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.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Shawn Miller
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fairborn, OH sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairborn, OH over the last 12 months is $232,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This wonderful brick Ranch in this community defines this single-family home, which welcomes visitors with and a curved walkway.This home has1,766 square feet of living space. A spacious concrete driveway leads to an attached three-car garage with integrated wooden shelving units.Inside, the entry foyer transitions into plush carpeted living spaces characterized by vaulted ceilings and
Stunning, fully renovated turnkey home situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly desirable Greenon School District! Listed at $274,900, this 4-bedroom, 2-full-bath property delivers incredible curb appeal with a brand-new roof, newly painted siding, trim, and shutters, crisp landscaping, a welcoming covered front porch. The expansive, fully fenced backyard serves as a private oasis featuring
Welcome to peaceful, low-maintenance living in this desirable 55+ community. This truly turn-key home showcases extensive, high-quality updates completed with engineer-level workmanship, so you can move right in with no worries, no projects, and no surprises. A detailed spreadsheet documenting nearly 100 completed projects stands behind the quality and thoroughness of the work, giving the next
Welcome home to this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch featuring a desirable split-bedroom floor plan and an inviting open-concept layout. The spacious living room boasts a vaulted ceiling and flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area, creating the perfect space for everyday living and entertaining. The private primary suite offers a walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom
Motivated Seller!! Welcome to 1537 Meadowlands, a truly one-of-a-kind estate set on over 4 acres, offering approximately 7,800 square feet of living space, including an incredible 3,174-square-foot temperature-controlled indoor pool addition. This 5-bedroom, 4-bath home delivers a rare combination of space, privacy, and resort-style amenities.Inside, you'll find expansive living areas
Discover an exceptional opportunity to own a rare five-bedroom ranch home, ideally situated in the vibrant heart of Fairborn, Ohio. This residence seamlessly combines classic appeal with contemporary enhancements, offering a truly move-in ready experience. Recent upgrades include new flooring, fresh paint, modern fixtures, water heater, vanity, light fixtures, insulated garage door, garage door
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Fairborn offering over 2,000 square feet of comfortable living space and a 3-car garage. Situated on a huge fenced corner lot backing up to the community pond, this home combines peaceful views with an ideal location just minutes from WPAFB, major highways, shopping, and dining.The open-concept floor plan is perfect for everyday living and
This beautiful 5BR/3.5 bath home with a 2 car garage (19x21) and a finished basement checks so many boxes! You'll love the exterior features: covered front porch, fenced back yard, new mulch, mature landscaping and freshly painted deck. As you enter the home, there is a flex room that can be used as a formal LR, DR, office or playroom. The spacious family room is the focal point of the house with
There's something magical about 946 Wenlock Court — and it starts the moment you arrive. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a wonderfully convenient Fairborn location, this home greets you with a beautifully manicured lawn and an inviting front porch that's made for slow mornings and a cup of coffee.Step inside and you'll find modern design and open, light-filled spaces
Discover an exceptional opportunity in Fairborn, where a generous, verdant lot awaits your vision for a dream home. This spacious property, spanning 0.14 acres, is bordered by mature trees, creating a serene and private atmosphere. The tranquil neighborhood setting enhances the appeal, offering a peaceful retreat while maintaining convenient access to local amenities. This lot provides the
Welcome to 1582 Arden Bend, a beautifully built 2024 home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 2,796 square feet of inviting living space. Designed with comfort, flexibility, and everyday living in mind, this home provides plenty of room to gather, relax, work, and grow. The spacious layout offers multiple living areas and generously sized bedrooms, giving everyone a place to call their
Welcome to this beautifully move-in ready home featuring fresh updates throughout. Step inside to a comfortable living room and an additional, large great room—perfect for gatherings and everyday living. Enjoy a bright, open feel along with a warm soft beige color palette throughout. Updates include new flooring, new paint, ceiling fans, and updated lighting, plus updated cabinetry in the kitchen
The only new ranch and two-story homes in a serene setting with basements included at no extra cost, 8 minutes to WPAFB.The Alberti Ranch single-family home has it all. Enter the foyer and discover an open concept living space made to fit how you live. The gourmet kitchen, dinette, and family room flow together effortlessly. Through a recessed opening, find a luxurious owner's bedroom
New construction in the beautiful Glenview community, featuring the stunning Kimbell design. This condo design offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. This design showcases abundant natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere throughout. The heart of this home is an open-concept kitchen that seamlessly connects to the family room perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The owner's
New construction in the beautiful Glenview community, featuring the stunning Wexner design. This condo design offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. This design showcases abundant natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere throughout. The heart of this home is an open-concept kitchen that seamlessly connects to the family room perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The owner's
Prime at Wright has the perfect layout for your lifestyle while offering top-notch security and garage parking. We are located near all of the Greater-Dayton area campuses – Wright State University, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton.
Discover your new home at Ivy Manor Apartments. This property is situated on W. Funderburg Rd. in the 45324 area of Fairborn. When you choose an apartment at Ivy Manor Apartments, you'll have access to top features and amenities including: convenient on-site parking options, and high-speed internet access. Stop looking and get moving. Contact or stop by Ivy Manor Apartments to discuss your new
Avalon Place is the perfect community to call home. Located in Fairborn, residents can enjoy the plethora of amenities that our neighborhood has to offer. Serve it up on our sand volleyball court, have fun at the playground, or relax in our sparkling swimming pool. Featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments and townhomes for rent, Avalon Place is the perfect choice for any lifestyle.
Price: Starting at only $889/monthUtilities: Flat Fee of $200/mo (electricity, gas, water, trash, sewer)Available Apartments: Studio, 1 BD / 1 BA, 2 BD / 1 BASize: Up To 730+ Sqft of Living Space**Features**Laundry Facilities AvailableAll utilities included in flat fee of $200/monthCable Available for an additional $30/monthFast Maintenance and
Treeborn Apartments feature a single story design with studio and one bedroom apartment homes. We are walking distance from the Community East City Park which has swimming, tennis, a track and a picnic area. We are located close to shopping and entertainment with the Fairfield Commons Mall and Nutter Center minutes away. Every home comes with a private entrance and patio space. Apartments come
Come home to Communities at Channingway in Fairborn, OH. Here at Communities at Channingway, you'll have a wide selection of features and amenities like washers and dryers, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and two pools. The leasing staff is excited to help you find your ideal place. It's time to love where you live. Stop by for a visit today.
Welcome to Meadowrun Apartments! Our community offers 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Fairborn, OH! Enjoy the many amenities that Meadowrun Apartments has to offer including a swimming pool, full basketball courts, fitness center, and walking trails. We are adjacent to Wright State University, minutes to great shopping at The Mall at Fairfield Commons, The Greene, and only two miles to Wright
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Experience comfort and convenience in our beautifully designed 1- and 3-bedroom apartments, each featuring private patios or balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and washer/dryer connections in select units. Whether you're enjoying quiet moments at home or exploring all the vibrant local attractions, Prime at Laurel Springs has everything you need.Located in the heart of Fairborn, our
Breckenridge Apartments is conveniently located in Fairborn, OH. Our pet-friendly community offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that feature oversized closets and spacious kitchens. Our community has beautifully landscaped grounds that offer an on-site laundry facility, 24-hour emergency maintenance, and on-site, professional management.
Experience modern apartment living at Windsor Place, a beautifully maintained, pet-friendly community in one of Beavercreek’s most convenient locations.Choose from thoughtfully designed two- and three-bedroom apartment homes featuring open living spaces, contemporary finishes, and the everyday conveniences you expect. Each home includes a modern kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, an
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
