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Located in the Northern part of Virginia, Fairfax County is one of the best places to live in that comes with a suburban feel. Fairfax County is also the first county in the United States to reach a six-figure median household income.
Only minutes away from Washington D.C., Fairfax County has many government agencies, several Fortune 500 companies, and the largest concentration of technology jobs of any major U.S. market.
If you’re looking to relocate to Fairfax County, Virginia, and still not sure where to start your search for a new home in the area, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll be more than happy to help.
Top 5 Subdivisions Located in Fairfax County
Through the use of handy tools such as Niche.com, Best Places, GreatSchools.org, and the local MLS, we’ll share with you the information we have gathered about five of the top subdivisions to live in Fairfax County.
You’ll learn where these top suburbs are located, their median household income, median home sales price, commute time to the major job centers, public school options, and what to do in these areas.
#5: Wakefield
Wakefield Location & Population
At number five, we have Wakefield, which is located 23 miles to the west of the White House with 12,500 residents. It’s a small suburban neighborhood of single-family detached homes that were mostly built between the 50s and 70s, but more recently, there have been some larger new construction because of teardowns.
Most of the homes sit on a minimum of a quarter-acre lot, which is considered to be substantial size by Fairfax County standards and would be ideal for individuals who fancy grass.
Wakefield Median Income & Median Sales Price
The median household income in Wakefield is $156,000, while the median home sales price is $627,000. With this price point, you’re probably looking at purchasing a two-level rambler or split-level with three bedrooms and two and a half baths with either a single-car garage or carport.
The homes in this neighborhood may be older but many of them have undergone extensive renovations and updates. Larger renovated homes sell for upwards of $800,000, while new construction teardowns can go for over 1.4 million dollars.
Wakefield Commute Time
From Wakefield, driving into Washington D.C. could take between 40 to 60 minutes during rush hour traffic in the mornings, while the return trip could take up to 70 minutes around 5 pm.
Commuting to other areas like Tysons Corner could take about 25 to 40 minutes in traffic in the mornings and 30 to 45 minutes in the evening.
If you’re traveling to Dulles Technology Corridor, you can expect to spend up to 15 minutes in the morning and up to an hour around 5 pm.
Wakefield is also five miles south of the Dunn Loring Merrifield Orange Line metro station.
Wakefield Public Schools
As for schools that service the Wakefield residents, Niche.com has given these schools a B-minus overall rating.
The individual schools that serve the area include:
- Wakefield Forest Elementary School
Address: 4011 Iva Ln, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA
Phone: +1 703-503-2300
Wakefield Forest Elementary School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Frost Middle School
Address: 4101 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA
Phone: +1 703-426-5700
Frost Middle School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- W. T. Woodson High School
Address: 9525 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
Phone: +1 703-503-4600
W. T. Woodson High School has an A-plus overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org. U.S. News ranks them as the 5th best public high school in Fairfax County, and they have been consistently rated as a top high school in the state of Virginia.
Things to Do in Wakefield
There are many things to do near Wakefield. If you’d love to try out the food in the neighborhood, Wakefield is located in Annandale, which is known for some of the best Asian restaurants in the D.C. metro area.
You can take your pick from an array of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese restaurants. Here’s an extensive guide for dining in Annandale that you can check out.
For shopping options, you can head 10 minutes north to Merrifield Town Center wherein you’ll find stores like Hobby Lobby and Target.
As a bonus tip, you’ll definitely enjoy Hidden Oaks Nature Center if you’re fond of nature because it has relaxing ponds and several marked nature trails.
Summary:
- Wakefield is located 23 miles to the west of the White House with 12,500 residents.
- The median household income in Wakefield is $156,000, while the median home sales price is $627,000.
- From Wakefield, driving into Washington D.C could take 40 to 60 minutes, commuting to Tysons Corner could take 25 to 40 minutes, and traveling to Dulles Technology Corridor could take 15 minutes.
- The individual schools that serve Wakefield include Wakefield Forest Elementary School, Frost Middle School, and W. T. Woodson High School. Niche.com has given these schools a B-minus overall rating.
- Wakefield has Annandale, Merrifield Town Center, and Hidden Oaks Nature Center nearby.
