2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Van Meter, IA vs Fairfax, VA

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Highlights
Are people in Fairfax older or younger than people in Van Meter?
- The Median Age in Fairfax is 0.0 years older than in Van Meter.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fairfax or Van Meter?
- Fairfax housing costs are 77.2% more expensive than Van Meter housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fairfax or Van Meter?
- The average commute for residents of Fairfax is 10.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Van Meter.

Things to do in Van Meter?
Living in Van Meter, IA is a unique experience. The small town atmosphere makes it feel like home and the friendly people offer a sense of community that you can’t find in many other places. You’re never far away from something to do or somewhere to explore. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, or prefer indoor activities such as arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. Located outside of Des Moines, living in Van Meter means easy access to big city amenities while still enjoying the quiet charm of rural Iowa.

Things to do in Fairfax?
Fairfax is an incorporated city sitting within Fairfax County, Virginia featuring plenty of things to do during your stay like attending concerts at the historic Sunnyside Botanical Garden suitable for those looking to enjoy some family friendly fun plus nearby Sully Historic Site has stunning views ideal for outdoor activities. Additionally there are several locally owned stores and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine great for any budget during their stay here!

 Van Meter, IAFairfax, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock23,980329,725,481
 Median Income$116,181  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$369,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.75  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Van Meter    0 Reviews

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Reviews for Fairfax    28 Reviews

I lived in the area for 17 years through high school until I eventually became a truck driver. Having now seen most states extensively, I wanted to fairly review what  More

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Living in Fairfax, or any of the Northern Virginia suburbs of DC, means dealing with highways that are a Gordian knot of converging lanes and overpasses, making long  More

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Over 11 years ago

The Cost of living here is high. Though the standard of living is also high, unless you're making over 50,000/year, it's difficult to both live and build any sort of  More

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