Arlington vs. Fairfax County
If you’re planning a move to Northern Virginia, there’s a good chance you’re comparing two of the area’s most popular places to live — Arlington and Fairfax County. On paper, they’re neighbors. But in reality, they offer two very different lifestyles. So which one is right for you?
Hi, I’m Abraham Walker with Ask A Walker, and in this post, we’re breaking down the key differences between Arlington and Fairfax County to help you make an informed decision.
💬 Not sure which area fits your needs? Schedule your perfect home consultation today and let’s talk through it together.
Let’s dive into the categories that matter most: location, home prices, schools, and things to do.
📍 Location: Where You Live Shapes How You Live
Let’s face it — location is everything. It influences your commute, your weekend plans, and even your daily stress level.
Arlington sits right across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. It’s about as close as you can get without having a DC address. You’ll find neighborhoods like Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn buzzing with activity. It’s the kind of place where you can walk to dinner, hop on the Metro, or bike into the city. If you work in downtown DC, the Pentagon, or even parts of Capitol Hill, your commute could be just 10 to 20 minutes.
But that proximity comes at a price, both in terms of real estate and lifestyle pace. Arlington feels more like a mini-city, so if you prefer a quieter suburban atmosphere, it might feel a little “busy.”
Now, Fairfax County is enormous and diverse. It stretches from Alexandria in the east all the way out past Chantilly and Centreville to the west. Depending on where you live in Fairfax, your commute to DC could range from 25 minutes to over an hour.
But here’s the catch — not everyone commutes to DC.
Fairfax County is home to Tysons Corner, Reston, Herndon, Fort Belvoir, and the Dulles Tech Corridor, all major employment hubs with thriving job markets. If you’re working for a government contractor, in cybersecurity, education, or the military, you might find that Fairfax puts you closer to where you actually work.
So while Arlington is the go-to for those who want the shortest commute into DC, Fairfax wins on flexibility and diversity of location options — especially if your work (and life) is centered more in Northern Virginia.
🏡 Homes: More Space, More Options, More to Love?
Here’s the honest truth — home prices in Arlington are high. While the average sales price floats around $740,000, that number is heavily influenced by the condo-heavy market. Single-family homes in Arlington? Those typically start around $1.2 million, and that’s if you can even find one that isn’t a teardown or renovation project.
You’re paying for location, walkability, and access to DC — no doubt about it.
In contrast, Fairfax County is massive, and that means there’s something for almost everyone. You’ll find:
- Townhomes in Burke, Springfield, and Centreville
- Split-levels and ramblers in older neighborhoods like Kings Park or Huntington
- Colonials and newer builds in South Riding, Chantilly, or Herndon
- And even estate-style homes in places like Great Falls or Clifton
The median sales price is similar, around $730,000, but in Fairfax, that budget actually gets you a home. Often with a yard. And sometimes a garage.
If your budget is under $1 million, Fairfax County offers more bang for your buck, more square footage, and more options.
Want space for a home office, a backyard for the kids, or room to grow into? Fairfax County is where you’ll find it, without compromising your quality of life.
🏡 Want to get a feel for both? Book a home tour and we’ll explore communities side by side so you can compare firsthand.
🎓 Schools: Great Options, But One Has the Edge
Both Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and Arlington Public Schools (APS) are some of the top-performing districts in Virginia. You’ll find passionate teachers, involved communities, and strong academics in both counties.
But there’s a key difference: scale.
Arlington County has just three public high schools, which makes it easier to navigate and somewhat consistent in terms of school quality. Two of those high schools, Yorktown and Washington-Liberty, are especially sought after by homebuyers.
Fairfax County, on the other hand, has a massive school system with:
- 28 high schools
- 140+ elementary schools
- Dozens of middle schools
That means more choices — but also more research. Still, it pays off.
Each year, US News & World Report ranks Virginia’s top high schools, and Fairfax County consistently dominates the list, with 7 of the top 10 and 11 in the top 20.
If you’re looking for a specialized program, Fairfax likely has it:
- STEM programs like the one at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
- Language immersion programs at schools like Kent Gardens or Fort Hunt
- IB Diplomas, JROTC, and crew teams depending on the school
And because there’s such a wide range of housing options, you’re more likely to find a home that fits your budget in a school pyramid you love.
In short, both are excellent districts. But Fairfax gives you more to choose from — especially if you have specific academic goals or extracurricular priorities for your kids.
🎉 Things to Do: Urban Energy or Suburban Escapes?
When it comes to entertainment, Arlington is the clear winner if you’re looking for city energy.
- Ballston and Clarendon offer nightlife, happy hours, and some of the best brunch spots in the region.
- Shopping at Pentagon City Mall or catching a movie at Courthouse Plaza is just part of daily life.
- History buffs will love exploring Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon Memorial, and more.
If you want to live close to restaurants, bars, and cultural landmarks, Arlington might feel like a dream.
But that doesn’t mean Fairfax County is boring — it’s just different.
Fairfax is all about space, nature, and family-friendly fun:
- Hike the trails at Great Falls National Park, Burke Lake, or Fountainhead Regional Park
- Picnic at Mason Neck or rent a kayak on the Occoquan River
- Shop ‘til you drop at Tysons Corner Center (nearly 300 stores) or browse luxury brands at Tysons Galleria
- Catch live performances at Wolf Trap, a national park turned concert venue with performances ranging from jazz to Broadway
Whether you’re single and social or raising a family and love being outdoors, both counties have plenty to offer — it just depends on what vibe you’re after.
Final Thoughts: Which One Wins?
It really depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick recap:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Commute to DC | Arlington |
| Housing Variety | Fairfax County |
| Budget Stretch | Fairfax County |
| Schools | Fairfax County |
| Nightlife | Arlington |
| Parks & Events | Tie (Different vibes) |
Fairfax County wins in housing and schools simply because of the variety and price flexibility. Arlington wins in lifestyle and location if you want urban amenities at your doorstep.
Still not sure which one’s best for you?
Let’s Talk About Your Move
Every family is different, and so is every move. If you want help narrowing down neighborhoods, figuring out which school pyramid fits your needs, or getting hyper-local advice, we’re here to help.
📅 Schedule your perfect home consultation — let’s walk through your options together.
And don’t forget to check out the video version of this comparison on our YouTube channel — just search Where to Live in Northern Virginia.
Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you in the next post!
