Are you considering moving your family to Fairfax, Virginia? It doesn’t surprise us to hear that, as Fairfax is a fantastic area with many great neighborhoods. But, it’s also a fairly large area, so it can be overwhelming to pinpoint where exactly you should be looking at properties.

Well, we’re here to help.

We’ve identified the top four neighborhoods for families in Fairfax. Keep reading for a complete overview of each community so you can quickly narrow down which is the best fit for your household.

An Introduction to Fairfax

First, let’s examine why Fairfax is an excellent choice for your upcoming move. The county of Fairfax is full of exciting things to do, with lots of events, fabulous restaurants, parks, and scenic nature to explore. This area is full of history, has many career opportunities, and offers relatively high salaries. Additionally, the city is quite diverse – from its population to its food and vibrant cultures. If you have children, they will grow up in a happy, accepting, and dynamic multicultural environment.

I’m sure you’re already ready to pack your bags and call the movers, but let’s look at where precisely in Fairfax you should move to first.

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1. Franklin Farm

Franklin Farm is a small suburb of Washington, D.C., in the Oak Hill section of Fairfax County, Virginia. This suburb is approximately 20 miles west of the White House and had a population of just under 19,000 as of 2020.

Overall, Franklin Farm is the right place for your family if you’re looking for a rural, suburban feel. This neighborhood is family-focused, with most residents owning their own homes, making average incomes, and having moderate political views. Life is simple, happy, and easy at Franklin Farm.

What Are Schools in Franklin Farm Like?

Franklin Farm is known for is having an excellent public school system. One of the highest-rated public schools in the area is Oakton High School. Oakton has about 2,635 students and maintains a 16 to 1 student-teacher ratio.

What Is Crime Like in Franklin Farm?

This quiet suburban neighborhood is relatively crime-free. One survey of residents reported that 86% of respondents felt “the police are very visible and very responsive.”

Parks and Playgrounds in Franklin Farm

Franklin Farm is an area that caters to families, so there are many parks and playgrounds. You won’t have to drive very far before finding a place where your children can play!

How Much Are Houses in Franklin Farm?

As Franklin Farm is such a desirable neighborhood, housing prices are slightly pricier. After all – everyone wants to live in Franklin Farm! The average home value is around $660,000, and the average rent is around $2,400.

2. Mantua

Mantua is a small, suburban area mostly filled with families and retirees. This quiet neighborhood still has a lot to do with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and parks, so you get big city entertainment with quiet streets. As of 2020, the population in Mantua was only 7,503 people.

What Are Schools in Mantua Like?

Mantua receives an A+ star rating for its public schools. There are 17 public schools in Mantua. Frost Middle School is a notable school to point out as it ranks #15 across all middle schools in Virginia!

What is Crime Like in Mantua?

Overall, crime is relatively low in Mantua, and the neighborhood is considered safe.

Parks and Playgrounds in Mantua

The area of Mantua has many parks, playgrounds, and trails nearby, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy some outdoor fun with your family.

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How Much Are Houses in Mantua?

The majority of people in Mantua own their home and the average property price is $826,700. However, some people do rent. The average rent in this neighborhood is $1,865.

3. Wakefield

Wakefield is a small, rural town in Fairfax with a population of just over 11,000. This U.S. Route 460 passes to the north of downtown Wakefield, so businesses still get a lot of traffic from those passing by. This charming town is a safe, happy area for those who want to live a quiet life. Many people have lived in Wakefield for 20 or more years, most residents have pets, and you can count on getting to know your neighbor. One drawback is that it is about a 30-minute drive from the city, but you get more affordable housing and bigger homes as a benefit.

What Are Schools in Wakefield Like?

The public school system in Wakefield is great, with 28 different schooling options.

What is Crime Like in Wakefield?

Crime is incredibly low in Wakefield, especially as the town is so small and many people know one another.

Parks and Playgrounds in Wakefield

There are many parks and playgrounds all across the town of Wakefield. Children will have no issues finding a fun place to spend time.

How Much Are Houses in Wakefield?

The average home is valued at $667,500, and the average rent is $3,250.

4. Oakton

Oakton is the spot for you if you’re looking for a bigger suburb with a city feel. Oakton is 16 miles west of Washington, DC, so you’re never too far from “the big city.” This means Oakton offers both big city and small town living combined, with quiet neighborhoods and lots of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.

As of 2020, Oakton reported having just under 37,000 residents.

What Are Schools in Oakton Like?

Oakton has a total of 25 public schools and receives an A+ rating for its overall school system.

What is Crime Like in Oakton?

Despite Oatkon’s slightly bigger population, the residents still feel safe living in this town. One survey found that 67% of residents felt “pretty safe” and 33% felt “very safe.”

Parks and Playgrounds in Oakton

There are plenty of parks and playgrounds in Oakton for family outings. Some of Oakton’s more well-known parks are Blake Lane Park, Borge Street Park, and Oakborough Square Park.

How Much Are Houses in Oakton?

The average house is valued at $660,700 in Oakton, and the average rent is $2,047.

There You Have It: The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Fairfax, VA

As we’ve mentioned before, Fairfax is an enormous county, and this list only scratches the surface of some of the most amazing neighborhoods in the area. Still, we believe these are the top four neighborhoods any family should consider. They’re all relatively affordable (especially compared to Washington, DC), have great school districts, and are safe.

Whether you know which neighborhood you’re moving to or are still in the exploratory stage, remember to start planning for your moving needs. Relocating to a new area should be an exciting step, so ensure you don’t have any moving stress by hiring the right movers.

Bellhop’s professional, skilled movers can help you with your next move – Whether you’re looking for Fairfax movers, Alexandria movers, or Washington DC movers, we’ve got you. Let us get you settled in your new Fairfax neighborhood quickly so you can focus on enjoying your new life! Contact us today for a hassle-free quote on your upcoming move.

Tyler Brown