$200,287Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft58Homes For Sale
A culturally diverse, deep-rooted south Iowa community
Tucked into Iowa’s southeast corner, Fairfield is a self-sufficient community surrounded by farmland. Cambridge Investment Research, one of the country’s largest independent broker-dealers, anchors a solid financial services industry alongside education, healthcare and manufacturing. Sustainability is also a focus here, from permaculture sites to a 1.1 million-watt solar field powering a third of Maharishi International University’s electricity.
Downtown restaurants and shops represent a wide variety of cultures. Michaela Mclain, longtime local and sales associate with Village Realty, says there are multiple layers to the dynamic nature of the town. “Before the 1970s, it was just like any other good, old-fashioned Iowa town,” she says. “That culture is still rooted here, but over the last 55 years, it’s been integrating with the extra diversity that’s come in from the university. It’s created a very unique and special place.” Fairfield was the epicenter of the Transcendental Meditation movement in the United States, and two giant gold meditation domes stand amid the university campus on the north side of town.
Fairfield residents take pride in their town and their smaller communities.
The gridded streets of central Fairfield feature older homes where neighbors know each other.
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Fairfield’s early-1900s core, mansions and Vastu homes
The median home price in Fairfield is around $180,000, far below the national median. “We have a very mixed bag of super old houses, some that have been renovated beautifully and some that have not,” Mclain says. “And we have a lot of really nice mansions that have been sprinkled throughout.” At the town center are early-1900s bungalows and folk-style homes, some converted into duplexes. Ranch-style homes and split-levels line winding streets farther out, and acreage increases drastically on the outskirts. Many of the newest homes adopt east-facing Vastu architecture in university villages or secluded lots. Iowa Department of Public Safety data shows that crimes against people in Fairfield increased slowly from 2019 to 2023, while crimes against property fell dramatically over the same period.
Many historic homes in Fairfield have been kept up or renovated.
The Vastu-style of homes in Fairfield all face east, an important principal in the culture.
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Downtown Fairfield and Business Route 34
Family-owned restaurants and small businesses look out over Central Park in the downtown square. “It differs from the surrounding towns because we have lots of Indian food, Thai food and authentic Mexican restaurants,” Mclain says. Most of the city’s fast food and chain options are along Business Route 34 through the town center, along with the local Walmart and Hy-Vee.
Downtown Fairfield features many historic buildings that all have their own unique style and charm.
Walmart is a convenient stop for shoppers on the west side of Fairfield.
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Perusing the Art Walk or taking a seat at the Sondheim
The Fairfield First Fridays Art Walk brings downtown to life through each season, from hot, humid summers to cold winters. “Some of the local businesses and galleries have art where people walk around from exhibit to exhibit,” Mclain says. “There’s also usually music playing in the gazebo on the town square, and there’s lots of vendors with food, crafts, and art.” Mclain says another leg up for the community is the multi-use Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, which includes an art gallery, meeting spaces and the the 522-seat Stephen Sondheim Theater for the Performing Arts. “It gives our town the ability to host national acts and larger conventions,” she says. Patrons trade theater seats for folding chairs during the free Summer Outdoor Concert Series, which takes place right outside the convention center.
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center hosts recurring programs and rotating arts exhibits.
Central Park's gazebo hosts live bands during Fairfield First Fridays, a monthly town get-together.
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Grade schools and higher education in Fairfield
The Fairfield Community School District covers most of Jefferson County and scores a C from Niche. Kids attend one of two elementary schools between first and fourth grade before heading to Fairfield Middle School and Fairfield High School. The Maharishi School is a tuition-based option for prekindergarten through 12th grade, with a boarding school program for Grades 8 through 12. Niche ranks the school at No. 1 for Best Private K-12 Schools in Iowa. Maharishi International University serves a student body representing dozens of countries each year. Both schools center Transcendental Meditation within their curriculum.
Fairfield High School serves over 300 students in grades 9-12.
Maharishi International University attracts students from around the country and around the world.
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Hopping on the Fairfield Loop Trail to visit local parks
Many of the city’s parks are access points to the Fairfield Loop Trail, a 16-mile gravel run. Kayaks float on Cedar Creek when it swells in the spring, and Waterworks Park has the largest swimming hole: Bonnifield Lake. “When I want beautiful nature, I tend to drive about 3 miles north of here to Decora, which is part of the Driftless Area,” Mclain says. “It’s got big, beautiful bluffs, and we’ll go camp or get a cabin.”
The winding Fairfield Loop Trail covers 16 miles and encompasses the whole city.
Waterworks Park is a Fairfield natural oasis with a lake, trails, and a playground.
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Getting to work or neighboring Iowa cities
The California Zephyr Amtrak train whistles through Fairfield on its way from San Francisco to Chicago, but the nearest stations are about 20 miles away, in Ottumwa to the west or Mount Pleasant to the east. Fairfield residents are generally car-dependent for daily errands, work commutes and longer trips. Fairfield is equidistant from Quad Cities International Airport and Des Moines International Airport, both over 100 miles away. Meanwhile, Jefferson County Health Center provides medical services from its campus on the south end.
Changing dynamics in Fairfield, from the 1970s to the present day
Many longtime Fairfield residents recall tension between those inside and outside the TM movement, especially during its initial wave from the 1970s through the '90s. "The 'rus' were the gurus, and the 'townies' were the people who didn't meditate," Mclain says. "It was sort of like a West Side Story vibe of, 'Which side are you?'" But as time went on, the mix of backgrounds became an identifier for the city. "We've all gotten married to each other and become friends with each other," Mclain says. "Now we have really cool people here who are well-traveled, smart and spiritually evolved, but also rooted in the land."
