Founded in 1910, the City of Fairfield lies about 7 miles southwest of Birmingham. Like many towns in the area, Fairfield started as a company town, housing workers for U.S. Steel’s Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company. However, this city is specifically known as the home to Miles College, a historically Black university. “Fairfield is a small but neighborly city,” says Tammie King, Realtor with Posh Realty & Company, LLC, who has 7 years of experience in the industry. “Like many small towns across the country, Fairfield went through its ups and downs but is going through a revitalization stage, especially around Miles College,” King says. Although the steel industry has declined in recent decades, Fairfield’s industrial past remains evident throughout the community, and Fairfield Works remains one of the largest steel operations in the South.
Feel welcomed when you visit Fairfield.
Fairfield is the proud home to Miles College.
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Fixer uppers and remodeled homes
Homes in Fairfield reflect its rich history, with some dating as far back as the 1930s. “Many Fairfield residents have been there for years,” King says. Prospective homebuyers can find a range of Craftsman-style bungalows, Split-Level and ranch-style homes. Prices can range from the $20,000s to the $200,000s. Thanks to the Miles College Community Development Corporation, a revitalization effort is also being made to reduce blight in the neighborhood. However, buyers should be aware that due to the current steel plants nearby, residents are concerned about air quality. According to the CAP Index, the community also scores a 5 out of 10 crime score, slightly higher than the national average of 4.
Take a walk with a friend on this gorgeous summer day in Fairfield.
Older craftsman style homes have an alluring effect on future Fairfield residents.
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Getting around on Interstate 20
Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 11, also known as Bessemer Road, run through the community, offering access to downtown Birmingham 7 miles away. Those relying on public transportation may have to walk to bus stops near the Western Hills Mall. For more travel needs, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about 11 miles away. Fairfield is home to numerous houses of worship, while other amenities like the Western Health Center and Princeton Baptist Medical Center are less than 4 miles away.
Fairfield gives off a small town feel with the big city not far in the distance.
Take the short drive to downtown and take in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame near Fairfield.
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Educational opportunities in town
The Midfield City School District and the Fairfield City School District serve the community. Depending on the neighborhood, students may attend schools like Glen Oaks Elementary, which score a B-minus in the diversity category on Niche. Students the attend C-minus-rated schools like C.J. Donald Middle and Fairfield High School. Home of the Tigers, Fairfield High is known for its competitive athletics program, which scores an A-minus rating on Niche. Fairfield is also home to the historically black Miles College and Miles Law School.
C.J. Donald Elementary School is a great option for Fairfield students.
Fairfield High Preparatory School prides itself with academic excellence.
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Recreation at Fairfield Community Center
Fairfield City offers various parks and recreation centers to enrich the lives of its residents. Fairfield City Park features athletic fields, tennis courts and vintage gazebos. The Fairfield Community Center is the spot for various recreational activities and features athletic facilities, including a swimming pool. Next door, Willie Mays Park features a baseball field, as does Glen Oaks Park. Tennis players can also practice at George Yarbrough Tennis Center’s courts, while local youth and amateur leagues can practice at the Homer E. Hayes Soccer Complex. Residents with green thumbs can flock to the community garden by Miles Chapel Church to grow herbs and produce. Those opting indoors can escape into the world of fiction at Walter J. Hanna Memorial Library.
Play all day a Fairfield City Park.
Take the family to Ensley Park near Fairfield.
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Locally owned restaurants and chains
Essential amenities are along the community’s southern edge, bordering Midfield. The nearby Home Depot provides residents with everything they need to make something grow. Western Hills Mall is home to numerous fast-food options and stores like the Dream Furniture Outlet and Kid’s Foot Locker. Piggly Wiggly is across the street for everyday groceries. Milo’s Hamburgers is a popular chain around town for a bite to eat, while Urban Smoke Bar & Grille is the go-to spot for wings and a stiff drink. Locals can also enjoy authentic jerk chicken and soul food at Tasty Jamaica and Magic City Grill along Gary Avenue.
Dig into some food at the Magic City Grill in Fairfield.
Try something new at the Tasty Jamaican in Fairfield.
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Community events in Fairfield
For such a small city, Fairfield has very few annual events. However, in the past, the community has come together for Project Santa, where members donate and deliver Christmas presents to children who live in the Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority developments. Locals can always head into downtown Birmingham for numerous events throughout the year.
Have a fun time exploring downtown Fairfield.
A quiet summer day gives Fairfield that small town feel.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Video By
Bradley K Cornelius
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nathan Dunaway,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Fairfield, AL sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairfield, AL over the last 12 months is $91,700, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Fully Renovated spacious and charming brick home, perfectly nestled in the desirable Glen Oaks neighborhood of Fairfield! This beautiful property features an inviting open-concept living and dining area, complete with a cozy electric fireplace — ideal for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. The home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, with 3 bedrooms conveniently located on
Located convenient to Miles College, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is a great investment opportunity. Reliable Section 8 tenant already in place. Don’t miss out on this convenient, low-maintenance property!
Do you need space? This home has it!! Come and check out this oversized 4 Bedroom, 2 bath home in the Glen Oaks community. This home features a split foyer with an airy dining room that opens to a living room. An eat-in kitchen, a great sized owner's suite with an attached Full Bath, plus two secondary bedrooms and another Full Bath on the main level. The finished lower level offers a large
Looking for a fixer-upper with potential? This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on a spacious 1.1-acre estate lot could be your dream project! Situated in a peaceful neighborhood, this property offers endless possibilities. The home has already undergone some key updates, including a brand-new roof and fascia board, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the renovations. While the interior
This cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers everything you need for modern, comfortable living. The living room invites relaxation or entertainment, while the kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator and stove/oven, making meal preparation a breeze. You'll also enjoy the convenience of an in-home washer and dryer for all your laundry needs. With central AC and a heat pump, this home provides
This is a Must See!!! Just Renovated....New Paint, New Flooring & So Much More. Move In Ready....Stop by today to see this 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath Beauty Today. Complete with Open Floor Pan with so Much Space to unwind. Call Today to Schedule Your Viewing......
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