Fairfax 83 Exceptional
Fairfax Livability #26 ranked city in California#856 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Fairfax

PROS
  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

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What's it like Living in Fairfax?

Fairfax is a smaller city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 7,629 residents. In Fairfax, there are 3,424 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Fairfax residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Native Hawaiian. In Fairfax, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 48, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. Fairfax is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 50%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Fairfax entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 31 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fairfax, California could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Fairfax and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

Fairfax, CA receives 81/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #41 in California and #1,098 in the USA. Based on this score, Fairfax would be considered a very livable city! Fairfax also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Fairfax ranks very well for amenities (B-), crime (A) and education (A). Regrettably for Fairfax, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F) and housing (D).

If you're considering living in Fairfax, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Fairfax provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Fairfax, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 147 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Fairfax schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 71%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Fairfax an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Assuming that Fairfax meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Fairfax. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Fairfax are simply unattainable. The median home price for Fairfax homes is $858,500, which is 109.7% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fairfax, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.1, which is 26.6% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fairfax

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Compare Fairfax, CA Livability

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      Fairfax transportation information

      Statistic Fairfax California National
      Average one way commute31min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.2%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.6%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.6%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle4.3%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.2%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home19.3%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Fairfax, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).