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An independent city with a rich heritage as the county seat of Fairfax County, known for its historic downtown and civic pride.
The city features landmarks like the Old Fairfax Courthouse and Old Town Hall, and it hosts vibrant annual events such as the Fairfax Fall Festival, Independence Day Parade, one of Virginia’s largest, and Civil War Day, which foster a strong sense of community and civic engagement.
A suburban community named after the historic Braddock Road – a colonial route used during General Edward Braddock’s 1755 expedition.
Formerly a rural expanse, today it consists of residential neighborhoods and parks, with local history celebrated through events like the annual “Look Back at Braddock” open house at the 1790 Oak Hill estate. Active civic associations, for example, the Braddock District Council, connect residents and preserve the area’s heritage and neighborhood character.
A suburban gem named after 19th-century farmer and politician Silas Burke. Once a rural train stop, Burke’s Station, during the Civil War, it evolved into a thriving community while retaining pockets of its past.
Notable landmarks include the historic Silas Burke House and the popular Burke Lake Park for recreation. Burke’s civic life is robust, with a weekly farmers market and events like the Burke Centre Festival that bring residents together.
A planned residential community established 1970s west of Burke, managed by the Burke Centre Conservancy HOA. Divided into five neighborhoods with shared amenities. Each has a pool and community center.
Burke Centre is known for its family-friendly design and community spirit. A preserved 19th-century site, the Huldah Coffer House, stands amid newer homes and residents gather for the annual Burke Centre Festival and other HOA-sponsored events that enhance civic engagement.
A suburban community with colonial roots chartered in 1792 and significant Civil War history. Centreville was fortified by Confederate troops during the Civil War and served as a military encampment site. Earthworks from these fortifications still dot the area.
Modern Centreville blends historic sites – including a 19th-century Historic District – with extensive neighborhoods and shopping centers. The community stays connected through local parks, example, Bull Run Regional Park, and events like Centreville Day, which celebrate its heritage and diverse culture.
A fast-growing suburb named after an 18th-century estate, now known for Dulles Airport’s vicinity and the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum. Chantilly was also the site of the Civil War Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill) in 1862 – the only major Civil War battle fought in Fairfax County, commemorated today at Ox Hill Battlefield Park.
Key landmarks include the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center housing the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Sully Historic Site, an 18th-century home of Richard Bland Lee. Civic life revolves around local schools and cultural festivals, reflecting Chantilly’s diverse, engaged population.
A residential community established in the late 1980s in southern Fairfax (Fairfax Station/Lorton area), known for its spacious homes and wooded surroundings.
Crosspointe boasts numerous amenities for families, including two swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails. An active homeowners association hosts a large annual fall festival and community yard sales fostering close-knit civic engagement and neighborly camaraderie.
An area named for the Difficult Run stream valley that winds through this part of Fairfax. This community, newly defined as a Census Designated Place (CDP) with about 10,600 residents is characterized by its rolling, wooded landscape and parkland along the stream.
Largely residential, Difficult Run has a semi-rural feel and features equestrian trails and nature preserves. Residents participate in environmental stewardship programs to protect the Difficult Run watershed and enjoy outdoor recreation in the stream valley parks, reflecting a community identity tied closely to its natural surroundings.
A small historic community in northern Fairfax County that grew around a 19th-century crossroads tavern. Dranesville was the site of the Battle of Dranesville (Dec 1861), an early Civil War skirmish that resulted in a Union victory and brought the war close to the capital.
The Dranesville Tavern (built ca.1850) still stands as a National Register landmark and focal point of local heritage. Today, Dranesville’s residents—though few in number—remain engaged in preserving its history and character, often through local historical societies and community gatherings at the tavern site.
A quiet suburban area with a fascinating past as Fairfax County’s first platted subdivision (founded 1886 by General William Dunn and engineer William Loring). It began as a Victorian-era railroad village and even hosted Camp Alger during the Spanish–American War, where poet Carl Sandburg trained as a soldier.
