Fair Lakes combines commuter access with suburban charm
Interstate 66 and Fairfax County Parkway intersect at the center of Fair Lakes, a census-designated place in western Fairfax County. Less than 20 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport, this community’s convenience for commuters is matched by its proximity to highly rated schools, sprawling parks and bustling shopping areas. Local realtor Shelley Draheim of Long & Foster Real Estate LLC says Fair Lakes feels homier than its high concentration of commercial real estate might suggest. “It’s old enough that you still have mature trees and greenery. You don’t feel like you’ve moved into this brand-new area where it’s all plowed down. You enjoy coming home,” she says. “But on the flip side, you’re so close to the amenities — the restaurants, food, shopping and the airport — and there are a lot of corporations locating out towards the airport, so that’s even making it a more popular area.”
Colonial-style homes tucked in cul-de-sacs offer a quite suburban atmosphere in Fair Lakes.
The Fair Lakes Shopping Center is a very large site with many restaurants and retail shops.
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A mix of multi- and single-family homes
The two major highways divide Fair Lakes into four jagged quadrants. Business and industry dominate the northeastern and southeastern sections, while the northwestern section balances retail and restaurants with multi-family homes. These include one- to two-bedroom condos from the $200,000s to $300,000s and town houses from the $400,000s to $700,000s. A higher-cost condo development, Elan at East Market, fills two brick towers in the northeastern section with units costing up to the $700,000s. Single-family homes proliferate along winding streets to the southwest, from older, contemporary designs in the high $600,000s to 1990s Colonials hovering around $1 million. New constructions with transitional architecture pop up occasionally, ranging from $1.4 to $1.7 million.
Rows of townhomes on quiet streets in Fair Lake are a common sight.
Residents can enjoy newly constructed homes in Fair Lakes.
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Public schools in Fair Lakes earn strong ratings from Niche
All eight Fairfax County Public Schools serving Fair Lakes have Bs or higher from Niche, including Greenbriar East, Powell and Eagle View Elementary Schools. These accommodate pre-K through sixth grade, while most seventh and eighth graders in Fair Lakes attend Katherine Johnson Middle School, which GreatSchools rates 8/10 for test scores. Finally, teens arrive at Fairfax High School, about a 14-minute drive east. Fairfax High features a highly diverse body of over 2,300 students who can experience advanced training in various creative trades at the Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts. A few residents in the northwestern section of Fair Lakes attend Greenbriar West Elementary, Rocky Run Middle and Chantilly High School, all boasting extremely high Niche scores.
The Katherine Johnson Middle School in Fairfax County has an overall A- grade on Niche.
Powell Elementary School is a public magnet school that has an overall grade of A- on Niche.
Fairfax High School scores an A- grade on Niche and takes pride in it's school spirit.
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Parks and trails offer space for sports, walking and biking
If you’d rather exercise outside, you can choose from several green spaces around Fair Lakes. At the northwest corner, Poplar Tree Park features four baseball and softball fields of various sizes, plus soccer and rugby pitches. Arrowhead Park and Stringfellow Park offer a half-dozen more soccer fields to the southwest. Residents around Fair Lakes Shopping Center can walk, jog or bike along several miles of trails passing by community basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. And those in detached homes can enjoy tree-covered views of the Little Rocky Run waterway along the Willow Pond Trail.
Poplar Tree Park has a children's playground for kids to enjoy.
Residents of Fair Lakes can utilize the athletic fields at Poplar Tree Park.
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Popular stores and eateries are in Fair Lakes Shopping Center
Fair Lakes Shopping Center occupies acres of land within walking distance of many townhouses and condos, so some residents can run errands without getting in the car. “It’s a storefront area where you’ve got a BJ’s and a Target and some of those very popular stores,” Draheim says. “There are additional restaurants, so if you don’t want to cook that night, it’s pretty easy to walk across the street and have any type of cuisine you’re looking for.” Among Fair Lakes Shopping Center’s eateries is Cantina D’Italia, a classy Italian spot known for its fettuccine Bolognese. Across the street, Guapo’s Restaurant welcomes you to enjoy Hispanic favorites while admiring the colorful milieu, complete with fountains and ornate tilework. Meanwhile, Elan at East Market residents can cross the street to grab groceries at Whole Foods Market or work up a sweat at Row House.
Guapo's in Fair Lakes is a local favorite for fine dining Tex Mex style.
Fair Lakes Shopping Center features several big-box stores, including Target.
