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Fairfield

Fairfield

Suburban Neighborhood in New Jersey

Essex County 07004

$838,472 Average Value
$354 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Lower property taxes in a suburb 30 miles from Manhattan

Flanked by a large nature preserve to the north, but with major thoroughfares running through it, Fairfield is a small northern New Jersey township just 30 miles from Manhattan. Lifestyles lean towards the quintessentially suburban, with local realtors noting that Fairfield’s excellent public school pipeline is a major draw for homebuyers. But there are more unique factors that attract residents, too. “Fairfield has a little bit of industry in town, hence low property taxes,” says Lauren Orsini, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway who has friends living in the neighborhood. “It’s a place that has no problem selling homes at all, because people seek it out.” Plus, the neighborhood is filled with restaurants, and is a short drive from a commuter rail station, which is surrounded by more shopping destinations.

The property taxes in Fairfield are lower than many communities just 30 miles from New York City
The property taxes in Fairfield are lower than many communities just 30 miles from New York City
Just 30 miles from New York the taxes remain on the lower end for like townships.
Just 30 miles from New York the taxes remain on the lower end for like townships.
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Modern colonial homes, starting at $650,000

Fairfield housing is more modern compared to nearby neighborhoods. Instead of homes from the 1930s to 1950s, for example, one is more likely to see homes from the 1980s. In particular, the properties tend to be large multi-story colonials. But there’s another distinction in Fairfield: residential construction hasn’t stopped. “You typically won’t see this in a suburb like Fairfield, that’s been so built up already,” says Orsini. “But they’ve found a way to make it work, and people enjoy the extra space this neighborhood affords them. The lots tend to be larger here, in fact, and the residential roads are winding, almost countrylike. Parts of Fairfield used to be farmland.” Prices can start at $650,000 and extend up to $800,000.

Landscaped family home in Fairfield.
Landscaped family home in Fairfield.
Fairfield has many neighborhoods with moderately priced colonial style houses.
Fairfield has many neighborhoods with moderately priced colonial style houses.
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Strong sports teams at West Essex High

Schools are at the top of the list when it comes to buying in Fairfield. “People like that it’s connected to the West Essex school system, in particular the high school, which has a good sports program,” says Realtor Daniel Buschbaum with Berkshire Hathaway. Students can start off at Stevenson School, which covers kindergarten through 3rd grade, and earns a B-minus rating from Niche. They then go on to Churchill School, which earns a B, until they graduate 6th grade. West Essex Middle students enjoy a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio. The school earns an A-minus. Among the most recent athletic accomplishments for West Essex High is the football team advancing to state finals in 2023. The school receives an A rating.

West Essex High School is the home of the Knights.
West Essex High School is the home of the Knights.
West Essex High School supports a wide variety of both boys and girls competitive athletics.
West Essex High School supports a wide variety of both boys and girls competitive athletics.
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Walking trails at the Fairfield Recreation Complex

The Fairfield Recreation Complex is a popular community gathering space with sports fields and walking trails. Many neighbors meet up to let their kids romp around the playground or participate in youth sports. At a corner of the park is the Fairfield Free Public Library, which has youth and adult programs, like knitting, arts and crafts and book clubs. Residents who like to hike and fish can immerse themselves in the Great Piece Meadows, a nature preserve on the north side that spans over 1,000 acres. Spend the day hiking or fishing on the preserve. For golf enthusiasts there are two country clubs nearby: Mountain Ridge and Green Brook. Members of Mountain Ridge can play on an 18-hole championship course, while Green Brook offers tennis courts and a pool, in addition to the links.

Walking paths go throughout the Fairfield recreation complex.
Walking paths go throughout the Fairfield recreation complex.
Friends meet up for a afternoon walk at the Fairfield recreation area.
Friends meet up for a afternoon walk at the Fairfield recreation area.
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Cozy food options, like Calandra's Bakery

Despite the suburban and mobile lifestyle in Fairfield, a lot of the dining scene has a tightknit, downhome feel. “One of my favorite restaurants here is Jose Tejas, it just has a fun vibe and you’ll often see a line out the door,” says Orsini. “Calandra’s Bakery is another popular spot. They have stuff coming out of the oven every hour on the hour. People love their hot bread.” Pubs, taverns, bagel shops, diners, taphouses and steakhouses fill out the roster. Similar things can be said about the local entertainment options – the rock climbing gym and mini golf course feel inviting to regulars. But bordering to the east is Wayne Towne Center, a traditional shopping mall surrounded by big-box grocers like Costco and chain restaurants like Shake Shack. There’s also a Target before approaching the mall. “Ease of shopping and dining is definitely a big draw to Fairfield,” says Orsini. “Plus, at Willowbrook Mall there’s a park and ride, so daily routines feel integrated.”

Calandra's is one of the many casual spots to grab breakfast or lunch.
Calandra's is one of the many casual spots to grab breakfast or lunch.
If Italian food is on your mind there are an array of spots in Fairfield for lunch or dinner.
If Italian food is on your mind there are an array of spots in Fairfield for lunch or dinner.
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A pair of thoroughfares makes for easy driving

The Wayne Route 23 Transit Center offers a commuter train right in the heart of retail amenities next door to Fairfield. Drivers, though, always have immediate access to a pair of key thoroughfares: both Interstate 80 and Route 46 ride east-west across the neighborhood. There are no bus lines that run through Fairfield, and residential streets have a quiet, winding character.

Route 80 is one of the highways that cuts through Fairfield that runs to New York
Route 80 is one of the highways that cuts through Fairfield that runs to New York
Fairfield's portion of Route 46 takes commuters to New York or out to western New Jersey.
Fairfield's portion of Route 46 takes commuters to New York or out to western New Jersey.
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The Passaic River and environmental issues

One important feature to keep in mind is that Fairfield is wrapped by the Passaic River, which can flood at times. “As a homebuyer in Fairfield, I think asking if your home is in a flood zone, because it’s not just about the home itself, either, but that some of the roads can close, too,” says Buschbaum. But local efforts have been made to mitigate this as much as possible. “Fairfield is a bit of a lower lying town, but the Army Corps of Engineers have done a lot of work to prevent the river from spilling over,” says Orsini.

The Passaic River runs through the Fairfield area.
The Passaic River runs through the Fairfield area.
Nature makes it's presence known in Fairfield by the Passaic River.
Nature makes it's presence known in Fairfield by the Passaic River.
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Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Brendan Rogers
Photography Contributed By
Brendan Rogers
Jonathan Bradley
Video By
Jonathan Bradley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nancy Chu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

27 min drive

Bus

Us-46 & Fairfield Rd

Bus

Bloomfield Ave & Oak Rd

Bus

New Dutch Lane & Elderidge Rd

Bus

Us-46 & Horseneck Rd

Bus

Fairfield Rd & Gloria Ln

Bus

New Dutch Lane & Kaplan Dr

Bus

Fairfield Ave & Lincoln Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fairfield US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$725,000
Median Single Family Price
$749,000
Median Townhouse Price
$620,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$354
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
97
Months of Supply
1.10
Median List Price
$744,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
933
Median Year Built
1967
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,890
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,079
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
16,552

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nancy Chu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,444
Median Age
45
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$109,305
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$145,058

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
54.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

39 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

49 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fairfield