Whether you're looking for a new zip code to start a family, a business or just a new life, Fairfax brings a lot to the table.

Named one of the 10 Best College Towns 2016, Fairfax, VA brings a lot to the table. Fairfax is ranked as one of the best college towns in the U.S. This is mostly due to George Mason University, which is the largest public research university in the commonwealth of Virginia. But it got a huge assist from the Northern Virginia Community College—the second-largest multi-campus community college in the U.S. The area is a wonderful place to get a college degree, but it’s also a great place to find a job post-college.Named one of the 10 Best College Towns 2016, Fairfax, VA brings a lot to the table. Fairfax is ranked as one of the best college towns in the U.S. This is mostly due to George Mason University, which is the largest public research university in the commonwealth of Virginia. But it got a huge assist from the Northern Virginia Community College—the second-largest multi-campus community college in the U.S. The area is a wonderful place to get a college degree, but it’s also a great place to find a job post-college.

A younger, energized population that students naturally bring to an area (which is something we often find in the best places to live). Secondly, you’ll basically get Washington D.C. living, at an affordable rate. There’s a reason that most Fairfax residents are between 25 and 34 years old. That’s because it’s a great option for young families who want to combine big city living with suburban safety and quality of life. The career options are varied, home values are solid, and the emphasis on education that comes from being one of the best college towns in the country drips down to the youngest of educational age groups.

In Northern Virginia,Fairfax was voted among the Best Places to Live in America by Livability.com. Fairfax offers top-notch quality of life, with a median household income of $124,000 and a median home price of $470,300.

Many residents enroll their children in the highly-rated Fairfax County Public Schools district, while college options include George Mason University and Virginia International University. About 55 percent of adult residents in Fairfax have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. A quaint downtown area called Old Town Fairfax is filled with unique restaurants and retail spaces, and the district attracts hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year. Also gracing Old Town Fairfax are a new library, modern office spaces and upscale residential condominium units.

One of the advantages of living in Fairfax is its diverse economy, with strong sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. The city also has several business incubators in place to help entrepreneurs and startup companies succeed.

The size of Fairfax is only six square miles, yet there are more than 220 acres of parkland within the community. That includes 25 public parks and 28 miles of trails, plus there are several athletic fields for youth leagues and adults. One of the most popular spots is Providence Park, which has a hiking/biking trail, playground equipment, tennis courts and a large multipurpose field.