Modern Dunn Loring is a transit-oriented community (with a Metro station) featuring tree-lined neighborhoods. It has an active citizens association and celebrated its 100th and 120th anniversaries with big community gatherings highlighting strong civic pride. Local landmarks include the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station and several parks, and the community benefits from nearby Mosaic District amenities while retaining its own identity.
A suburban community named for its historic railroad depot, which played a key role during the Civil War. In early September 1862, after the Second Battle of Bull Run, nurse Clara Barton arrived at Fairfax Station to tend wounded soldiers, marking the start of her illustrious humanitarian career.
The old station is preserved as the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, and St. Mary’s Church (built 1858) still stands as a Civil War field-hospital site. Today, Fairfax Station is an affluent residential area of winding roads and large lots. Civic life centers on the volunteer-run museum, community groups, and events like charity train shows and historical reenactments, honoring the area’s heritage while fostering local engagement.
A modern mixed-use community that transformed 600+ acres of former dairy farmland into a blend of offices, homes, and retail in the 1980s and ’90s. Centered along the I-66 corridor, Fair Lakes features the Fair Lakes Shopping Center and adjacent corporate parks. It is known for its landscaped boulevards and planned development, which includes apartments, townhouses, and green space.
The community’s HOA and business associations organize local events (such as outdoor movie nights and clean-up days) for residents and employees, contributing to civic engagement in this contemporary suburb. Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A bustling commercial and residential area west of the City of Fairfax, named after a historic farm. Developed largely since the 1980s, Fair Oaks is centered around the landmark Fair Oaks Mall, one of the region’s major shopping centers. It also encompasses the Fairfax County Government Center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Key institutions include Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and several parks. Community life here mixes suburban neighborhood activities with county-wide events – for example, the Government Center grounds hosted the popular “Celebrate Fairfax!” festival for many years. Fair Oaks residents enjoy convenient amenities and are active in civic matters through homeowners associations and engagement with county government due to the presence of county facilities.
A historically agricultural community in the Oak Hill/Herndon area, once known as “Frying Pan” (a name used from 1726 until 1892) before adopting the name Floris around the turn of the 20th century. German-American farmers settled here, and today the Floris Historic District preserves a glimpse of the past with sites like the old Floris schoolhouse and general store.
The community is home to Frying Pan Farm Park, which conserves 1920s–1950s farm life and hosts county fairs and equestrian events. Floris has a strong rural heritage complemented by modern suburban developments, and its residents often engage in civic activities through the park’s educational programs and the annual 4-H Fair, bridging past and present.
An established suburb in southeastern Fairfax, historically a farming village and railroad stop on the RF&P line. Regular train service at Franconia Station ended in the 1950s as the area shifted from rural to suburban. To date, Franconia retains community institutions like the Franconia Museum (which chronicles local history) and the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department (founded 1934). The vicinity includes the Kingstowne development and Lee District Park, which are popular for recreation.
Franconia’s identity balances its quiet residential neighborhoods with its role as a transit hub (Franconia-Springfield Metro) and commercial corridor. Civic engagement is visible in its active neighborhood associations and popular events like Franconia History Day, reflecting pride in its local heritage.
A suburban planned community and CDP in the Oak Hill area, developed in the early 1980s. Franklin Farm spans about 850 acres and was designed with generous open spaces, including ponds, trails, and playgrounds, to create a park-like atmosphere.
The neighborhood (around 1,800 homes) has a very active homeowners association that organizes swim teams, holiday celebrations, and volunteer days. With its community pool, tennis courts, and Franklin Farm Village Center for shopping, Franklin Farm exemplifies a tight-knit civic life where residents of all ages connect through school events and outdoor activities.
A community encompassing the main campus of George Mason University (GMU) and adjacent neighborhoods in Fairfax. The area’s identity is defined by the university, Virginia’s largest public research institution, which anchors the community with its cultural facilities and spirited campus life.
