The City of Falls Church is a unique and historic city. Besides featuring quick access to renowned museums and art galleries in nearby Washington, D.C., almost every neighborhood is a treasure of its own with a variety of restaurants and shops that reflect the City's great ethnic and cultural diversity. You'll find a warm welcome in the City of Falls Church, and it is our hope that you will be an active part of the community, so shop, play, stay for a while and join us in the many activities offered throughout the year.

The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government and is one of the two geographically smallest cities in Virginia, at only 2.2 square miles. With a population of 11,200, the City is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, nationally ranked school system, environmental activism, and endless community activities.

Location
The City is part of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is located only six miles from the Nation's Capital and inside the Capital Beltway. The City's downtown is situated at the intersection of Virginia Route 7 and U.S. Route 29. The City is served by Interstate 66, the East Falls Church and West Falls Church Metro stations, and by several convenient bus routes.

History
Falls Church dates back to the late 1600s as an early Colonial settlement shared with Native Americans. The community was established around The Falls Church (Episcopal) that was founded in 1734. Falls Church became a township in 1875 and an independent city in 1948, when parents successfully obtained its separation from Fairfax County in an effort to establish a highly acclaimed school system.