Fairfax is an independent city in Virginia that is part of Fairfax County. It is part of the Washington Arlington Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area, located just 17 miles away from the nation’s capital. The state’s largest public education institution, George Mason University, is located along its southern border.
Fairfax has undergone massive redevelopment within the last decade, adding tens of thousands of square feet of retail space, office condominiums, residential condominiums and a major Regional Library. The city has been rated by Forbes Magazine as the Top 3 Place to Live Well in 2009. It has also been commended by the reputed magazine for its excellent public school system and relatively higher median salary. Fairfax has a versatile economy with excellent business activity.