Fairfax Station, Virginia, originated in 1854 as an important railway station. Today, this charming historic town is a popular residential community, especially for people who work half an hour away in Washington, DC.
If Fairfax Station sounds more like a train depot than a town, that's because it originated as a railroad station in 1854, and, as such, played a pivotal part during the Civil War
Fairfax Station, Virginia, originated in 1854 as an important railway station. Today, this charming historic town is a popular residential community, especially for people who work half an hour away in Washington, DC.
If Fairfax Station sounds more like a train depot than a town, that's because it originated as a railroad station in 1854, and, as such, played a pivotal part during the Civil War. Today, this historic town is as picturesque as an old MGM set, with buildings and streets that seem to come right out of an Andy Hardy movie. With a population of 12,030, Fairfax Station is just half an hour from Washington, DC and after just one look at this place you'll understand why so many city workers prefer to live here and commute to work. It's not all shady country lanes and horse farms: Fairfax Station is also home to mega companies such as international service company SI International and tech giant Sunlux Technologies. Thanks to this juxtaposition of 19th-century Americana and the 21st-century global community, you'll soon enjoy the best of both the past and the present.
Moving to Fairfax Station
If you're looking for places to rent in Fairfax Station, you won't have to search for very long. This town is chock-full of house rentals and apartment rentals, as well as condos and townhouses. The best way to find apartments is to go online and use an apartment locator, but you can also check newspaper and yellow pages ads. If you're looking for rental homes, it really helps to drive around town and look for rental signs, because you may be able to find a great deal that hasn't yet been advertised.
Since Fairfax Station is so close to DC, don't expect to find too many bargains here. Likewise, rentals are in high demand, so don't hesitate for long if you think you've found the perfect property. Upon signing your lease, you can expect to pay first month's rent, plus a refundable security deposit of several hundred dollars; and don't be surprised if you're also asked to pay the last month's rent up front as well. The good news is that there's no real seasonal rental boom here, so rates and availability stay pretty consistent all year round.
Neighborhoods in Fairfax Station
Fairfax Station doesn't have traditional neighborhoods, but there are certain sections of town where you'll find beautiful homes, apartments and condos. Here are a few locations to consider:
Crosspointe: Set amidst deep wooded trails and pathways, this lovely, bike-and pedestrian-friendly residential community features a variety of homes for rent, as well as amenities such as community swimming pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse. It's also close to Burke Lake Park, Fountainhead Park and the Laurel Hill Golf Club.
Barrington: Located close to the Fairfax County Parkway, this bike-friendly neighborhood is centrally-located near area stores and restaurants and is also close to the Springfield Metro station. You'll find a variety of lovely homes both for sale and rent in this area, many on wooded lots.
Lincoln Lake Way: This bike-friendly area boasts a number of beautiful apartments for rent, all only minutes away from great local shops and restaurants on Ox Road.
South Run: Just minutes from the rail station and Old Town Fairfax, this bike-friendly residential community boasts lovely multi-level homes for sale and rent.
Gainsborough Drive: Located six minutes away in Fairfax, this area has a number of townhouses and homes for rent, and is within walking distance to the bus line.
Living in Fairfax Station
Fairfax Station has one of those mild Northern Virginia climates that denizens of the upper Southern states always rave about. You can expect to get winter temperatures that are just cold enough to keep things brisk, without your having to endure snow-clogged streets and bone-freezing temperatures. January highs range around the mid-to-upper 40s, with lows hovering in the 20s and the area gets just under 20 inches of snow a year. Summers can get fairly warm, with highs hovering around 90 (don't forget the humidity bump), but this area does get a certain amount of rainfall to cool things off.
Cycle Town
Maybe it's because of those lush, shady country lanes, but Virginians do love their bicycles and Fairfax Station is reasonably bike / scooter friendly. You can also get around by bus, courtesy of the Fairfax Connector and you can take the Metro rail all the way into DC. If you need to go further afield, Fairfax Station is only 18 miles away from Washington / Dulles Airport.
History
One of the best ways to find out about the history of the area is to visit the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum (11200 Fairfax Station Road). Through photos, documents and artifacts, you'll learn about Fairfax Station's role during the Civil War and how the railroad changed the industrial and social landscape of not only the region, but also the entire nation.
Golf
Time for a round of golf? Then check out the Laurel Hill Golf Club, where golf architect Bill Love used the area's natural beauty to create a stunning 18-hole course that many consider to be unique in the country. If you prefer to simply relax surrounded by crystalline lakes and virtually untrammeled forests, you'll adore Burke Lake Park, which is highlighted by a stunning, pristine lake that's set amid beautiful campgrounds and hiking trails. Feel up to some heavier exercise? Then head on over to Fountainhead Park, where you'll find the most challenging mountain bike trail in the region. Set along the magnificent Occoquan Reservoir, this beautiful oasis is open for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, as well as hiking and camping. Fountainhead is also an access point for hikers traveling along the popular Bull Run Occoquan Trail.
Restaurants
When it's time to tackle some hearty grub, do as the locals do and stop by Georges Steak n' Things, where you'll find burgers, wings and a tantalizing steak and cheese sandwich that will keep you coming back. For something a bit more out of the ordinary, check out Los Toltecas and sample the Mexican jambalaya, followed by enchiladas Veracruz, which are piled high with shrimp and scallops. If you're ready to raise a pint, then drive six minutes away into Fairfax, where you'll find The Auld Shebeen, the area's only genuine Irish pub. In addition to Guinness, it serves traditional Irish fare such as corned beef and cabbage and potato leek soup, all topped off with live Celtic-flavored entertainment.
Fairfax Station makes you feel a bit like you've stepped back into the past a past that's enhanced by modern technology and all the amenities, but imbued with a certain bucolic tranquility and charm. Whenever you need a dose of steel, concrete and ultra-modern living, DC is just minutes away, so you can safely indulge in your penchant for time travel without getting stuck too long between centuries.