#4: Mantua
Mantua Location & Population
At number four on the list is Mantua, which is located off Route 50 and about 60 miles west of Washington D.C. with 7,300 residents. With more than 1500 single-family homes, Mantua is a collection of 19 subdivisions connected to the Mantua citizens association. The majority of the neighborhood was developed between the 50s and late 70s, but more recently, there have been a number of upscale homes built in the area.
Mantua Median Income & Median Sales Price
The median household income in Mantua is $172,000, while the median home sales price is $731,000, which is the highest one on our list. As mentioned, the only property type found in this area is single-family detached homes.
At $750,000, you can purchase a two-level 3,000 square foot rambler with four bedrooms and two and a half baths. If you’re interested in larger homes or new construction, homes in the area can go up to 1.5 million dollars.
Mantua Commute Time
From Mantua, the commute time to Washington D.C. is usually between 60 and 75 minutes when you take Interstate 66, while it could take 50 to 60 minutes if you’re traveling to The Pentagon depending on the route taken. During the evening rush hour traffic, the return trip from both Washington D.C. and The Pentagon could take at least 75 minutes.
Driving to other areas like Tysons Corner typically takes 15 to 35 minutes during morning or afternoon rush hour traffic.
Mantua Public Schools
As for schools that service the Mantua residents, Niche.com has given the public schools and mentor community an A-plus overall rating for good reasons.
The individual schools that serve the area include:
- Mantua Elementary School
Address: 9107 Horner Ct, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
Phone: +1 703-645-6300
Mantua Elementary School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Frost Middle School
Address: 4101 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA
Phone: +1 703-426-5700
Frost Middle School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- W. T. Woodson High School
Address: 9525 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
Phone: +1 703-503-4600
W. T. Woodson High School has an A-plus overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org. U.S. News ranks them as the 5th best public high school in Fairfax County, and they have been consistently rated as a top high school in the state of Virginia.
Things to Do in Mantua
There are a few things you can do near Mantua. One of the benefits of owning a home in this neighborhood is the ability to become a member of their Swim and Tennis club as Mantua residents are the only ones allowed to join this exclusive club.
It’s important to note that running simple errands in Mantua will require a short drive, so a car is a must-have in this area.
Nonetheless, it only takes a quick drive to go to the Cinema Arts Theatres, Army Navy Country Club, and Mosaic District, which is an urban shopping center that features national retailers, gourmet dining, and a movie theater.
Summary:
- Mantua is located off Route 50 and about 60 miles west of Washington D.C. with 7,300 residents.
- The median household income in Mantua is $172,000, while the median home sales price is $731,000.
- From Mantua, commuting to Washington D.C. could take 60 to 75 minutes, traveling to The Pentagon could take 50 to 60 minutes, and driving to Tysons Corner could take 15 to 35 minutes.
- The individual schools that serve Mantua include Mantua Elementary School, Frost Middle School, W. T. Woodson High School. Niche.com has given the public schools and mentor community an A-plus overall rating.
- Mantua has a Swim and Tennis club, Cinema Arts Theatres, Army Navy Country Club, and Mosaic District nearby.
#3: McNair
McNair Location & Population
At number three, we have McNair, which is located further west of Mantua in a section of Oak Hill with 21,400 residents. This community is 28 miles northwest of the Capitol, and it almost shares a border with Dulles International Airport.
McNair is an unincorporated community within the greater Herndon region wherein residents live close to their workplace. While there are few condos to choose from, the area’s made of mostly townhouses that were developed in the late 90s.
McNair Median Income & Median Sales Price
McNair is the most affordable subdivision on our list. The median household income in McNair is $105,000, while the median home sales price is $421,000, which is much cheaper than Mantua and Oak Hill. At this price point, you can expect to get a fairly new townhouse that is spacious with three levels, three bedrooms, and a minimum of two and a half bathrooms.
McNair Commute Time
Most people living in this area are commuting locally to the Dulles Technology Corridor or Tysons Corner. The commute to or from the Dulles Technology Corridor could take 5 to 10 minutes, while it could take 20 to 30 minutes to go to Tysons Corner during rush hour in the morning and 25 to 40 minutes around 5 pm.
From McNair, driving to Washington D.C. could take 60 to 75 minutes in the mornings, and it could take 75 to 90 minutes to drive back home in the evenings.
If you’re looking to use the metro, the silver line will have a new stop this year next to the Dulles International Airport, but until then, the next closest stop is on the Vienna metro station off Route 66.
McNair Public Schools
As for schools that service the McNair residents, Niche.com has given these schools an A overall rating.
