Moving to Northern Virginia for military service can feel overwhelming especially if you’re juggling a PCS timeline, long commutes, school changes, and the pressure of finding a stable home fast. Fairfax County is one of the most military-friendly areas in the country, but every neighborhood has something unique to offer.

Whether you’re stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico, Andrews AFB, or Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Fairfax County offers a rare combination of convenience, community support, great schools, outdoor recreation, and family stability.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best neighborhoods for military in Fairfax County, with local insights that matter to families in Northern Virginia, Springfield, Burke, and Fairfax. You’ll learn about commute times, lifestyle perks, real estate trends, school support systems, and the community feel of each area written in a friendly, easy-to-follow style.

If you’re a military family looking for the right place to call home in Northern Virginia, this guide will help you compare top neighborhoods and choose one that truly fits your lifestyle.

Why Fairfax County Is Perfect for Military Families

Before diving into the neighborhoods, here’s what makes Fairfax County a military hotspot:

 ✔ Fast Commutes to Major Installations

 – Fort Belvoir
– The Pentagon
– Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling
– Marine Corps Base Quantico
– Andrews Air Force Base

✔ Military-Supportive School System

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers: – Military & Family Life Counselors
– School transition teams
– Deployment support programs
– Advanced academics and top-tier rankings

✔ Strong Community + Stability

Military families often choose Fairfax County because neighborhoods feel safe, welcoming, and deeply family-oriented.

✔ Tons of Outdoor Recreation

Parks, lakes, trails, and waterfront views make the area ideal for families who value nature, fitness, and weekend adventures.

Top 5 Best Neighborhoods for Military in Fairfax County

1. Fort Belvoir / Mount Vernon – Best for Zero-Stress Commutes

If convenience is your top priority, the Fort Belvoir (Mount Vernon) area is the #1 choice. Many service members choose to live within minutes of base to avoid long I-95 traffic and maximize time with their families.

Why It’s Great

• 5–10 minutes from Fort Belvoir
  
• Affordable compared to many Fairfax suburbs
  
• Strong military presence (very welcoming)
  
• Access to the Potomac River and miles of trails
  
• Ideal for larger families needing more space
  

Local Perks

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
  
• Fort Hunt Park
  
• Pohick Bay Regional Park
  
• Scenic bike trails and riverfront recreation
  

Schools

FCPS serves the area with:

• Fort Belvoir Upper/Lower Schools
  
• Mount Vernon High School
  
• Dedicated MFLC counselors
  

2. Springfield – Best for Convenience + Affordability

Springfield is one of the most strategically located areas in Northern Virginia and a favorite among military families who want a suburban feel with city-level connectivity.

Why It’s Great

• 10–15 minutes from Fort Belvoir
  
• 20–25 minutes to the Pentagon
  
• Direct access to I-95, I-395, I-495
  
• Highly walkable communities
  
• Affordable townhomes + single-family homes
  

Local Perks

• Springfield Town Center
  
• Lake Accotink Park
  
• Metro Blue Line access
  
• Tons of international restaurants and local shops
  

School Strength

Strong elementary schools and easy FCPS access, plus strong ESL and transition support for military kids.

3. Burke – Best for Peace, Nature, and Community

Burke is a dream for military families who want a quiet residential community with excellent schools. It’s beautiful, green, and incredibly family-friendly.

Why It’s Great

• 20 minutes from Fort Belvoir
  
• 25–35 minutes to the Pentagon
  
• Very safe, calm, and picturesque
  
• Tons of parks, lakes, and trails
  

Local Perks

• Burke Lake Park
  
• Lake Braddock Secondary School
  
• Burke Centre Conservancy
  
• Small-town charm with big-city convenience
  

Who Burke Is Best For

Families who want more space, excellent schools, and peaceful surroundings without being too far from base.

4. Fairfax – Best for Schools + Lifestyle Balance

Fairfax offers the perfect blend of suburban convenience, great schools, and central access to most military installations.

Why It’s Great

• 25–35 minutes from the Pentagon
  
• 20–30 minutes from Fort Belvoir
  
• A+ restaurants, parks, gyms, and shopping
  
• Strong real estate market (good long-term investment)
  

Local Perks

• Historic Fairfax City
  
• Fair Oaks Mall
  
• George Mason University
  
• Fairfax Corner
  

Schools

Some of the highest-rated schools in FCPS are here ideal for military families who want long-term stability.

5. Falls Church – Best for Quick Pentagon Access

Falls Church is extremely popular for service members stationed at the Pentagon, Fort Myer, and Washington D.C. installations.

Why It’s Great

• 10–15 minutes to the Pentagon
  
• Metrorail access
  
• Charming neighborhoods with walkability
  
• Mix of historic and modern homes
  

Community Feel

Falls Church offers a tight-knit, friendly community with strong neighborhood pride and exceptional school options.

Bonus Neighborhoods Military Families Love

Vienna

Peaceful, walkable, very family-friendly, with highly-ranked schools and strong community events.

McLean

Upscale, luxurious living near D.C. and The Pentagon—ideal for higher-ranking personnel or families wanting top-tier schools.

Alexandria (near Fairfax border)

Historic charm, waterfront beauty, and super-fast access to D.C. and the Pentagon.

Real Estate Trends Military Families Should Know

• Fairfax County home values have risen steadily year-over-year
  
• Popular military neighborhoods sell quickly
  
• Townhomes provide a cost-effective entry point for families
  
• Rentals near Fort Belvoir fill up fast (high military demand)
  

Tip: Start planning early, especially if PCSing between April–August.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What’s the best neighborhood near Fort Belvoir for military families?

Mount Vernon and Springfield are the closest and most convenient for Fort Belvoir, with short commutes and strong community support.

2. Is Fairfax County good for military families with kids?

Yes. Fairfax County has one of the top-rated public school systems in the U.S., with programs specifically designed for military child transitions.

3. How long is the commute from Fairfax to the Pentagon?

Most commuters report 25–40 minutes depending on traffic or whether they use the Metro.

4. Is Burke too far from D.C. for military families?

Not at all. Many service members prefer Burke because it offers peaceful suburban living while still being within 30–35 minutes of major bases.

5. Is Springfield a safe place for military families?

Yes. Springfield is known for its strong suburban neighborhoods, family-friendly environment, and close proximity to major installations.

Conclusion

Fairfax County is one of the most supportive and convenient areas in the nation for military families. Whether you prioritize commute, schools, budget, or community culture, neighborhoods like Fort Belvoir/Mount Vernon, Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, and Vienna offer something for every military lifestyle.

If you need help finding the right home for your family, expert guidance makes all the difference.

Need Help? Contact LIST WITH ELIZABETH

LIST WITH ELIZABETH – Elizabeth Ann Kline
📱 703-829-5478
Your Northern Virginia Military Relocation Expert.