Why Live in Fairfax
Fairfax, a neighborhood in Oakland, is characterized by its Mediterranean and Craftsman-style homes dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. These homes often feature shingled roofs, brightly painted exteriors and spacious front porches. The area is well-connected, with multiple Alameda-Contra Costa Transit bus stops along Foothill Boulevard providing direct routes to the nearby Fruitvale BART Station, less than 2 miles west. Interstate 580, located about a mile west, offers easy access to San Francisco, which is less than 20 miles away, and Oakland International Airport, approximately 6 miles south. Fairfax boasts three community parks within walking distance: Brookdale Park, featuring a playground and basketball courts; Courtland Creek Park, which offers a walking trail and a creek restoration project; and Maxwell Park, known for its mosaic murals and shaded areas. The neighborhood is also near San Leandro Bay, offering waterside parks. Dining options include CocoBreeze Caribbean Restaurant and Bakery, Ruth’s Buka for Nigerian cuisine and Taqueria El Plaza for Mexican specialties. Grocery shopping is convenient with Cardenas Market and Shop Rite Supermarket nearby. Brookdale Park hosts community events, such as the Jamaican Food Festival, and family-friendly Halloween gatherings, while the Oakland Public Library – Melrose Branch offers weekly art workshops and storytime sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax a good place to live?
Fairfax is a good place to live. Fairfax is considered fairly walkable and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Fairfax is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Fairfax has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 20.8 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $113,128 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 46.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Fairfax are home owners, with 42.8% of residents renting and 57.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Fairfax can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Fairfax neighborhood guide.
Is Fairfax, CA a safe neighborhood?
Fairfax, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Fairfax?
The median home price in Fairfax is $679,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $135,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.18%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,320 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $142K a year to afford the median home price in Fairfax. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Fairfax is $113K.
What are the best public schools in Fairfax?
The best public schools that serve Fairfax are:
What are the best private schools in Fairfax?
The best private schools that serve Fairfax are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Fairfax, Oakland, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Fairfax, Oakland, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Fairfax?
Yes, home prices in Fairfax are down 3% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Fairfax, CA
On average, homes in Fairfax, Oakland sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairfax, Oakland over the last 12 months is $725,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$725,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$725,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$604
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median List Price
$679,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%