Fairfax, located in Northern Virginia, has long been a center of political and economic influence due to its proximity to the nation’s capital. The new state of Fairfax consolidates the independent cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, Alexandria, and Arlington, which were originally part of Fairfax County, founded in 1742. In Virginia, independent cities are not part of counties, and this reunites them with their historical origins.

​Fairfax is home to key federal institutions, including the Pentagon (DoD), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), making it a critical hub for national defense and intelligence. Major companies such as Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics have headquarters in Fairfax, and it is now home to Amazon’s HQ2, further boosting the region’s role in technology.

​The region benefits from robust transportation, including Metro Rail, which links Fairfax to Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. Additionally, Washington National Airport, the 24th busiest airport in the U.S., serves over 25 million passengers annually. Fairfax is also connected by major highways such as I-66 and I-495, providing access to key economic corridors.

​Fairfax’s history includes key landmarks such as the Mount Vernon estate of George Washington and Arlington National Cemetery, both central to the nation’s heritage. The new state is also home to George Mason University, a prominent research institution that hosts cultural events and research centers. Fairfax offers a mix of urban and natural spaces, from major shopping destinations like Tysons Corner and Crystal City to outdoor attractions such as Great Falls Park along the Potomac River and the W&OD Trail, a 45-mile-long path for biking and walking that connects communities across the region.