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
Denny Horner,
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
*** Agent related to seller*** Better than new and thoughtfully upgraded beyond builder standards, this exceptional end-unit townhome offers one of the most desirable locations in the community. Surrounded by mature trees in the front and open space in the rear, the home enjoys a rare combination of privacy, tranquility, and abundant natural light. Large windows on multiple sides fill the home
Come home to a spacious 2-story floor plan spanning approximately 1,360 square feet. It features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a half bathroom. The main level features a large open-concept living and family room complete with traditional design touches like crown molding, built-in bookcases, and beautiful hardwood flooring. The main floor also includes an open kitchen with a breakfast
Townhome in a Prime Fair Lakes Location!Freshly painted and move-in ready, this beautiful end-unit townhome backs to mature trees, offering exceptional privacy and serene views. Thoughtfully updated and meticulously maintained, this home combines comfort, style, and convenience.The main level features an upgraded kitchen with hardwood flooring and newer black appliances (2024), an elegant
Investment Opportunity: Property has been rented for 2 years for $3100/month - Ready cashflow Priced aggressively at $579,000, this expansive 2,188 sq. ft., 2-level townhouse-style condo in the highly sought-after East Market community is the deal you’ve been waiting for. The seller is offering this phenomenal value for a quick turnaround, presenting a rare opportunity to secure a premium
*** Agent related to seller*** Better than new and thoughtfully upgraded beyond builder standards, this exceptional end-unit townhome offers one of the most desirable locations in the community. Surrounded by mature trees in the front and open space in the rear, the home enjoys a rare combination of privacy, tranquility, and abundant natural light. Large windows on multiple sides fill the home
Located on the top floor in the highly desirable Stonecroft community, this beautifully maintained and freshly painted condo offers bright, airy living in the heart of Fairfax. Vaulted ceilings and expansive windows fill the home with natural light, highlighting the new flooring and open, flowing layout. Step onto your private balcony—perfect for morning coffee or unwinding at sunset. Inside, a
Exquisitely updated and move-in ready, this charming two-level residence offers 1,230 square feet of bright, open living space in the sought-after gated community of Gates of Fair Lakes. Featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, an attached private garage and private balcony. This home blends comfort, style, and convenience in an exceptional location near premier shopping, dining, and major
Come home to a spacious 2-story floor plan spanning approximately 1,360 square feet. It features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a half bathroom. The main level features a large open-concept living and family room complete with traditional design touches like crown molding, built-in bookcases, and beautiful hardwood flooring. The main floor also includes an open kitchen with a breakfast
Rooftop Terrace | Immediate Delivery | Limited opportunity—community is in close-out with only a few townhomes remaining. Receive additional incentive with use of seller’s preferred lender and title company. Located in The Enclave at Fair Lakes, this contemporary townhome community offers a prime location just minutes to Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax Corner, and Fair Oaks Mall, with easy
Townhome in a Prime Fair Lakes Location!Freshly painted and move-in ready, this beautiful end-unit townhome backs to mature trees, offering exceptional privacy and serene views. Thoughtfully updated and meticulously maintained, this home combines comfort, style, and convenience.The main level features an upgraded kitchen with hardwood flooring and newer black appliances (2024), an elegant
Rare opportunity to own a spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhouse in the highly sought-after Willow Oaks community, directly across from Fair Lakes Shopping Center. This exceptional home is one of only two in the neighborhood offering a walkout patio off the main level, making it a truly unique find. Inside, you’ll find stainless steel appliances and a well-designed layout with generous living
Welcome home to The Lodge at Autumn Willow, offering remarkable, affordable, brand-new 55+ Senior apartments in Fairfax, VA. Thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom homes combined with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. Don’t miss your chance to live at The Lodge at Autumn Willow!
eaves Fair Lakes offers sensible furnished and unfurnished 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans with amenities aimed at providing a comfortable lifestyle. Upgrade any home to Furnished+ and enjoy the convenience of turnkey living. Located on Autumn Woods Way, eaves Fair Lakes is conveniently located within easy access of I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway with shopping and dining nearby. eaves Fair Lakes
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.
To live at The Julian is to enjoy the finer things in life, without sacrificing adventure. Traveling the world and closing business deals are all part of your daily routine. So, after a long day, look forward to coming home for relaxing evenings in our outdoor courtyards, or entertain friends in spacious floor plans with thoughtfully designed finishes. The convenient neighborhood of Fair Lakes
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décorImagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit.Be the first to rent!Show up and start living from day one in Fairfax with this sophisticated one bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décorImagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit.Be the first to rent!Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this bright Fairfax furnished two bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable living room.
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décorImagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit.Be the first to rent!Discover the best of Fairfax, with this one bedroom apartment in Fairfax. It’ll be easy to simply show up and start living in this furnished apartment with its fully equipped kitchen, living room, and
This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom room in a large townhouse at 4456B Beacon Grove Cir offers 1886 tital square feet of living space. You have your room and kitchen access, 2 other renters total of three bedrooms. The living room provides a comfortable area for relaxation, while the bedroom features ample storage space. The bathroom includes a tub/shower combination for convenience. The unit is cable
?? Available August 1, 2026 – Beautiful 1 Bedroom Condo at Elan at East MarketWelcome home to this bright and spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo located on the 5th floor of the highly desirable Elan at East Market community. With abundant natural light, a large private balcony, and premium community amenities, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Beautifully maintained rental in the heart of Fair Lakes, offering unmatched convenience and accessibility. Just minutes from Fair Oaks Mall, Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Whole Foods, Costco, restaurants, and entertainment. Commuters will love the easy access to I-66, Route 50, Route 29, Fairfax County Parkway, and nearby park-and-ride options. This move-in-ready home
Staged photos of matching layout and similar décorImagery shows same floorplan and building, and similar décor as we finish photographing this new unit.Be the first to rent!Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this pretty Fairfax furnished two bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and bright living room. Ideally
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