The individual schools that serve the area include:
- McNair Elementary School
Address: 2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr, Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Phone: +1 703-793-4800
McNair Elementary School has an A-minus overall rating on Niche.com and a 5/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Coates Elementary School
Address: 2480 River Birch Rd, Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Phone: +1 703-713-3000
Coates Elementary School has a B-minus overall rating on Niche.com and a 5/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Carson Middle School
Address: 13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Phone: +1 703-925-3600
Carson Middle School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Westfield High School
Address: 4700 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA
Phone: +1 703-488-6300
Westfield High School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 4/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org. U.S. News rates them as the 15th best public high school in Fairfax County.
Things to Do in McNair
McNair has a lot to offer its residents in terms of shopping and dining options for day-to-day use. Fair Oaks Mall, which is just a quick 10-minute drive to the south, serves as the major shopping center in the area. McNair is also just a few minutes away from downtown Herndon that provides even more dining variety and entertainment.
As for enjoyable activities, outdoor and fitness enthusiasts will be able to quickly access the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, which features a 45-mile long paved trail for those who like to run, cycle, or skate.
In addition, there’s a professional black box theater nearby that showcases a wide array of local talent and Broadway headliners, which theater lovers will definitely appreciate.
Summary:
- McNair is located further west from Mantua in a section of Oak Hill with 21,400 residents.
- The median household income in McNair is $105,000, while the median home sales price is $421,000.
- From McNair, commuting to Dulles Technology Corridor could take 5 to 10 minutes, traveling to Tysons Corner could take 20 to 30 minutes, and driving to Washington D.C. could take 60 to 75 minutes.
- The individual schools that serve McNair include McNair Elementary School, Coates Elementary School, Carson Middle School, and Westfield High School. Niche.com has given these schools an A overall rating.
- McNair has Fair Oaks Mall, Washington and Old Dominion Trail, and a professional black box theater nearby.
#2: Oakton
Oakton Location & Population
Coming in at number two is Oakton, which is located 7.5 miles to the east of McNair with 37,500 residents. Because of its size, you can find lots of great properties in Oakton. In this subdivision, you’ll find every type of housing option including condos, townhouses, and single-family homes.
Oakton Median Income & Median Sales Price
The median household income in Oakton is $132,000, while the median home sales price is $616,000. At this price point, you can find a 3 bedroom townhouse with an attached garage. With Oakton having so much variety in housing types, you can also find a one-bedroom condo for as little as $225,000 or an expansive luxury estate for upwards of 5 million dollars.
Oakton Commute Time
From Oakton, commuting to Washington D.C. could take 40 to 60 minutes in the morning, and it could take 60-plus minutes in the evening.
Driving to other areas like Tysons Corner could take between 10 to 30 minutes around 8 am and between 15 and 40 minutes returning home during rush hour traffic.
Oakton Public Schools
As for schools that service the Oakton residents, Niche.com has given the public schools an A overall rating, which is not at all surprising.
The individual schools that serve the area include:
- Oakton Elementary School
Address: 3000 Chain Bridge Rd, Oakton, VA 22124, USA
Phone: +1 703-937-6100
Oakton Elementary School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and an 8/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Oakton High School
Address: 2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna, VA 22181, USA
Phone: +1 703-319-2700
Oakton High School has an A-plus overall rating on Niche.com and a 6/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org. U.S. News rates them as the 7th best public high school in Fairfax County.
Things to Do in Oakton
Even though it’s slightly outside the city, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do in Oakton. As with most of Northern Virginia, you’ll find lots of stores and restaurants within the community that will keep you entertained.
If you want to work on your short-range game, Oak Marr Golf Center includes a challenging 1,456 yard, 9-hole par three golf course with holes from 95-200 yards, lighted 78 stations driving range with target greens, and covered, heated tees.
During Wednesdays, you can also check out Oak Marr Farmers Market, which is one of 10 Farmers Markets in the area operating under Fairfax County Park Authorities.
Summary:
- Oakton is located 7.5 miles to the east of McNair with 37,500 residents.
- The median household income in Oakton is $132,000, while the median home sales price is $616,000.
- From Oakton, commuting to Washington D.C. could take 40 to 60, while driving to Tysons Corner could take between 10 to 30 minutes.
- The individual schools that serve Oakton include Oakton Elementary School and Oakton High School. Niche.com has given the public schools an A overall rating.
