[2] Significantly more people live in ZIP codes with the Vienna postal addresses (22180, 22181, and 22182), bordered approximately by Interstate 66 on the south, Interstate 495 on the east, Route 7 to the north, and Hunter Mill Road to the west, than in the town itself.

In 1754, prominent soldier and landowner Colonel Charles Broadwater settled within the town boundaries.

A Union Army unit under Brigadier General Robert C. Schenck approached Vienna from the east by train but was ambushed and forced to retreat by a Confederate force led by Colonel Maxcy Gregg.

[6][7][8][9][10] In addition, in the town center lies the well preserved Freeman House; which, in 1861, was the polling place for the secession vote and was used during the war by both sides as a hospital.

A permanent black elementary school was built, and was later named for its long-time principal, Louise Archer.

[14][15] Wolftrap Creek, a tributary of nearby Difficult Run, flows north from its source in the eastern part of town.

The Bear Branch of Accotink Creek, a Potomac tributary, flows south from its source in the southern part of town.

It is bordered on all sides by other Washington suburbs, including: Wolf Trap to the north, Tysons Corner to the northeast, Dunn Loring to the east, Merrifield to the south, and Oakton to the west.

The town is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7, where the annual average minimum is 0-9 °F.

[22] The Council establishes policies, passes ordinances and resolutions, approves the Town budget, sets tax rates, approves land-use plans, and makes appointments to Town boards and commissions[23]: Elections of the Council members and mayor is over seen and run by the Fairfax County Office of Elections[25] The town is served by Fairfax County Public Schools.

Green Hedges has students from ages 3– 5 (Montessori preschool and kindergarten program) through preparatory grades 1–8.

Founded in 1942 by Frances and Kenton Kilmer, the School was relocated to the Windsor Heights area of Vienna in 1955.

In 1995 America Online (AOL) was headquartered at 8619 Westwood Center Drive in Tysons Corner CDP in unincorporated Fairfax County,[30][31] near Vienna.