Living in Fairfield, CA
A Complete Guide to Quality of Life for Homebuyers
Where Affordability, Opportunity, and Community Come Together
Nestled between San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield, California is a growing Solano County city offering affordable housing, diverse neighborhoods, and strong commuter access. Known for its proximity to Napa Valley, Travis Air Force Base, and multiple Bay Area job markets, Fairfield combines urban access with suburban comfort—making it one of Northern California’s most practical and appealing places to buy a home.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating for work, or looking for long-term investment potential, Fairfield delivers a unique blend of value, lifestyle, and community pride. From its revitalized downtown to its scenic parks and high-performing schools, the city continues to attract new residents seeking balance and affordability.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from Fairfield’s real estate landscape to schools, employment, lifestyle perks, and what’s ahead for this strategically positioned city.
Housing Market & Cost of Living in Fairfield, CA
Fairfield remains one of the most affordable homeownership markets in the Bay Area region, while still offering strong infrastructure and commuter convenience.
Median home price (Q1 2025): $615,000
Median condo/townhome price: $435,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,950/month
5-year appreciation: +21%
Fairfield’s neighborhoods range from established suburban communities to newer developments, giving homebuyers a variety of home styles and price points to choose from.
Top Neighborhoods in Fairfield
✅ Green Valley – Upscale homes, golf courses, top-ranked schools
✅ Cordelia – Family-focused master-planned area with commuter access
✅ Paradise Valley – Golf course community with established homes
✅ Downtown Fairfield – Walkable, historic charm with revitalization in progress
✅ North Texas Street Corridor – Mix of entry-level housing and investment properties
Real Estate Outlook
With continued Bay Area migration and limited land in coastal counties, Fairfield’s affordability and development potential make it a strong long-term real estate investment.
Employment & Economic Landscape
Fairfield benefits from both a diverse local economy and regional job accessibility, especially with its location along the I-80 corridor.
Major Employment Sectors:
Government & Military – Travis Air Force Base is the city’s largest employer
Healthcare – NorthBay Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health
Retail & Logistics – Westfield Solano Mall, Amazon distribution, and Anheuser-Busch
Education – Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District and Solano Community College
Economic Snapshot:
Median household income: $93,000
Unemployment rate (Solano County): 4.1%
Growing remote and hybrid workforce, supported by strong broadband access
Fairfield's economy continues to grow with new investments in logistics, infrastructure, and small business development, particularly in its central and eastern districts.
Education System & School Rankings
Fairfield is part of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD), the largest in Solano County, offering a wide range of K–12 options.
Top Public Schools:
Nelda Mundy Elementary School – Highly rated for academic performance
Green Valley Middle School – Well-regarded for academics and enrichment
Rodriguez High School – Offers AP programs and competitive athletics
Angelo Rodriguez STEM Academy – Focused on science and tech pathways
Charter & Private Options:
Matt Garcia Career & College Academy
Fairfield Christian Academy
Caliber Public Schools (in nearby Vallejo and Richmond)
Higher Education:
Solano Community College – Transfer programs, workforce training, and nursing
California State University Maritime Academy and UC Davis – Within commuting range
Fairfield supports learners of all ages through career and technical education, charter schools, and adult learning programs.
Health & Wellness: Medical Access & Outdoor Living
Fairfield is well-equipped for families and individuals focused on health, wellness, and active living.
Healthcare Facilities:
NorthBay Medical Center – Full-service hospital with trauma and maternity care
Kaiser Permanente – Fairfield Medical Offices
Sutter Health urgent care and specialty services throughout the area
Outdoor Recreation:
Rockville Hills Regional Park – Popular for hiking and mountain biking
Allan Witt Park – Aquatics complex, tennis courts, skate park
Laurel Creek Park – Playground, fitness trails, and family events
Access to Lynch Canyon Open Space and Solano Land Trust preserves
Residents also benefit from yoga studios, gyms, community fitness programs, and farmers markets focused on local health and nutrition.
Lifestyle, Dining & Entertainment
Fairfield has grown from a traditional suburb into a regional hub for food, wine, and community events.
Local Attractions:
Jelly Belly Factory Tour – A sweet experience for all ages
Scandia Family Center – Mini golf, arcade, go-karts, and more
Budweiser Brewery Experience – Tastings and behind-the-scenes tours
Downtown Fairfield – Local dining, festivals, and growing arts scene
Dining Scene:
Saffron Indian Cuisine – Highly rated for flavor and hospitality
Texas Roadhouse and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – National favorites
Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company (nearby in Suisun Valley) – Culinary tastings and events
Fairfield is also close to Napa, Vacaville Premium Outlets, and the Suisun Valley wine region, giving residents access to both everyday and upscale experiences.
Transportation & Commuting
Strategically located along Interstate 80, Fairfield offers efficient access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and beyond.
Major Commuting Options:
Interstate 80 & Highway 12 – Central connectors for East-West travel
Fairfield–Vacaville Hannigan Train Station (Amtrak Capitol Corridor) – Daily rail to Sacramento, Oakland, and San Jose
Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) – Local and regional bus routes
SolTrans – Service to Vallejo, Benicia, and BART connections
Commute Times (Estimates):
Napa: ~30 minutes
Walnut Creek: ~35–45 minutes
Oakland: ~55 minutes
Sacramento: ~50 minutes
Remote workers enjoy ample home office space and reliable internet connectivity, while commuters appreciate multi-modal transit options.
Sustainability & Environmental Initiatives
Fairfield is actively pursuing sustainable city planning and environmental preservation.
City-Led Sustainability Programs:
Green Business Certification for local companies
Water conservation incentives via Fairfield Water and Solano County
Solar energy installations on municipal buildings
Community tree planting, composting, and recycling programs
The city also collaborates with regional agencies like the Solano Land Trust and Bay Area Air Quality Management District to preserve open space and reduce emissions.
Future Growth & City Developments
Fairfield is on a clear path toward smart growth, infrastructure investment, and economic expansion.
Key Projects in Progress:
Downtown Fairfield Specific Plan – Redevelopment for mixed-use housing, retail, and transit
Train Station Specific Plan – Transit-oriented development around Amtrak station
Cordelia and Green Valley growth corridors – New housing and commercial space
Travis AFB Innovation Corridor – Research, defense, and technology-related business expansion
Fairfield is one of the few Bay Area-adjacent cities with room to grow, making it ideal for buyers looking to secure long-term equity and livability.
Final Thoughts: Why Fairfield Is One of Northern California’s Smartest Buys
Fairfield combines everything today’s homebuyers are looking for: affordable homes, outdoor living, strong schools, health access, and proximity to jobs. Add in future development plans and a family-friendly environment, and it’s easy to see why Fairfield continues to grow in popularity.
Whether you're moving from the Bay Area, stationed at Travis AFB, or investing in your future, Fairfield delivers lifestyle, value, and vision—all in one place.
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