Historically, this land was rural until GMU’s establishment in the 1950s–60s. Today, “George Mason” includes student housing, faculty neighborhoods, and the popular EagleBank Arena (concert and sports venue). Civic engagement is strong, with students and long-term residents collaborating in initiatives like campus-community cleanups, voter drives, and events such as GMU’s “Fall for the Book” literary festival that draw public participation.
An affluent semi-rural community along the Potomac River, known for its scenic natural beauty and luxury homes on large lots. The village was unofficially called Forestville until 1955, when a post office established the name “Great Falls” after the nearby waterfalls). Great Falls preserves a rural character – it has no city water/sewer, and Georgetown Pike through town remains a two-lane historic byway.
Hallmarks include Great Falls Park, which offers stunning waterfall vistas and trails, and an active equestrian culture with horse farms and riding centers. The community fiercely protects its open space and small-town feel through a strong citizens’ association. Annual traditions like the Great Falls July 4th Parade and Concerts on the Green at the village center showcase robust civic spirit in this otherwise tranquil enclave.
A smaller residential enclave population ~1,400 adjacent to Great Falls and Reston. Developed in the 1990s, Great Falls Crossing is a family-friendly neighborhood featuring a community pool, tennis and basketball courts, and playgrounds. Its well-kept homes and cul-de-sacs foster a close neighborhood identity.
The homeowners association at Great Falls Crossing is active in organizing block parties, holiday events, and neighborhood improvement projects. While it shares a name with Great Falls, this community lies closer to Reston’s amenities, giving residents a blend of suburban quiet and convenient access to shopping and the Wiehle Avenue Metro. Civic engagement is evident in the high participation in HOA meetings and community socials.
A classic suburban community between Fairfax City and Chantilly, built in the 1960s and ’70s during Northern Virginia’s post-war housing boom. Greenbriar is characterized by its uniform single-family homes, sidewalk-lined streets, and the Greenbriar Town Center which serves as a commercial hub.
Community identity is strong, anchored by Greenbriar West Elementary and the Greenbriar Civic Association, one of the county’s oldest active civic groups. Neighbors enjoy community traditions like an annual yard sale and holiday decorating contests, and they work together on issues from neighborhood watch to zoning, reflecting Greenbriar’s enduring civic-minded culture.
An incorporated town (pop. ~24,000) founded in 1858 as a stop on the Alexandria-Loudoun railroad, named after Naval Commander William Lewis Herndon who perished at sea. Herndon’s downtown retains its 19th-century charm with the historic train depot (now a museum) and preserved Victorian-era buildings. The town is known for its diverse, tight-knit community and active government.
Hallmark events include the Herndon Festival (a large annual arts and music festival) and free summer concerts, as well as a famed homecoming parade. With its own mayor and town council, Herndon residents are deeply involved in civic affairs—whether through local business groups, the arts scene, or volunteer organizations—earning the town a reputation for welcoming community engagement.
A residential community north of Herndon, newly recognized as a CDP in the 2020 census (population ~6,200). Largely developed in the 1970s with a mix of single-family houses and townhomes, Hutchinson’s neighborhoods were modeled after nearby Reston’s design, emphasizing green space and trails. The community’s focal point is Hutchison Elementary School, opened in 1975 to serve the area’s growing population.
Hutchinson today is culturally diverse and actively involved in the greater Herndon/Reston area; residents participate in local PTA programs, county recreation at Hutchison Park, and community improvement projects. Its civic character is one of neighborly cooperation and pride in its rapid growth from dairy farms to a vibrant suburb within a few decades.
A suburban subdivision established in the early 1960s in West Springfield. Kings Park was one of Fairfax’s first large planned communities, comprising about 1,130 homes with its own park, pool, and elementary school. The streets (like Parliament Dr., Rolling Rd.) reflect a planned layout and even a touch of English theme in naming.
