Fairfield is a rural and tight-knit town between Waco and Palestine
Fairfield offers buyers a small downtown with plenty of restaurants, businesses, and an array of single-family homes and outdoor spaces. Located between Palestine and Waco, Fairfield, the Freestone County seat, was initially focused on cotton growing, but grew to be a center for electrical power production and coal mining. While the coal-fired plant has been closed, a new gas-fired plant, operated by Calpine, opened northeast of town. Libby Harris, a sales agent with Premier Realty, who has sold in the area, notes that the city maintains an agricultural feel, with plenty of ranches and farms on the outskirts of downtown. However, Harris says a new luxury housing development off Fairfield Lake, as well as an expansion to the powerplant aims to bring more people to this town of 2,800.
A mix of housing styles with a newer development under construction
Homes can range from Craftsmans to ranch-styles, bungalows and New Traditionals. The median price is over $199,000, lower than the state and national medians. While prices generally stay below $450,000, some properties can reach above $1 million.
Properties are typically on gridded streets with large lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Properties with more acreage and farmsteads surround Fairfield. Newer luxury homes and a golf course will be built along Fairfield Lake as part of a new resort. Harris says the complex is already under construction but is “quite a ways off” from completion.
Outdoor fun at Fairfield City Park, local lakes or wildlife areas
Fairfield City Park has multiple amenities, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, courts and disc golf. The 41,000-acre Richland-Chambers Reservoir, north of town, has fishing and boating. The Big Lake Bottom Wildlife Management Area allows for wildlife viewing, hunting and hiking. The Tri-County Golf Club at the Vineyards in nearby Teague is a public, 6,000-yard course.
The Freestone County Fairgrounds hosts multiple events, including agriculture shows, a yearly rodeo and concerts. The city also holds a parade and fireworks on Fourth of July.
Students can go to the Fairfield Independent School District
Students can attend the Fairfield Independent School District, graded B on Niche. They can start at Fairfield Elementary, scored B-plus, and then go to B-rated Fairfield Intermediate. Fairfield Junior High earns a B-minus. Fairfield High has a B, while the district offers career courses in agriculture and technology.
Dining and shopping in downtown and on Highway 84
Restaurants are mainly concentrated along Highway 84 and Commerce Street and include a mix of chains and local spots. Sam’s Original Restaurant serves barbecue, fried chicken and homemade pies. Ponte’s Diner offers breakfast items, burgers and sandwiches. Rancho Viejo has Mexican dishes.
Downtown has several boutiques and antique stores. Grocery shopping can be done at Brookshire Brothers, Dollar Tree and Dollar General. More shopping options are 35 miles east in Palestine or Corsicana, 33 miles north.
Weather risks in Fairfield
Maps show there is a slight flooding risk in Fairfield. Severe storms and tornadoes are also a possibility.
Interstate 45 and U.S. Highway 84 are the main routes out
Fairfield is car-dependent and has no public transit connections. The entrances to Interstate 45 are along U.S. Highway 84 and Commerce Street. U.S. 84 connects to Palestine and Waco. Waco Regional Airport is 67 miles west, while Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is 114 miles northwest. Freestone Medical Center is on Newman Street, offering emergency and surgical care.
