Fairfax, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Located in Northern Virginia, Fairfax is a quiet, residential town with a rich history and culture. It is known for its abundance of public parks and energetic downtown. Besides this, its proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it popular for active adults looking for a quaint community in a large metro area.

Climate & Geography 

Fairfax has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers that can have hot, humid spells. Winters are cold but not severe. Precipitation is spread evenly throughout the year with slightly more rainfall than snowfall. Residents can expect 199 days of sunshine a year on average.

The terrain of Fairfax is generally flat with rolling hills increasing westward until the Appalachian Mountains. The Potomac River is just east of the city.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Fairfax embraces its history with several historic buildings open to the public. Its downtown area, Old Town Plaza, is also features historically-based architecture and brick-lined pedestrian walkways. This plaza has boutique shops, restaurants, and live music during the summer.

There are also several parks throughout and around the city. Van Dyck Park and Daniels Run Park are both located on creeks with walking trails and fishing opportunities. Just outside the city are several heavily wooded areas with footpaths and wildlife viewing, including Towers Park and East Blake Lane Park. 

Other popular amenities in Fairfax include local breweries, a weekend farmers market, and numerous public golf courses. D.C. is located under an hour away by car or an hour by subway.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The cost of living in Fairfax is higher than the national average. This is mainly due to high housing costs. Transportation and groceries are also above average, and health care and utilities are below.

Virginia does not tax Social Security, and while other forms of retirement income are taxed, although they are eligible for deductions. The state also offers property tax relief for retirees, and eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction. The city’s 6 percent sales tax is slightly below average.

Health Care

The D.C. metro area scores well in Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 25 communities in the U.S.

There are two U.S. News nationally ranked hospitals near Fairfax: Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in D.C. U.S. News rates Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax as high performing. Other high performing hospitals within 10 miles are Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center and Reston Hospital Center.