Decades on, Kings Park remains a middle-class stronghold with a very active civic association continuously operating since the 1960s. That association sponsors neighborhood block parties, a community newsletter, and advocacy on local issues. With landmarks such as Kings Park Shopping Center and Kings Park Library, a community library that opened in 1972, the area maintains a solid community identity and high civic participation across generations of residents.
A neighboring community southwest of Kings Park, developed starting in 1967 as an expansion of suburban housing toward GMU. Kings Park West grew section by section into the mid-1980s, ultimately containing around 1,800 homes (including single-family houses and townhouses) nestled around Royal Lake and Lakeview Park.
The community is known for its leafy streets and multiple swim and racquet clubs. Kings Park West Civic Association is very active, organizing events like an annual fall festival, community clean-up days, and even coordinating with local schools which are highly rated and a source of neighborhood pride. Adjacent to the GMU campus, KPW residents benefit from cultural and sporting events at the university while upholding a strong local community spirit through their own civic initiatives.
A newer community in southern Fairfax that emerged from the adaptive reuse of the former Lorton Prison grounds. The D.C. Correctional Facility at Lorton operated here from 1910 until it closed in 2001 after which Fairfax County redeveloped the 2,400-acre site as “Laurel Hill.” Today the area includes residential neighborhoods (e.g. Liberty at Laurel Hill), extensive parkland, and the Workhouse Arts Center – an arts hub created from the old workhouse buildings. Laurel Hill’s historical significance as a prison (including the suffragists’ imprisonment in 1917) is commemorated with on-site museums and markers.
Civically, the community is highly involved in shaping its identity: local groups have advocated for the preservation of certain prison structures and organize events like art shows, historical tours, and outdoor concerts at the Workhouse. This blend of history, arts, and new development defines Laurel Hill’s unique community identity.
A suburban community bordering the southeast side of the City of Fairfax, named after the Long Branch stream. Long Branch developed as part of Fairfax’s mid-century suburban expansion and had a population of about 7,600 as of 2010. It encompasses established neighborhoods like Somerset, with convenient access to the city. The area is home to Long Branch Stream Valley Park, which provides walking trails and natural habitats that residents cherish.
Civic engagement in Long Branch often occurs through collaboration with Fairfax City (for example, sharing in events at nearby Daniels Run Park) and through neighborhood associations that address local concerns. The community’s identity is one of quiet, tree-lined residential streets where many families have lived for decades, enjoying both the tranquility of the stream valley and the amenities of the adjacent city.Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A community at Fairfax’s southern edge that has transformed dramatically in recent decades. Historically known for the Lorton Reformatory, a federal prison farm that operated from 1910 until 2001. Lorton was once rural with a small village center. After the prison’s closure, large tracts were converted into new residential developments, commercial centers, and parks. Lorton now features attractions like the Workhouse Arts Center (at the former prison workhouse), Laurel Hill Park, and Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Despite rapid growth, Lorton residents strive to build community ties – evident in the formation of the South County Federation civic group and popular events like the Lorton Fourth of July fireworks and the Spring Lorton Community Center Festival. The area’s rich history (including Occoquan’s early-1800s industrial mill nearby) and diverse population contribute to a dynamic civic life focused on renewal and inclusion.
An affluent, wooded neighborhood just outside Fairfax City with a name tracing back to an 1800s estate. Developed primarily in the 1950s–60s on former farmland, Mantua became known for its large lots, curving streets, and mid-century modern homes. It is a “hidden gem” community with top-rated schools and a strong citizens’ association (Mantua Citizens Association) that has advocated for the area since the 1960s. Mantua’s historical roots include ties to the Chichester family farm (which bore the name “Mantua” by the early 19th century).
Today, residents take pride in community traditions such as an annual holiday decoration contest and stream clean-up days along Accotink Creek. Mantua Park and the Cross County Trail provide recreation, and civic-minded initiatives – from neighborhood watch to environmental preservation – underscore Mantua’s engaged and educated populace.
