What It’s Like To Live In Fairfield, CA

Thinking about a move to Fairfield, CA, but not sure what day-to-day life actually feels like? You’re not alone. Many buyers and renters look here for more space, a manageable commute, and a quieter pace without giving up key amenities. In this guide, you’ll learn how Fairfield is laid out, where people live, how you can get around, and what everyday life looks like so you can decide if it fits your goals. Let’s dive in.

Where Fairfield fits in NorCal

Fairfield sits along the Interstate 80 corridor between the Bay Area and Sacramento. It anchors Solano County and connects closely with Suisun City and Vacaville. Because of that location, you’ll find a mix of local jobs and regional commuters who head west toward Oakland and San Francisco or east toward Sacramento.

The city feels suburban and car oriented. You’ll see established neighborhoods near downtown and larger subdivisions built from the 1970s through the 2000s. Fairfield’s position near Travis Air Force Base also shapes local life, housing demand, and services.

Housing and neighborhoods at a glance

You’ll find a wide range of homes:

• Single-family houses across many subdivisions, often 3 to 4 bedrooms with yards.
• Townhomes and condos in select pockets.
• Apartments and garden-style rentals near major corridors and shopping.
• Older homes near downtown on smaller lots with walkable access to local shops.

Areas to explore

• Downtown Fairfield. Older housing stock and a more traditional street grid. You can walk to local restaurants, services, and community events.
• Near Travis Air Force Base. Steady housing demand, a practical choice if you work on or near the base, and convenient access to major roads.
• Newer subdivisions. Master-planned streets, larger floorplans, and more modern interiors. These areas often appeal if you want recent construction and more space.

Renting in Fairfield

Rental options range from newer apartment communities along main corridors to smaller complexes and single-family rentals in established neighborhoods. If you’re relocating for work or testing the area before buying, a short-term rental can help you learn commute patterns and neighborhood rhythms.

Cost and value snapshot

Fairfield is generally more affordable than many core Bay Area counties. That value is a major draw if you’re moving from San Francisco, the Peninsula, or parts of Contra Costa. Buyers often find more interior space and a yard for the price, while renters see a broader range of options than in many urban centers. Exact numbers change with the market cycle. If you’re comparing neighborhoods, watch for shifts tied to Bay Area job trends, remote work, and base-related turnover.

Commute and getting around

Driving

Interstate 80 is the main artery, taking you west toward the Bay and east toward Sacramento. State Route 12 and local arterials connect to Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo, and toward Napa. Driving remains the most flexible option for most residents. Travel times vary by direction and time of day, so test your route during the hours you plan to commute.

Rail and regional transit

• Capitol Corridor rail. Trains serve the Suisun-Fairfield station, giving you access to Oakland and Sacramento. Check the Capitol Corridor schedule and routes to see if departure times match your workday.
• Amtrak connections. For additional intercity service and ticketing, review Amtrak’s schedules.
• Local and regional buses. Fairfield and Suisun Transit operates local routes and regional links. Explore FAST bus maps and schedules for daily trips. You can also connect to nearby systems through SolTrans regional routes, which help tie into broader Bay Area transit.

Some commuters also drive to Vallejo to catch ferry service to San Francisco. If that fits your routine, you’ll likely combine a short drive with a ferry ride, then walk or transit on the San Francisco end.

Airports

Major airports include Sacramento International, Oakland International, and San Francisco International. Plan for traffic patterns when booking early flights and returns.

Everyday life: parks, food, and errands

Outdoor recreation

• Rockville Hills Regional Park offers miles of trails and scenic open space for hiking and mountain biking.
• Suisun Marsh and waterfront are a quick drive, with birding and boating opportunities in a distinctive marsh landscape.
• Day trips. Napa wine country, regional lakes, and state parks are within a comfortable drive for weekend adventures.

Shopping and services

Daily errands are simple, with grocery stores and neighborhood centers spread across the city. Solano Town Center serves as a regional mall, and you’ll find big-box retailers, specialty shops, and dining options along key corridors.

Local attractions and community

• Jelly Belly Candy Company runs a well-known factory and visitor center in Fairfield. It’s a fun local stop for tours and treats.
• Seasonal events and farmers markets bring neighbors together throughout the year. City-run programs, libraries, and community centers support a full calendar of family-friendly activities.

Overall, the lifestyle is suburban and relaxed. You get a quieter feel than urban Bay Area cities while keeping access to essentials and weekend fun.

Schools and education

Fairfield is served primarily by the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. School performance varies, so it is best to review district resources and California Department of Education data to understand programs, enrollment, and test trends for specific schools. For higher education, Solano Community College has a local presence, and UC Davis and CSU Sacramento are regional options.

If schools are a priority, plan school tours early, confirm boundaries, and compare offerings like AP courses, pathways, and extracurriculars.

Safety and practical tips

Safety can vary by neighborhood. If this is important to you, review recent reports from local law enforcement and neighborhood-level crime maps to understand patterns. When you tour homes, visit at different times of day to get a feel for traffic, lighting, and activity.

Practical house-hunting tips for Fairfield:

• If you commute, test drive times to I-80 during your actual commute hours.
• Near major roads and industrial corridors, evaluate potential noise at morning and evening peaks.
• In low-lying areas near marshlands, review floodplain information and insurance considerations before you make an offer.
• For newer subdivisions, ask about HOA fees and what they cover.

How Fairfield compares nearby

Fairfield shares a lot with other Solano County cities when it comes to suburban feel and relative value compared to core Bay Area counties. Vacaville is a bit farther east along I-80 and has its own mix of new subdivisions and shopping. Vallejo sits closer to the Bay with ferry access to San Francisco. If you’re looking in Contra Costa County, many areas are closer to Bay job centers but can come with higher housing costs. Your choice usually comes down to the balance you want between space, commute, and price.

Home search strategy that works here

• Set your commute range, then shortlist neighborhoods that fit.
• Decide if you prefer an established area near downtown or a newer subdivision with larger floorplans.
• If you are military or work near the base, focus on access routes that align with your schedule.
• If outdoor access matters, weigh proximity to Rockville Hills and Suisun Marsh trails.
• For rentals, consider a short-term lease first to get a feel for daily routines before locking into a longer term.

Ready to explore Fairfield?

If Fairfield’s mix of value, access, and everyday convenience lines up with your goals, touring a few neighborhoods is the best next step. A local advisor can help you compare commute options, spot home features that matter in this market, and navigate timing with confidence. When you are ready, reach out to Carla Shaheed to set up a personalized tour plan that fits your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

FAQs

What are the main commute options from Fairfield?

• You can drive on I-80, ride Capitol Corridor trains from the Suisun-Fairfield station with the Capitol Corridor schedule, use FAST local buses and SolTrans regional routes, or connect to Amtrak via Amtrak schedules.

Are there good outdoor activities near Fairfield?

• Yes, Rockville Hills Regional Park offers hiking and biking, the Suisun Marsh and waterfront provide birding and boating, and Napa wine country and regional lakes are within a comfortable drive.

What types of homes are common in Fairfield?

• You’ll see single-family houses across many subdivisions, select townhomes and condos, apartments along major corridors, and older homes near downtown on smaller lots.

How does Fairfield compare to other Bay Area options?

• It generally offers more space for the price than many core Bay Area counties, with a suburban lifestyle and regional access that works for many commuters.

How can I evaluate schools in Fairfield?

• Review Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District resources and California Department of Education data, then schedule school tours and confirm boundaries for the neighborhoods you’re considering.