Old Town Fairfax has undergone an extensive redevelopment, which began in 2005. The redevelopment added a new City of Fairfax Regional Library, more than 45,000 square feet (4,200 m2) of retail and restaurant space, more than 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2) of office condominiums, and 85 upscale residential condominium units.

In May 2009, Fairfax was rated as No. 3 in the “Top 25 Places to Live Well” by Forbes Magazine. Forbes commended Fairfax for its strong public school system, high median salary, and a rate of sole proprietors per capita that ranks it in the top 1 percent nationwide. According to the magazine, “These factors are increasingly important in a recession. When businesses and jobs retract, as they have nationwide, municipalities with strong environments for start-ups, and those that offer attractive amenities, are better suited to recover from economic downtimes, as there are more business activity filling the void.”

Top employers
# Employer            # of Employees
1 The Wackenhut Corporation 410
2 Fairfax Nursing Center 400
3 City of Fairfax 397
4 Inova Health System 390
5 Ted Britt Ford 300
6 Zeta Associates 275
7 Multivision, Inc. 150
8 Fairfax Volkswagen, Honda 150
9 Dominion Virginia Power 150

As of the census^, of 2010, there were 22,565 people, 8,347 households, and 5,545 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,581.7 people per square mile (1382.9/km²). There were 8,680 housing units at an average density of 1,377.8 per square mile (532.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 69.6% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 15.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.9% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. 15.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000 there were 8,347 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 36.2% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $67,642, and the median income for a family was $78,921 (these figures had risen to $93,441 and $105,046 respectively as of a 2007 estimate).   Males had a median income of $50,348 versus $38,351 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,247. About 2.4% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

Roads:

The intersection of U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 29 is located in the northeast corner of the city. The two major highways join to form Fairfax Boulevard for approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km) through the city before separating. State Route 123 and State Route 236 both pass through the city. SR 236 is named Main Street in the city and then becomes Little River Turnpike once the city line is crossed. In addition, Interstate 66 is located along the northern border of the city.

Public transportation:

Rail

Although these stations are located outside city limits, trips to and from Fairfax are served by:

• The Vienna station of the Washington Metro
• The Burke Centre station of Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak

Bus

• The City of Fairfax operates the CUE Bus, an independent bus network.
• Multiple routes of the Washington Metrobus serve Fairfax.

Rugby League

The Fairfax Eagles rugby league team plays in the American National Rugby League.

Primary and Secondary Schools:

The public schools in the City of Fairfax are owned by the city, but administered by the Fairfax County Public Schools system under contractual agreement with Fairfax County. U.S. News & World Report often ranks Fairfax County schools among the best in the country.

City of Fairfax schools are Fairfax High School, Lanier Middle School, Daniels Run Elementary School, Providence Elementary School, Mosby Woods Elementary School (which is a magnet school) and Fairfax Academy.

Colleges and universities:

George Mason University, the largest university in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is located just to the south of the Fairfax city limits.  The Town of Fairfax purchased 150 acres (0.61 km²) for the university in 1958, though the property remained within the county when the town became a city. In 1966, GMU became a four-year university just outside the city. Along with various administrative offices, the Fairfax campus also contains such facilities as the Center for the Arts complex. EagleBank Arena, a 66,000-square-foot (6,100 m²) Aquatic and Fitness Center, and a 113,900-square-foot (10,580 m²) Recreation Sports Complex.

Northern Virginia Community College, the second largest multi-campus community college in the United States, and the largest educational institution in Virginia, has its Annandale Campus immediately to the east of the city limits.

Public libraries:

Fairfax County Public Library operates the City of Fairfax Regional Library in Fairfax. The library includes the Virginia Room, a collection of books, photographs, and manuscripts related to Fairfax County history, government, and genealogy.

Chocolate Lovers Festival

The annual Chocolate Lover’s Festival is held in the heart of Old Town Fairfax in early March. Events have included craft shows, historic building open houses, children’s activities, collections of vendors selling various edible chocolate products, and even chocolate sculpture contests.

Fairfax Civil War Day

Every year, during the Spring, a Civil War re-enactment camp is held at the Blenheim estate, a city-owned historical property. The encampment features military muster, drill, and a firing demonstration.

Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts

Each April, the City of Fairfax, in cooperation with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and City of Fairfax schools, sponsors the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival. The festival runs for three weeks and features music, dance, theater, art and choral concerts. Events take place at venues throughout the city and the colleges.

National Trails Day

In June, a National Trails Day is held to celebrate the trails, open spaces and parks in the City of Fairfax.

Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show

The largest hometown parade and fireworks celebration in the Washington metropolitan region is held in the City of Fairfax. The day’s events include a parade through Old Town Fairfax, tours of historic buildings and local museums, an Old Fashioned Fireman’s Day at the Fire Station #3, and a live concert and fireworks display at Fairfax High School.

Irish Festival

In September, a festival of Irish and Celtic song, dance and music is held in and around Old Town Fairfax.

Fall for the Book Festival

Each fall, the Fall for the Book Festival features readings, discussions, lectures and exhibits from nationally-recognized writers and professionals. Festival events are held in the City of Fairfax, at George Mason University, and throughout the metropolitan Washington region. Two community reading programs coordinate with Fall for the Book: “All Fairfax Reads,” coordinated by the Fairfax County Public Library, and “Mason Reads” at George Mason University.

Fall Festival

A Fall Festival is held in historic downtown Fairfax on the second Saturday in October. This event includes more than 500 arts, crafts, and food vendors, and is usually held outdoors on the streets of the city. Attendance is about 35,000 to 45,000.

The Holiday Craft Show

An annual Holiday Craft Show is held at Fairfax High School on the third Saturday and Sunday of November. The event features hundreds of craft vendors. Attendance is about 8,000 to 10,000.

Festival of Lights & Carols

On the first Saturday in December, the city holds a Festival of Lights and Carols. Activities include photos with Santa, caroling, a yule log, hot mulled cider, illumination of Old Town Fairfax, and the lighting of the city Christmas tree.