An upscale suburban community in northeastern Fairfax known for its diplomatic and political residents, excellent schools, and convenience to Washington, D.C. McLean formed around a 1902 trolley stop (named for John McLean, a Washington newspaperman) and grew into a prosperous enclave. It boasts the sprawling CIA Headquarters at Langley, as well as beautiful parks like Clemyjontri and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. McLean’s downtown along Old Dominion Drive features boutique shops and eateries, but much of the community consists of quiet, leafy neighborhoods.
Civic engagement is high: the McLean Citizens Association (founded 1914) is one of the oldest in the region, and the community comes together for events like McLean Day (a longstanding annual fair each May) and concerts in McLean Central Park. McLean’s blend of small-town civic life with global connections gives it a unique identity in the metro area.Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A rapidly developed neighborhood in the Herndon/Reston area, named after “McNair Farms” which once operated here. Over the 1990s and 2000s, McNair transitioned from open land to a dense residential community of apartments, townhomes, and condos catering to professionals in the Dulles Tech Corridor. It lies near the new Herndon-Monroe Metro station, enhancing its connectivity. McNair is known for its diversity – a microcosm of Fairfax’s international population – and features modern parks, shopping plazas, and highly-rated McNair Elementary School.
While it lacks deep historical roots, community identity is built through active homeowners associations, cultural celebrations (reflecting its many ethnic groups), and shared public spaces. Events like neighborhood block parties and school international nights exhibit McNair’s strong civic engagement despite being a relatively young community. Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A once-sleepy crossroads that has been transformed into a bustling urban-style center in recent years. Merrifield now features the Mosaic District, a vibrant mixed-use development with trendy restaurants, a movie theater, farmers markets, and frequent outdoor events. The area also hosts major institutions like Inova Fairfax Hospital (just east of Merrifield) and the Dunn Loring Metro.
Historically, Merrifield had a post office and farms; today it exemplifies smart growth, with new apartments and offices replacing older light industrial lots. Local civic engagement has grown alongside development – community groups and business associations coordinate public art displays, park clean-ups, and a popular annual Merrifield Fall Festival. Merrifield’s identity is that of an emerging “downtown” of Fairfax County, where local culture, history (honored via informational plaques at Mosaic), and community involvement intersect. Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A small unincorporated community in the Oakton area, officially recognized as a CDP in 2020 (population ~4,300). The unique name “Navy” traces to the 19th-century Navy School that once operated here for orphans of U.S. Navy veterans.
Today the name survives through Navy Elementary School, which is a centerpiece of the community. Navy consists mainly of suburban subdivisions and townhouses that blend into the larger Oakton/Vienna surroundings. The community doesn’t have a distinct downtown, but neighbors connect through school events, youth sports leagues, and the Friends of Oakton Library. Ties to local history endure in subtle ways (a historic cemetery and church nearby hold Navy School connections), and residents often join Oakton-area civic efforts, ensuring Navy’s voice is part of broader community discussions. Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A community in southeastern Fairfax, adjacent to Fort Belvoir. Its name comes from “Newington Plantation,” a colonial-era estate of the Fitzhugh family; a historic marker notes this legacy along Loisdale Road. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Newington was a small stop on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad (later RF&P), mainly shipping local farm products. The area remained lightly populated until the post-WWII era when suburban housing and light industry (Newington Industrial Park) arrived.
Modern Newington includes quiet subdivisions as well as commercial and government facilities (it’s near the massive I-95/I-495 interchange). Civic engagement often centers on homeowner associations and collaboration with neighboring communities on issues like traffic from Fort Belvoir. The nearby Pohick Church (George Washington was a vestryman) and Newington Forest illustrate the blend of deep history and suburban life that characterizes Newington. Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A wooded residential community south of Newington, developed in the late 1970s and 1980s. True to its name, Newington Forest was designed to preserve trees, with many homes backing to dense forest or parkland. It has an active HOA that maintains a community center, pool, and miles of walking paths connecting to South Run Stream Valley Park.
