What do you look at first when searching for a home? For me, while rent is important, I always check the safety first.

No matter how beautiful a house is or how good the school district is, if I feel unsafe walking alone at night, it's hard to live there long-term. This is especially true for families with children, who tend to be more sensitive to safety concerns. Today, I'll summarize the safety of Fairfax, Virginia, a place of great interest to the Korean community, using actual statistics.

First, there's something you shouldn't get confused about. Fairfax City and Fairfax County have similar names but are different administrative areas. Fairfax City is an independent city, while the much larger area surrounding it is Fairfax County.

The overall crime rate in Fairfax City is about 23.8 incidents per 1,000 people. Compared to cities across the U.S., this is considered roughly average. It's neither "extremely safe" nor "dangerous," but rather a moderate level. In contrast, Fairfax County, which is much larger, has a better safety rating. The crime rate is about 26 incidents per 1,000 people, but it ranks high in safety compared to other large counties in the U.S.

However, not all areas in Fairfax are the same. Even within the same region, the atmosphere can vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood. The areas that residents consider the safest are in the northwest of Fairfax City, particularly around Twin Lakes and Long Branch. Conversely, the central area, which has many commercial facilities and foot traffic, tends to have a slightly higher likelihood of crime. Therefore, when looking for a home, it's important not to decide based solely on the name "Fairfax" but to check the exact address.

Fairfax Station, which is popular among the Korean community, is especially known for its good safety. It ranks high in various safety indices compared to other areas in the U.S., which is why families raising children prefer it. Although home prices are a bit higher, many people find it quiet and stable for living.

There's good news as well. Recent data from the Fairfax County Police shows that major crimes have generally decreased in 2025. Carjackings have decreased by about 48%, non-fatal shootings by 37%, residential burglaries by 27%, robberies by 19%, and vehicle thefts by 10%. The police attribute these improvements to enhanced patrols, the introduction of new technologies, and increased personnel. Residents often report that safety has improved compared to the past.

Of course, there's no neighborhood in the U.S. that is 100% safe. In Fairfax, it's advisable not to walk alone in isolated areas late at night and to keep valuables out of sight in vehicles, as these are basic safety precautions. Such practices are generally considered common sense in American life.

In conclusion, Fairfax is considered a relatively safe area within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Especially when considering school districts and living environments, it's easy to understand why family-oriented immigrants continue to choose this area. However, even within Fairfax, neighborhoods can differ, so before signing a lease, be sure to check crime maps and recent police statistics based on the address. That small check can lead to a much more satisfying life in America.