- Oakton has Oak Marr Golf Center and Oak Marr Farmers Market nearby.
#1: Franklin Farm
Franklin Farm Location & Population
Finally, at number one is Franklin Farm, which is located 20 miles west of the White House and approximately 8 miles from the Dulles International Airport with 19,800 residents. Being just right down from McNair, this area has the same benefits and features. The single-family homes in the area include ramblers, split-level, and colonials that were mostly built in the 80s.
Franklin Farm Median Income & Median Sales Price
The median household income in Franklin Farm is $183,000, while the median home sales price is $618,000. With this price point, you can purchase a 4 bedroom colonial with 3 baths and a spacious 2 car garage.
One of the reasons why Franklin Farm tops our list is because of its homeowner association. They offer amazing amenities that include tennis courts, tot lots, fishing ponds, 13 miles of trails, three multipurpose courts, and a sand volleyball court. Plus, being a member of the Franklin Farm Foundation (the name of the HOA) gives you the opportunity to purchase a pool membership every year.
Franklin Farm Commute Time
Similar to McNair, the commute to or from the Dulles Technology Corridor could take 5 to 10 minutes, while it could take 20 to 30 minutes to go to Tysons Corner during rush hour in the morning and 25 to 40 minutes around 5 pm.
From Franklin Farm, driving to Washington D.C. could take 60 to 75 minutes in the mornings, and it could take 75 to 90 minutes to drive back home in the evenings.
Franklin Farm Public Schools
As for schools that service the Franklin Farm residents, Niche.com has given these schools an A-plus overall rating. Keep in mind that the exact school will be determined by your home address, so it’s best to find a home and then research exactly what school that property is zoned for.
The individual schools that serve the area include:
- Oak Hill Elementary School
Address: 3210 Kinross Cir, Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Phone: +1 703-467-3500
Oak Hill Elementary School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Crossfield Elementary School
Address: 2791 Fox Mill Rd, Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Phone: +1 703-295-1100
Crossfield Elementary School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Carson Middle School
Address: 13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Phone: +1 703-925-3600
Carson Middle School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Franklin Middle School
Address: 3300 Lees Corner Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA
Phone: +1 703-904-5100
Franklin Middle School has an A overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org.
- Oakton High School
Address: 2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna, VA 22181, USA
Phone: +1 703-319-2700
Oakton High School has an A-plus overall rating on Niche.com and a 6/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org. U.S. News rates them as the 7th best public high school in Fairfax County.
- Chantilly High School
Address: 4201 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA
Phone: +1 703-222-8100
Chantilly High School has an A-plus overall rating on Niche.com and a 7/10 summary rating on GreatSchools.org. U.S. News rates them as the 6th best public high school in Fairfax County.
Things to Do in Franklin Farm
Aside from their HOA package, Franklin Farm has a lot to offer its residents in terms of outdoor activities. Not only will you have access to a swimming pool, tennis courts, or basketball courts, but you also get to experience nature through this community that is filled with green space, a lot of walking paths, and even a pond where you can bond with your family. Additionally, they have a little village center that offers amenities right down the street.
Summary:
- Franklin Farm is located 20 miles west of the White House and approximately 8 miles from the Dulles International Airport with 19,800 residents.
- The median household income in Franklin Farm is $183,000, while the median home sales price is $618,000.
- From Franklin Farm, commuting to Dulles Technology Corridor could take 5 to 10 minutes, traveling to Tysons Corner could take 20 to 30 minutes, and driving to Washington D.C. could take 60 to 75 minutes.
- The individual schools that serve Franklin Farm include Oak Hill Elementary School, Crossfield Elementary School, Carson Middle School, Franklin Middle School, Oakton High School, and Chantilly High School. Niche.com has given these schools an A-plus overall rating.
- Their HOA package includes amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a gym.
Looking to find the right home and community for you and your family? Fill out our Perfect Home Questionnaire, and we’ll schedule a time to meet online.
Conclusion
Overall, you have learned the best subdivisions to live in Fairfax County regarding different aspects such as location, median income, median sales price, commute time, public school options, and things to do in these areas. We have laid out the key differences of the top 5 subdivisions located in Fairfax County: Wakefield, Mantua, McNair, Oakton, and Franklin Farm in order to give you an idea of what it’s actually like to live in these areas.
So, which subdivision did you like the best?
We look forward to hearing from you.
