The City of Fairfax is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located just 20 minutes from Washington, D.C., the city's attractive blend of commercial, office, retail, and residential properties combines the charm of a small town with the opportunities of a thriving urban area. The City of Fairfax was selected by Forbes Magazine in 2009 as # 3 in the nation of the 25 top towns for living well. The City of Fairfax is also a wonderful place to live and raise a family. A nationally recognized school system, a healthy residential real estate market and access to outstanding health care are among the advantages cited by residents. In 2011 the National Recreation and Parks and Association (NRPA) awarded the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department a Gold Medal for demonstrated excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program and professional development and agency recognition. The Gold Medal Award is the most prestigious award in the field of parks and recreation, and the City of Fairfax is one of only four agencies in Virginia to have won this award since its inception in 1965. Clearly the City of Fairfax is an exciting, vibrant place to live and work.