The neighborhood’s strong family-oriented culture is evident in annual events like community day celebrations, pool parties, and holiday hayrides. Residents also engage in environmental initiatives, such as stream clean-ups and native planting projects, to uphold the “forest” character of the community. Though relatively young, Newington Forest has matured into a civically active community where people know their neighbors and take pride in their tranquil surroundings and local elementary school.Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
An affluent suburban community between Vienna and Fairfax City, notable for its blend of upscale development and semi-rural pockets. Oakton was originally known as “Flint Hill” in the 19th century, and it was rechristened Oakton in 1883 when its first post office opened by the large "Mosby Oak" tree. Today Oakton features winding, hilly residential roads, equestrian properties, and neighborhood shopping centers. Key sites include Oakton High School (a top-ranked school), historic Flint Hill Cemetery, and the 1790s-era Vale Schoolhouse (a reminder of the area’s past).
The community fosters civic engagement through the Oakton Women’s Club, civic association meetings, and popular events like the annual Oakton Day at the Park. Oakton’s residents often unite to manage development pressures, striving to preserve the spacious, green character that defines their community.Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
Often referred to as Ravensworth Farm, this community near Annandale and Springfield sits on land that was once part of the vast Ravensworth Plantation owned by the Fitzhugh family in colonial times. In the early 1960s, developers built the Ravensworth Farm subdivision, bringing about 800 homes targeted to young families of the baby boom era.
The neighborhood included the then-novel concept of a community pool and elementary school within walking distance. To this day, the Ravensworth Farm Civic Association remains very active, hosting events like an annual ice cream social and Halloween parade for local children. A small shopping center and the nearby Lake Accotink Park just across the Beltway serve as recreational outlets. Ravensworth’s civic pride is evident in its well-maintained properties and the multi-generational participation in community affairs, honoring both its historic namesake and its mid-century roots.Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A nationally renowned planned community founded in 1964 by Robert E. Simon (the name “Reston” comes from his initials, R.E.S., plus “-ton”). Simon’s visionary intent was to revolutionize post-WWII suburban development by creating a self-contained town intermixing residential, commercial, and recreational spaces amid plenty of green space. Reston features numerous “village centers” like Lake Anne Plaza, the first, with its iconic Brutalist architecture and a bustling town center. It is celebrated for its extensive parks, lakes, pools, and 55 miles of paths. Reston’s community identity is one of inclusion and innovation – it was one of the first in Virginia to be racially integrated and to allow townhouses.
Civic engagement is woven into its governance Reston Association and various cluster associations) and vibrant events: residents enjoy the Reston Multicultural Festival, outdoor summer concerts, and the famed Reston Triathlon. Even as Reston urbanizes with the arrival of Metro’s Silver Line and new development, it continues to uphold Simon’s motto: “Live, work, play” in balance, with a strong community ethos.
A community in the Burke/Springfield area named after the South Run, a tributary stream of the Occoquan. Developed mostly in the 1980s, South Run is known for its larger single-family homes often on wooded lots, and for adjacent parkland – it borders both Burke Lake Park and South Run Stream Valley Park. A highlight is the South Run Rec Center, a county facility with sports fields, which acts as a gathering spot for local sports leagues and events. South Run residents benefit from numerous hiking/biking trails and water activities at nearby Lake Mercer.
The community has an HOA and participates in the South County Federation, engaging in local planning and school issues. Neighborhood traditions, such as block parties and holiday 5K runs on the trails, contribute to South Run’s strong sense of community and healthy, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.escribe your involvement with organizations and events.