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Fairfield, IA sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairfield, IA over the last 12 months is $176,250, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Completely renovated ranch home close to amenities. Updated kitchen, dining room, living room, 3 beds, and 1 bath complete the main floor. Walk up basement has laundry, half bath and is ready to be finished. New metal roof, vinyl siding, vinyl windows, exterior doors, flooring, bathtub and fixtures, freshly painted interior. Sump pump added in 2023, new sewer from house to the street in 2021 and
Unique architecture, cathedral ceilings and lots of natural light give this ranch home a very spacious feeling. 3 bedrooms and full bath on main floor, 4th bedroom or office, rec room and 3/4 bath in lower level. Large two car attached garage. Enclosed 3 season room allows for transitioning your living & entertainment into the back yard. Small patio with mini fire ring adds to the backyard
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch on a peaceful dead-end street. You will love the new flooring, refreshed kitchen, and updated bathroom. The large living room flows onto a newer composite deck, ideal for morning coffee or evening gatherings. Downstairs, there is plenty of extra space with a walkout basement leading to a concrete patio. An attached 2 car garage
Located in Fairfield, this well-updated home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, including a convenient main floor master suite. The updated kitchen and new flooring on the main level create a fresh, modern feel, while all new windows bring in great natural light and added efficiency. With spacious living areas and thoughtful updates throughout, this home is move-in ready. The heated 2-car
This lovely penthouse suite is a double condo unit that was was designed by the builders of the University Manor building for their own living space. Lots of thought and love put into this unit with a uniquely comfortable layout with tasteful attention to detail, such as beautiful sliding bamboo doors in the primary bedroom closets and office door, wool carpeting and modern bathroom tiles.
Have you ever dreamed of living in a place surrounded by lush greenery & flowers, overlooking your own private pond on your own private lane, & just 10 minutes from the square? Here's your chance! This property has it all. The house is a cedar sided home built by the current owners filled with lots of room & comfortable spaces. This truly is an "inside-out" experience with views of nature from
Enjoy this East-facing, spacious home with updated kitchen and baths. You'll love the gorgeous hardwood floors throughout the open living, dining room, kitchen areas and the 2 upstairs bedrooms. The upstairs bath and the lower level bedroom, large laundry room, and 3/4 bath have ceramic tile with pebble mosaic and rain waterfall showerhead in the brand new shower. The kitchen is beautifully
This fresh and thoughtfully designed NEW CONSTRUCTION home offers the ease of single-level living, with a laundry closet conveniently located near the bedrooms. The bright, open-concept kitchen and living area create a welcoming space for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring mocha cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, and stainless steel appliances (including a dishwasher). The primary
Lovely home in sought after Lakeview Estates neighborhood with entrance to the Jefferson County Trail right up the street, and a short walk to Pleasant Lake and Waterworks Park. Beautifully renovated kitchen along with many updates including a sparkly tile floor and shiny counter tops with under counter lighting above, and all stainless steel appliances. Lots of light throughout this home with
Well-maintained 3 bedroom/2 bath ranch-style home-. Front living room with picture window, closet, built-in cabinet, & leads to the rest of this home. Adjacent kitchen & dining area with nice cabinetry, includes appliances, & nice counterspace. Three hallway bedrooms with hardwood flooring, closets, & ceiling fans. Hallway linen/cabinet space. Full bath with double sinks & good-sized
Estate north facing home comes with installed Mini Split. For the price plenty of headroom to restore as you like,. 2 Bedrooms and 1 handicap friendly bath.
Don’t miss this charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath MSV home in pristine condition! You’ll fall in love with this home as soon as you step into the welcoming foyer. Featuring many large windows which flood the whole house with natural light. The first floor boasts a delightfully open living room / dining room with large window seats doubling as storage space. Also on the first floor is the meditation
Property Id: 2197085Looking for a comfortable, long-term place to park your RV? Our peaceful and well-maintained community in Fairfield has RV-ready lots designed for convenience and flexibility.Features:- Water and electric hookups included- Spacious lots (originally sized for mobile homes)- No restrictions on RV or camper length- Minimum lease term: 6 months-
Property Id: 2363868TAX SEASON IS HERE! Ask about our limited-time special and receive up to $4,000 toward your purchase. (Incentive equals up to 5% of the sale price, varies by home. Terms and restrictions apply.) Affordable home opportunity at 200 N 28th St #12, Fairfield, IA 52556 featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a 16x76 layout. This home is available for rent at
Property Id: 2364099Affordable RV Opportunity! This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom RV at 200 N 28th St #21, Fairfield, IA 52556 offers a cozy 192 sq. ft. layout. It is available for sale at $8,000 or for rent at $525/month with a security deposit of $1050.This RV is located in an all-age community with amenities to enhance your lifestyle, including a playground, dog park, and covered
Property Id: 2362557TAX SEASON IS HERE! Ask about our limited-time special and receive up to $4,000 toward your purchase. (Incentive equals up to 5% of the sale price, varies by home. Terms and restrictions apply.)Affordable home opportunity at 200 N 28th St #8, Fairfield, IA 52556 featuring 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms with a 14x52 layout. This home is available for rent at
Property Id: 2364925TAX SEASON IS HERE! Ask about our limited-time special and receive up to $4,000 toward your purchase. (Incentive equals up to 5% of the sale price, varies by home. Terms and restrictions apply.) Affordable home opportunity at 200 N 28th St #48, Fairfield, IA 52556. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a 16x76 layout with a functional and comfortable living
Property Id: 2430018TAX SEASON IS HERE! Ask about our limited-time special and receive up to $4,000 toward your purchase. (Incentive equals up to 5% of the sale price, varies by home. Terms and restrictions apply.) Affordable Home Opportunity! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a spacious 16x76 layout and is located at 200 N 28th St #3, Fairfield, IA 52556. The home is priced at
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