As the home of Ohio's biggest single-site employer, separating the city of Fairborn from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is difficult, if not impossible. "We're very patriotic, and we appreciate living near the base," says Linda Riffle of United Inc. Realtors. The base is the city's primary employer, although nearby healthcare facilities, like Soin Medical Center, are close behind. People come from all over the country to work for the base and attend its defense-focused graduate school. "A lot of people stationed at Wright Patterson stay in Fairborn, even when they retire," says Emily Gay, the city's communications manager.
While military personnel and their families are a significant part of the population, over 33,000 people call Fairborn home, including Wright State University students. The university's graduates play a pivotal role in the city's growth, inspiring new housing and industrial initiatives targeted toward retaining young professionals. This, coupled with the city's classic architecture and united sense of civic pride, creates a lifestyle that values both progress and tradition. "People say Fairborn feels like an all-American town, like a Main Street USA," Gay says.
You can watch F-16s from the 180th Fighter Wing take off from from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn.
The Soin Medical Center is the second largest employer in Fairborn.
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Growing options for first-time homeowners
Many people live within the city's more established subdivisions, each with a mix of bungalows, bi-level houses and ranch-style homes. These grew during the population boom of the 1960s and 1970s, driven by the growth of Wright-Patterson, and most homes reflect the design of the times. Rental options surround the university, and the city has a higher percentage of renters than the national average – although it’s common amongst cities near military bases and universities. As the city expands, its focus has shifted toward increasing home ownership. Recently built neighborhoods offer condominiums and New Traditional homes priced around the city's median home price of $212,000, substantially lower than the national median of $407,000.
New homes in Fairborn offer Craftsman and modern farmhouse flair.
A cozy brick home sits on a quiet street in Fairborn.
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Developing industry and Halloween spirit
Mom-and-pop businesses are pillars of the city's commercial scene. Initially opened in 1929, Foy's Halloween and Variety Store is the oldest store in Fairborn. "They even have their original creaky wood floors," Riffle says. The family-owned store attracts people from all over the state with its massive Halloween costume and candy inventory. The city's farmers market opens every Wednesday in Main Street Commons during summer and mid-fall. Local artisans and farmers sell flowers, honey, preserves and other homemade items.
The city is growing by developing key districts into supportive environments for start-up businesses and emerging industries. Concept plans are in place for three new districts and a major downtown redevelopment project.
Fairborn shop, Foy's, hosts a huge Halloween Parade each year for residents.
The toys at Bookery Fantasy Collectibles in Fairborn will bring you back to your childhood.
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Fairborn City School District is full of new facilities
Wright State University is the city's premier university, teaching over 11,000 students beside Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Within the base is The Air Force Institute of Technology, which specializes in engineering, aviation and aerospace fields of study.
Most children attend the Fairborn City School District, although parts of the city are under the Beavercreek City School District. The districts have B-minus and A-minus ratings on Niche, respectively. The B-minus-rated Fairborn High School began the 2024 school year with a new $95 million complex, including an 11,000-square-foot multi-sport facility.
Wright State University is the Fairborn's premier university educating over 11,000 students.
Fairborn High School is a public high school for grades 9-12.
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Air Force Marathon gets worldwide recognition
The Air Force Marathon is the city's biggest event of the year. "Runners from all over the world come in for the marathon, and it brings a lot of attention to the city," Gay says. Celebrated each September, two miles of the marathon pass through Fairborn's downtown, which shuts down to become "The Fly Zone." Streets overflow with colorful decorations, flags and enthusiastic onlookers cheering on participants. Non-military events, including free outdoor concerts on summer Fridays in Community Park and the annual Sweet Corn Festival, are also popular. Fall holidays are in another league, with thousands gathering for Main Street's Halloween Festival and Spooktacular Parade. In 2025, Fairborn will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a contest to create the city's first flag.
Exploring preserved coral reefs at Oake's Quarry
Fairborn has over 1,000 acres of wetlands, nature preserves, historic gardens and traditional parks. Community Park is a hub for recreation with assorted sports courts, fishing spots and an amphitheater for festivals. The Garland Wetland Reserve's trails wind past native vernal pools, and "Oake's Quarry has Pearl's Fen, one of Ohio's best wetlands areas," Riffle says. With over 230 acres of old-growth forest and grass prairie, visitors can horseback ride on the trails or admire coral reefs and limestone preserved in the park's fossil beds.
Pearl's Fen in Fairborn is a peat wetland containing a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
Children of Fairborn love to play at the many parks around the city.
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Around the corner from the Crossroads of America
Interstate 675 slices through Fairborn and connects with Interstate 70 in about 2 miles. North of Dayton, I-70 intersects with Interstate 75, leading to larger cities like Cincinnati and Columbus, roughly 60 miles and 70 miles away, respectively. Public transportation is available through the county Greene CATS Public Transit service, while Greater Dayton RTA Bus Route 1 offering service from the university to Downtown Dayton. The closest airport is Dayton International, about 16 miles away.
Crime rates and weather trends
The FBI states that violent crime rates in Fairborn are higher than the national average, but property crimes are lower. The Fairborn Police Department reports that the city saw a significant drop in total incidents between 2022 and 2023.
Annual weather is moderate, with the city experiencing four distinct seasons. Extreme weather events are rare, even during the hottest and coldest months. "We get just enough snow to make it feel like winter," says Gay.
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