Fairfield embraces New England charm as a small town in Central Maine
Fairfield is a small town along the western banks of the Kennebec River, a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding tree canopy changes with the seasons, turning crimson in fall, glistening with snow in winter and returning to green in spring. Beside the riverfront is a quaint downtown with a handful of locally owned businesses that serve this town of fewer than 7,000.
Beyond downtown, Fairfield’s landscapes are mostly rural, and its location in central Maine offers access to major routes like Interstate 95 and nearby cities such as Waterville, which is less than 5 miles to the south. “There’s a segment of people who want to be near Waterville, but not necessarily right in the thick of it. Fairfield is a great option for those folks who want to have a little bit more of a small-town feel,” says Nick Isgro, a Realtor with eXp Realty and central Maine native.
Recreation includes parks, fishing spots and snowmobile trails
Downtown Fairfield features green spaces like Veterans Memorial Park, known for its shaded walking path, war memorials, picnic benches and a wooden gazebo that hosts the town’s annual summer concert series. Kids can enjoy the Water Street Playground next to the Fairfield Community Center, which also hosts events such as the Central Maine Chocolate Festival. The center hosts local groups including Fairfield PAL Sports, a youth athletic organization for kids in the local school district.
Fairfield PAL Sports operates an athletic complex near the town’s youth fishing pond, which is stocked with brook trout. Anglers of all ages can fish at Mill Island Park in the Kennebec River, where brown trout are common. Boaters can access the river at the Fairfield and Hinckley Boat Landings. Fairfield averages about four feet of snow annually, and the Fairfield Country Riders Snowmobile Club maintains trails for winter use. In warmer months, these trails are popular with ATV riders. The town’s countryside also features two disc golf courses: Quaker Hill and Angry Lobster.
Some parts of town feel suburban, while the countryside offers space
Fairfield offers a range of housing styles and options. Downtown has a suburban feel, with tree-lined streets featuring traditional New Englander, Cape Cod and ranch-style homes. Some properties overlook the Kennebec River, though they may face a higher flood risk. Fairfield also has several unincorporated villages with a higher concentration of homes.
Residents farther from downtown enjoy more privacy, with sprawling ranch-style homes, farmhouses and custom-built properties on spacious lots. Many country homes rely on well water and septic systems. Fairfield’s median lot size is just over half an acre, and some homes have space for a small homestead or hobby farm. Prices typically range from $150,000 to $350,000, though larger builds can reach $500,000. Mobile homes generally sell for $80,000 to $240,000.
Fairfield is part of MSAD 49, which has a new campus opening soon
Maine School Administrative District 49 (MSAD 49) serves the community. Lawrence Primary and Lawrence Junior High each earn a C-plus from Niche, while Lawrence High School receives a C. High school students can take dual enrollment courses through partnerships with Kennebec Valley Community College and Thomas College, earning high school and college credit simultaneously. In the 2025–26 school year, MSAD 49 will open Lawrence Elementary School, a new campus for upper elementary students located next to Lawrence Primary School, which will continue serving lower elementary grades.
Fairfield is home to both Kennebec Valley Community College campuses, and Thomas College is less than 10 miles away in Waterville. Residents are also less than 5 miles from Colby College.
Quaint downtown with local favorites and essentials near unique finds
Downtown anchors the community with a mix of shops and restaurants. Family Dollar, Village Market, and Walgreens meet everyday needs, while small businesses like Blue Lobster & Seafood add local flavor. Dining highlights include Belanger’s Drive-In & Dairy Bar, serving seafood baskets, burgers and soft serve for over 50 years. Other favorites are Fairfield House of Pizza, Hillman’s Bakery and the Purple Cow House of Pancakes, a nostalgic diner known for its American breakfasts. Downtown is also home to the Lawrence Public Library and several houses of worship.
Just off U.S. Route 201, the Fairfield Antique Mall stands out as Maine’s largest group shop, with over 100 dealers offering furniture, décor and clothes. In the countryside, residents can shop at Hilltop Farms & Greenhouses and The Apple Farm. Larger retailers like Walmart, Home Depot and Hannaford are about 5 miles away in Waterville.
Residents rely on cars, with I-95 connecting them to bigger cities
Fairfield is a car-dependent area at the intersection of U.S. Route 201 and Interstate 95. The interstate offers a direct route to bigger cities, leading about 25 miles southwest to Augusta and roughly 50 miles northeast to Bangor. "It's really a perfectly centrally located place to be," Isgor says. The closest airport is Augusta State Airport, which offers daily flights to Boston via Cape Air. For more commercial flights, residents can head to Bangor International Airport. Healthcare is close by, with MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Thayer Center for Health less than 5 miles from Fairfield.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
