Is Fairlee safe?
Vienna, Virginia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Fairlee as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Fairlee
“Go. Fairlee is an exceptionally safe, transit-oriented suburban neighborhood in Fairfax County with very low crime rates. It offers convenient access to the Vienna Metro and modern residential communities, making it secure and straightforward to visit at any time.”
About the area
Fairlee is a quiet, affluent residential enclave directly adjacent to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station. The area features a mix of newer transit-oriented developments like MetroWest alongside established townhomes and single-family residences.
- Transit-Oriented
- Suburban Quiet
- Affluent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Fairlee
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Capital Bikeshare docks are available at the Vienna Metro station, with paved side-paths providing connections toward the W&OD Trail north in Vienna.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are negligible and property crime is well below national and regional averages
- High median household incomes and exceptionally low poverty rates typical of Fairfax County
- Immediate pedestrian access to the Washington Metro Orange Line
- Well-maintained modern infrastructure with good street lighting and sidewalks
Cons
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and catalytic converter thefts in large parking garages
- Borders major thoroughfares (I-66 and Route 29) creating heavy traffic noise and busy crossings
- Limited standalone retail and dining directly within the residential core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent in Fairlee, though occasional individuals transit through or seek temporary shelter near the Vienna Metro station bus bays.
What Fairlee is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active with commuters heading to the Vienna Metro station, joggers, and dog walkers in a very safe environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet residential atmosphere with light vehicle traffic and safe sidewalk conditions.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Steady foot traffic returns from the Metro station with well-lit community streets and low safety risk.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very peaceful and deserted late at night, with minimal activity and virtually no street hazards.
Transit, parking and getting around
WMATA Orange Line serves the neighborhood directly at the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station located at its southern edge, supported by numerous Fairfax Connector bus routes including lines 306, 461, and 463.
Ample parking exists within residential visitor spaces and the large Metro multi-story commuter garages, which charge standard daily WMATA rates on weekdays and are free on weekends.
Things to do in Fairlee
- Stroll through the landscaped community parks and walking loops around the MetroWest community
- Catch the Metro Orange Line for direct transit access to Washington D.C. or Arlington
- Walk or bike north toward the historic Town of Vienna to explore local shops and cafes
Local favorites
- Pan Am Family Restaurant · Diner / American · 4.4★ (1250)Longstanding local diner serving generous portions of classic comfort food and Greek specialties just across Route 29.
- MicroTek Care · Electronics Repair · 4.8★ (210)Trusted local neighborhood tech repair shop handling computers and mobile devices.
- Taco Bamba Vienna · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (1850)Popular nearby chef-driven taqueria known for creative street tacos and tortas.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.