A major community in southeastern Fairfax that epitomizes post-war suburban growth. In the 1950s, Springfield was mostly farmland; by the 1960s it had boomed into a classic suburb as new subdivisions spread around the I-95/I-495 junction (the “Mixing Bowl”). Springfield’s commercial heart is the Springfield Town Center (originally Springfield Mall, opened 1973), which has long been a regional shopping destination. The community has a mix of established neighborhoods Springfield, North Springfield, and others, each with active civic or garden clubs. Springfield residents enjoy parks like Lake Accotink Park and Hidden Pond Nature Center for recreation.
Civically, Springfield is known for its volunteer spirit – from the decades-old Springfield Civic Association to initiatives like the Springfield Art Guild and the neighborhood watch programs. An annual “Springfield Days” festival featuring a car show, pet fest, and 5K run has been a hallmark event, reflecting the community’s pride in bringing neighbors together in one of Northern Virginia’s most enduring suburbs.
A newly defined community (CDP) near the Dulles Airport corridor, with a population of about 2,300. The name “Sully” harkens to the Sully Historic Site nearby – an 18th-century plantation house of Richard Bland Lee – though Sully Square today is thoroughly modern. It encompasses recently built apartments and townhomes that cater to the growing tech workforce in the area, as well as shopping and dining around the Route 28 corridor. The area’s demographics are notably diverse more than half of residents are of Asian heritage giving rise to a variety of cultural markets and eateries.
While Sully Square itself is a product of 21st-century development officially appearing as a CDP in 2020 its residents engage civically through broader Chantilly/Herndon organizations and homeowners associations. As development continues, there is a focus on thoughtful planning – influenced by the legacy of the Sully historic district – and on building a community identity that blends innovation with remembrance of local history.
A bustling urban district that serves as Fairfax County’s downtown in all but name. Formerly known as Tysons Corner just a rural crossroads with a country store and peach orchards, it exploded with the opening of Tysons Corner Center mall in 1968 and subsequent office high-rises in the 1980s. Today Tysons is an “edge city” of gleaming towers, corporate headquarters, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping (including two of the region’s largest malls. It’s also in the midst of transforming into a walkable cityscape with new apartments, parks, and four Metro stations. While Tysons has few long-term residents, many live in nearby Vienna or McLean, civic engagement comes through the Tysons Partnership and other groups that coordinate public art, transportation improvements, and community events like outdoor movies and winter festivals in the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center.
Tysons exemplifies modern urban energy within Fairfax, and its ongoing redevelopment is shaped by collaboration between businesses, county officials, and citizens to create a vibrant, livable community for the future.
A community in western Fairfax (Clifton/Centreville vicinity) named after a historic grist mill that operated along Popes Head Creek in the 1800s. The name endures in Union Mill Road and Union Mill Elementary School, which serve as central threads through the area. Union Mill’s residential growth took off in the 1980s, resulting in subdivisions like Union Mill Estates. These neighborhoods are known for a pleasant suburban atmosphere with mature trees and proximity to parks such as Twin Lakes Golf Course and Burke Lake. Residents of Union Mill engage civically via homeowners associations and are often active in youth athletic leagues and scouting programs at local parks.
The community also connects with nearby historic Clifton for seasonal events (like Clifton Day), reflecting a shared appreciation for local history and rural roots. In Union Mill, one finds a blend of past and present – from the old mill’s memory to the modern schools and community centers that anchor civic life today.
A charming incorporated town in Fairfax County (est. population ~16,000) that blends small-town appeal with metropolitan accessibility. Vienna’s history stretches back to the 1750s; it was officially incorporated in 1890. The town’s focal point is Maple Avenue, lined with locally owned shops, restaurants, and the Town Green - an open space hosting summer concerts. Vienna cherishes its history – the Freeman Store and Museum (1859) and the train depot on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail are prominent landmarks – while also being a modern, family-friendly community.
