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 is an independent municipality, separate from the surrounding Arlington and Fairfax Counties with its own school system. (Some Falls Church mailing addresses are in Fairfax County. Also, the City contracts for select services with the counties.) 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 almost 16,000, the city is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, nationally ranked school system, environmental activism, and endless community activities.