Newcomers & Community Guide: Fairfax

Newcomers & Community Guide: Fairfax

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How to Vote in Fairfax County

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

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Welcome to Fairfax County

Welcome to Fairfax County, the best place in the country to live, work and play. Fairfax County is home to a fantastic public school system, top tier business and shopping opportunities, compassionate human services, and some of the best parks and open spaces in the D.C. Metropolitan region.

Newcomers Guide: Fairfax Demographics

Fairfax demographics.

Where to Find ‘Mayor Scott’ Burgers

City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne gives “insider tips” to newcomers.

Q: Being mayor of the City of Fairfax has to be the ultimate “insider” position. What tips do you have for someone new to the city? A: Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! The best way to get to know your new community, and to get connected and engaged is to volunteer. There are so many boards, festivals and community associations in the city. I would suggest someone new to town check out our new website, which lists a number of great ways for newcomers to get involved.

Insiders’ Tips: What are some of the best things about living here?

Interviews conducted on Friday, Aug. 16 at The Virginian senior living community along Route 50 in Fairfax.

“Since I lived by Wolf Trap, years ago, they used to have fireworks on July 4th. Living here in the Virginian, it’s convenient to stores and shopping centers. There are many activities at The Virginian—it’s your choice. Every day there’s something going on—exercise, Bingo, Bridge, card games and entertainment at night.”

Mayor's Welcome to the City of Fairfax

On behalf of the members of the Fairfax City Council, I want to welcome you. Less than 20 miles outside our nation’s capital, the City of Fairfax has played an important role throughout the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation. The city’s size of 6.3 square miles and 23,000 residents gives our community the feel of a small town, while providing all the amenities of living in a large metropolitan area.

The Non-profits of South Fairfax County

An aid and mission travel organization that aims to implement sustainability projects, such as clean energy, safe water and sanitation in developing nations. Locally, volunteer opportunities include helping design graphics, social media management and fundraiser writing, in addition to being part of a travel team.

State Senator Marsden Shares ‘Insider Tips’ With Newcomers

Where to find Del. David Bulova bartending (maybe), and feel free to call Senator Marsden.

The possibilities for getting involved in a new community are endless. Throw yourself a “welcome to the neighborhood party” by having your new neighbors over. Join a civic club, Lions, rotary, etc. Join a church, the PTA, or the political party committee of your choice. Just don’t sit there … get started today!

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Be a Braddock Insider

What every newcomer should know about living, working and playing in the Braddock District.

Braddock is very much a district of neighborhoods, a rarity in busy and booming Fairfax. Stretching from Annandale to the far edge of Fairfax by the Fairfax County Government Center, we are located in the center of Fairfax County. Braddock District contains key roads for the county such as Route 50, Route 29, Little River Turnpike, Braddock Road, the Fairfax County Parkway, Old Keene Mill, Rolling Road and 495. We are proud to have two institutes of higher learning, George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, which attract students from all over the world. Here’s a short list of some must-do, must-see places, events and opportunities for newcomers (and old-timers) alike.

Top Neighborhood Issues in the Braddock District

“As new residents to our district, I hope you will join your neighbors in pledging to drive slowly and safely, especially in residential areas.” —Supervisor John Cook (R- Braddock)

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Sightseeing in the Area

See the sights in south Fairfax County.

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Every Year Is Election Year in Virginia

Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.

While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade. According to an official candidate list released last month by the Virginia State Board of Elections, 57 House seats will be contested this November — marking only the second time in the last decade where at least half of the 100 House seats will have more than one name on the ballot.

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What in the World Does a Supervisor Do, and Why Should We Care?

Local Government 101: Where the rubber meets the road.

We see them at just about every community event. They manage a budget larger than the budgets of four states, and rule over a county with a diverse, well-educated population of more than a million people. The 10 members of the Fairfax County Supervisors have an intense, time-consuming, insanely detailed job, one that comes with enormous power and even more responsibilities. They impact our lives in large and small ways, allocating money and resources in ways that can propel our community forward—or cost us our first-rate status in education, livability and culture. Yet most of us, media included, are so focused on politics at the state and national level that we overlook the decision-makers in our own backyard.

Obsessed With Politics? Fairfax County Welcomes You!

What newcomers need to know to be politically-savvy insiders.

Fairfax County may be physically separated from Washington, D.C.—the ground-zero of All Things Political—but residents here are a politically-savvy bunch. We know who Larry Sabato is—a prominent University of Virginia political analyst—and we pay attention to Not Larry Sabato—a Virginia politics blog by Ben Tribbett, a Fairfax County resident and self-described “vicious campaign insultant.” We follow our politicians on Twitter and Facebook.

Supervisors Give Us Their Best “Insider” Tips

Fairfax County has a fantastic park and library system, with tons of activities to enjoy. One of my personal favorites is the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Accotink Park every summer.