Fairfield is the seat of Wayne County in southern Illinois
Fairfield, the seat of Wayne County in rural southern Illinois, has been called the “Home of the Friendly People,” a reference to its connected vibe and small-town character. “It’s always been a place where neighbors look out for each other,” says Branden Cline, a Fairfield resident and designated managing broker for Outlaw Realty. Fairfield holds a special place in my heart. It’s a town built on rich roots and hometown pride.” Mount Vernon is about 30 miles west of Fairfield, and the Indiana state line is about 30 miles to the southeast.
History including notorious bandits and one-room schoolhouses
History is intrinsic to Fairfield’s identity. “It’s the kind of town where history and community go hand in hand. Fairfield has grown around its historic courthouse square into a community that values tradition, connection and resilience. To me, it’s more than a hometown — it’s proof that places with deep history and a strong sense of community still define the best of small-town America,” Cline says.
From the mid-1800s to mid-20th century, Wayne County was known for having over one hundred one-room schoolhouses. One preserved example is the Olive Branch School at Leo French Memorial Park in Fairfield. Other notable sites include the Early History Museum in the Fairfield Public Library and the Hanna House Museum, which displays old photographs and artifacts. Fairfield also has a connection to the Shelton Brothers Gang, a Prohibition-era criminal organization. Their crimes ranged from bootlegging to mail robbery and a gang war with rival Charlie Birger.
A range of home styles spanning more than a century
Fairfield has everything from spacious historical homes and cozy bungalows from the early 1900s to ranch-style and manufactured homes from the latter 20th century and into the 2000s. Prices typically range from about $60,000 to $210,000, depending on age, size and condition. Some lots are 1/2 acre or larger. Parts of Fairfield, including areas on the east side and near Johnson Creek, may be vulnerable to flooding.
Independently owned businesses, as well as some national brands
Fairfield has locally owned businesses such as Mindy’s Sew Shop, John’s Butcher’s Block and Rusty Star, a consignment shop. The Green Pig offers barbecue and an outdoor seating area, Jovalou Cuisine & Cocktails has an extensive menu of American fare, and Taco Tierra is known for a variety of daily specials. Cline recommends Bullard's Farm Market: "It's on the east side of town. Everything is fresh, they have baked goods and sell vegetables, plants and things like that." National brands in Fairfield include Walmart, Dollar General and Save A Lot.
Fairfield participates in the Illinois Enterprise Zone Program, which provides tax incentives for qualifying commercial and residential properties, thus encouraging economic development and renovations.
Community parks with trails, lakes and a farmers market
Leo French Memorial Park has an Olympic-size pool, baseball fields, a basketball court and walking trails around a lake. It hosts the Fairfield Farmers Market on Saturdays, June through September. Lakeside Park has more of a natural vibe, with trails and a lake. In addition to skating, Skateland Rollersport has mini-glo-golf and a family play zone.
Events, from an agricultural fair to a wine and arts festival
There are various events that bring the community together. The Wayne County Agricultural Fair, held in July, includes carnival rides, pageants, 4-H projects and shows like a tractor pull and demolition derby. The fairgrounds also host the Wine & Arts Festival in May. The multiday Fairfield Fall Fun Fest downtown in September features entertainment, pageants, a car show and parades.
Several school districts serve Fairfield students
Fairfield Public School District has two elementary schools. North Side Elementary School serves prekindergarten through third grade and earns a C-plus grade from Niche, and Center Street Elementary School, for fourth through eighth grades, receives a B-minus. Jasper Grade School and New Hope School, rated A-minus and A, are K-8 schools in separate districts serving areas on the outskirts of Fairfield. Community High School, also in a standalone district, has a C-plus. The high school offers sports football, cross country, tennis and volleyball. Some students apply to participate in TRIO Upward Bound, a college preparation program in collaboration with the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges system. One of the associated schools, Frontier Community College, is in Fairfield.
Most people drive, and two main roads go through town
At its core and in some residential areas, Fairfield has walkable, gridded streets with sidewalks. Otherwise, it’s fairly spread out, so people will likely drive. Conveniently, U.S. Route 45 and state Route 15 go through town. The Rides Mass Transit District doesn’t offer fixed routes but has limited service by advance scheduling. The closest passenger airport, Evansville Regional Airport, is about 63 miles southeast of Fairfield, in Indiana.
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Written By
Robin Silberman