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
David MacNeill
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kamber Petty,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome home to a beautifully maintained three-level townhome-style condominium in the highly desirable East Market at Fair Lakes community in Fairfax. This spacious home offers comfortable living, thoughtful updates, and an exceptional location close to shopping, dining, parks, and major commuter routes. Inside, the home features hardwood flooring throughout, including red oak installed around
Unmatched convenience with Whole Foods just 10 steps from the front door. This pristine, exceptionally well maintained, move-in-ready 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo at Elan at East Market offers a penthouse feel with the ease of first-floor living. Soaring over 10+ ft ceilings and oversized windows fill the open-concept layout with natural light, while solid concrete construction provides superior
Beautifully maintained 3-level townhome in the desirable Cedar Lakes community of Fairfax offering 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a flexible multi-level layout. The entry door level opens to a living area with half bath, while kitchen area at the rear of the home with brand new appliances provides direct access to a private, fully fenced yard backing to mature trees. The laundry room is just off the
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Welcome to this spacious one-bedroom plus den condominium in the highly sought-after Fair Lakes. Offering nearly 1,200 square feet of well-designed living space, this residence features a bright, functional layout with exceptional potential to personalize and add value. New LVP flooring has been installed along with a new stainless steel refrigerator and oven.The expansive primary suite
Modern Luxury 2BR/2BA at Elan at East Market Condos, Fairfax! Experience elevated living in this sun-drenched modern corner unit with 10+ ft ceilings and open-concept Loft style design. Gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and breakfast bar. Both bedrooms offer en-suite baths, walk-in closets, and upgraded finishes; primary suite includes a
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RARELY AVAILABLE ground level unit with wrap-around patio overlooking the pool. Beautiful condo featuring new lux vinyl flooring, fresh paint and new carpeting. High end kitchen cabinetry, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Great floor plan and flow with bedrooms on opposite sides for perfect privacy, or step out from the expansive living room onto your wrap-around patio for
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Bright, and open 2BR/2BA ground floor unit featuring separated bedrooms covered balcony with its own storage closet. New stainless steel appliances, granite counters, gas cooking, breakfast bar and pantry. The luxurious living area boasts 9' ceilings, gas fireplace, while both large bedrooms offer walk-in closets and private access to updated bathrooms. The unit includes a stacked washer and
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Beautiful first-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the Fair Lakes area featuring an open-concept layout, granite countertops, gas stove, and walk-in closets in both bedrooms. Community amenities include a clubhouse with pool and fitness center. Conveniently located near shopping, public transportation to Metro, and with easy access to Fairfax County Parkway and I-66. Landlord pays condo
Come home to The Knoll at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, VA.The Knoll at Fair Oaks raises the bar on the standard of luxury living in Fairfax, Virginia. Luxury finishes, new appliance package, granite counter tops and private patios or balconies are sure to welcome you home after a long day. Fairfax has around 1 million people and has at any time plenty of activities going on for residents to explore.
Location, Location, Location! The Elan at East Market...Check out this One Bedroom 1 Bath 1 Garage, Condo unit on the sunny side. Brand new carpets and blinds installed in 2026. Great location, walk to the town center, local bus service to the Metro. . Amenities include gym, pool, party room and office center. Unit also comes with storage locker.
*NEW CONSTRUCTION* *MOVE IN READY* *TWO CAR GARAGE*Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom townhouse located in the heart of Fairfax, VA. Offering 1,680 square feet of comfortable living space, this home is perfect for families, professionals, or roommates looking for convenience and comfort. Step inside to find a bright and open layout featuring a modern kitchen
OPEN HOUSE on March 15th 2pm-4pm! Professional pics will be uploaded next week. YOUR DREAM HOME IS HERE! Move-In Ready Luxury in the Heart of Fair Lakes! Discover this stunning, sun-drenched townhouse in the sought-after Greens at Fair Lakes, now available for rent and better than new. This home has been meticulously prepared for its next resident with luxe-end updates throughout: Freshly
Stylish 2-story, townhouse condo in lovely sought-after Fair Lakes gated condo community -- main level open floor plan connects living/dining/kitchen with hardwood floors and gas fireplace; sliding glass doors leading to balcony/outdoor living space. Kitchen has ample storage and counter space; bar connecting to separate dining area, for additional seating. Two bedrooms and two full baths, with
This home has it all! Beautiful three level townhome close to so many conveniences. Entry/lower level boasts a great space for a recreation room or office, a laundry room with full-sized washer and dryer, and a half bath. Up the stairs to the second/main level, you will find an amazing, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, upgraded countertops and cabinets and a large breakfast bar.
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