Civic engagement is exceptionally high: the Town Council and commissions have active citizen participation, and organizations like Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (1903) and Vienna Optimist Club have long traditions. Signature events include Viva! Vienna! (a huge Memorial Day weekend festival), the Halloween Parade over 75 years running, and “Taste of Vienna.” These gatherings, alongside excellent public schools and parks, underscore Vienna’s identity as a tight-knit town where community involvement is a way of life.Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
A suburban community in the Annandale area, named after the historic Wakefield Chapel, a quaint 1899 chapel on Toll House Road. Much of Wakefield was developed in the 1950s–60s on former dairy farm land, coinciding with the construction of the Capital Beltway. A key feature is Wakefield Park, a large county park that includes the Audrey Moore Rec Center, baseball fields, and the Cross County Trail – making Wakefield a hub for recreation and youth sports (it’s the longtime home of the Northern Virginia Swimming League’s “Wakefield Chapel Wahoos”). Residents have a strong civic streak, participating in the Wakefield Chapel civic association and volunteering for park events.
The community shares in Annandale’s cultural diversity and enjoys conveniences along Little River Turnpike, yet it maintains a peaceful neighborhood feel. Through park clean-ups, swim meets, and civic meetings at the chapel, Wakefield residents uphold a spirit of volunteerism and neighborly connectivity.
A suburban area west of the Springfield core, encompassing numerous neighborhoods developed from the 1960s through 1980s. Centered around West Springfield High School (opened 1966) and the Old Keene Mill Road corridor, West Springfield includes communities like Rolling Valley, Keene Mill Station, and Orange Hunt. It is largely residential, with leafy streets and several local shopping plazas for daily needs.
Civic engagement is evident through active clusters of civic associations and PTAs – for instance, the West Springfield Civic Association addresses zoning and transportation issues, while neighborhood swim clubs host swim meets that double as social gatherings. West Springfield’s parks like Huntsman Park and Hidden Pond Nature Center are popular and often maintained with volunteer help. The area doesn’t have a single “downtown,” but traditions such as National Night Out block parties and school fun fairs provide cohesion. West Springfieldians take pride in their community’s stability, excellent schools, and the volunteerism of local scout troops, sports coaches, and civic leaders who keep the community thriving.
A community in the Vienna/Oakton vicinity, internationally known for the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, America’s only national park devoted exclusively to live performing arts. The Wolf Trap area is an affluent suburb of rolling hills and large homes, many tucked among woodlands. Its namesake park (often just called “Wolf Trap”) is a cultural centerpiece, where summer concerts at the Filene Center and year-round performances at The Barns draw music lovers from across the region. Locals often volunteer or attend events at the park, blending arts into community life. Beyond the park, Wolf Trap has quiet residential enclaves and horse trails that reflect its semi-rural past.
Civic engagement includes the Difficult Run String Band’s community concerts, neighborhood associations in developments like Timber Lake, and advocacy for park preservation. The dual identity of Wolf Trap – as a peaceful, high-end neighborhood and a bustling arts destination – exemplifies how local culture and civic involvement revolve around the performing arts and stewardship of nature.
A community in central Fairfax, roughly around the Woodburn Road corridor near Annandale. The area is perhaps best known for being adjacent to Inova Fairfax Hospital, a major regional medical center, and for Woodburn School (which served special needs students). Historically, “Woodburn” was the name of an old estate in this area. Today the community includes a mix of 1960s neighborhoods (such as Woodburn Village condo complex) and newer townhomes, with the Woodburn name carried by the Woodburn Mental Health Center as well. Residents enjoy easy access to the Mosaic District in nearby Merrifield and to parks like Eakin Community Park.
Civic engagement in Woodburn is often channeled through Fairfax County initiatives due to the many county facilities located here – for example, neighbors may join hospital advisory boards, or partake in Friends groups for Eakin Park and the nearby Providence Community Center. While Woodburn itself flies under the radar, it embodies a civically conscious, health-oriented community that benefits from and supports the institutions in its midst.
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