage scene.
If you’re wanting to take in some music, visit Auld Shebeen for some traditional Irish music, as well as a rotating schedule of bands and DJs in The Cellar. You can watch the big game at one of the many sports bars spread out across Fairfax. And if you want an evening of fun and games, check out Carpool, a car-themed bar that has shuffleboard, darts, and other games.
Fairfax Schools
We mentioned that Fairfax has some of the best schools in the country, an important consideration for any current and future parents. Fairfax County Public Schools serve more than 178,000 students in nearly 200 different institutions. Students in these schools speak more than 200 languages, and the district is incredibly diverse.
Almost 95 percent of Fairfax students graduate on time, and more than 92 percent plan to continue their education past high school. The district also offers Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, including classes in elementary and middle school. Three high schools in the district (Thomas Jefferson High, Langley High, and West Springfield High) have also won Gold College Success Awards.
Impact of COVID-19
Like everywhere else, Fairfax, Virginia, has seen a lot of changes in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1,000 people died of the virus in Fairfax County, and nearly 93,000 cases were documented. Businesses and schools moved to a remote footing as the city worked to keep infection rates down.
However, Fairfax is doing an amazing job of recovering from the pandemic and moving back towards normal life. As of this writing, 84 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, and 76 percent of people ages 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated. Fairfax County Public Schools are also reliving history by launching a campaign to vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds in the same school where polio vaccine field trials began in 1954.
Learn More About Living in Fairfax, VA
Fairfax, VA, is an amazing city for everyone, no matter whether you’re just beginning your career or looking for a place to enjoy your golden years. The city is safe, there are tons of restaurants and activities to choose from, and the schools are stellar. And as the city rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re going to want to start your future there.
If you’d like to learn more about living in Fairfax, VA, check out the rest of our site at One Street. We are real people doing real estate to help you find your dream home. Schedule a free consultation with us and discover our firm’s commitment to client satisfaction.