Fairborn Ohio
Real Estate
University Town with Small-City Energy
Fairborn is a city of roughly 34,000 residents in Greene County that offers a unique blend of university-town energy and suburban livability. Home to Wright State University, Fairborn has a youthful, diverse population and a downtown that's experiencing genuine revitalization. The city sits between Beavercreek and Xenia along the I-675 corridor, giving residents easy access to retail, dining, and employment across the eastern Dayton metro. With more affordable housing than its neighbors to the west, Fairborn is an increasingly popular choice for first-time buyers and young professionals.
Living in Fairborn
Fairborn has a personality that sets it apart from the typical Dayton suburb. The downtown corridor along Main Street features local restaurants, shops, and a walkable streetscape that's improving year over year. Wright State University brings cultural events, athletic programs, and a diverse community. Housing is more accessible here — you'll find ranches, bungalows, and two-story homes at price points well below Beavercreek and Centerville. The Fairborn community is tight-knit, with active neighborhood associations and a growing sense of momentum.
Want to see what's currently available? Find your next home in Fairborn on Glasshouse Realty — view active listings, pricing trends, and neighborhood details.
Popular Neighborhoods in Fairborn
Explore the neighborhoods that make Fairborn unique. From historic districts to newer developments, each area has its own character and appeal.
Downtown Fairborn
$140,000–$220,000Downtown Fairborn features historic charm with a walkable Main Street lined with local businesses, restaurants, and community events. It appeals to buyers who value small-town character with proximity to Wright State University.
Wright State Area
$150,000–$230,000The neighborhoods surrounding Wright State University are popular with students, faculty, and staff seeking convenient access to campus. The area offers affordable housing and a diverse, active community.
Kauffman Avenue Corridor
$160,000–$240,000The Kauffman Avenue corridor is an established, community-oriented area with well-maintained homes and convenient access to schools and parks. It represents solid value in the Fairborn market.
Fairborn at a Glance
Population
~34,500
Median Home Price
$175,000–$260,000
Median Household Income
$52,000–$68,000
Avg Commute to Dayton
18–25 min
School District
Fairborn City Schools / Beavercreek (partial)
Cost of Living
10–12% below national average
Real Estate in Fairborn
Fairborn offers genuine value, with median prices between $175,000 and $260,000 — significantly lower than neighboring Beavercreek and Centerville. The city is attracting attention from investors and first-time buyers who see the upside in a community with strong bones, improving infrastructure, and proximity to Wright State University. As the downtown revitalization continues, property values are expected to appreciate.
Top Reasons to Move to Fairborn
Schools in Fairborn
Fairborn High School
The city's comprehensive high school with strong athletics, vocational programs, and a growing academic profile.
Wright State University
A major public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, cultural events, and community engagement throughout Fairborn.
Fairborn Intermediate School
A well-regarded school within the district, known for community engagement and academic support.
Things to Do in Fairborn
Wright State University
Home to the Nutter Center for performing arts, athletic events, and a campus that anchors Fairborn's cultural life.
Downtown Fairborn
A revitalizing downtown corridor with local restaurants, shops, and community events — the heart of Fairborn's identity.
Fairborn Community Park
A central green space with playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas for family recreation.
The Greene (nearby)
Just minutes away in Beavercreek, The Greene town center offers upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Wright State Nutter Center
A multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairborn
Is Fairborn Ohio a good place to live?
Yes, especially for Wright-Patterson AFB employees and value-focused buyers. Fairborn sits directly beside the base with the shortest commute in the region, an affordable housing market, and a cost of living below the national average. It pairs small-city convenience with easy access to Beavercreek's shopping and Wright State University. Glasshouse Realty agents know the Fairborn market well.
How much do homes cost in Fairborn?
Median home values range from roughly $160,000 to $210,000 depending on the source, with recent median sales around $225,000 to $245,000 and home values about 50% below the national median. That affordability is why Fairborn is commonly recommended as a first-time-buyer market. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you find the right home.
How long is the commute from Fairborn to Wright-Patterson AFB?
Fairborn is the closest off-base community, directly adjacent to the WPAFB main gate on State Route 444, with a 5 to 10 minute drive from most addresses. No other suburb gets you to work faster. Glasshouse Realty agents can find homes that minimize your drive to the gates.
How good are Fairborn schools?
Fairborn City Schools is a small district that rebuilt all four school buildings between 2020 and 2027, a $155 million-plus investment, with a four-year graduation rate around 94.5% on the state report card. Niche rates the district B- overall. Glasshouse Realty agents can confirm school assignments for any address.
Is Fairborn safe?
Fairborn is roughly average for Ohio. Violent crime runs below the national average, and property crime sits below state and national averages, though it is more concentrated in the northwest part of the city. A Glasshouse Realty agent can share neighborhood-level data.
Does Fairborn have a city income tax?
Yes. Fairborn levies a 2.0% city income tax, with credits for taxes paid to an employer city, and property taxes fund Fairborn City Schools on top of that. It is one of the lower municipal rates in the metro. Glasshouse Realty agents can estimate the full tax picture.
What is the commute from Fairborn to Dayton?
Downtown Dayton is about 15 to 20 minutes away via US-35, and The Greene and the Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek are minutes from most of the city. Average commutes for all Fairborn workers run around 20 minutes. Glasshouse Realty agents can optimize your route.
Is Fairborn good for first-time buyers?
Yes. Fairborn's median prices near $210,000 to $245,000, a low 2.0% city income tax, and a 5 to 10 minute commute to the base make it one of the most accessible entry points in the Dayton metro. OHFA down payment assistance can help qualified buyers. Glasshouse Realty agents specialize in first-time buyers.
Is Fairborn a good place to raise a family?
Yes for budget-minded and military families. Fairborn offers affordable homes, a rebuilt school campus, youth sports, and the shortest commute to Wright-Patterson AFB in the region. School ratings are modest, so families often weigh district choices carefully. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you match the right neighborhood.
What is there to do in Fairborn?
Wright State University anchors cultural life with the Nutter Center arena and campus events, downtown Fairborn has a revitalizing Main Street of local restaurants and shops, and The Greene in Beavercreek is minutes away for shopping and dining. Glasshouse Realty agents can point you to the highlights near your next home.
Is now a good time to buy in Fairborn in 2026?
Yes for most buyers. Fairborn remains a value-oriented seller's market with steady demand from base personnel, well-priced homes staying below the metro median, and roughly 2.3 months of supply metro-wide against a balanced mark of 4 to 6 months. The Miami Valley median sale price rose to $271,500 in September 2026. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you act on well-priced homes.
What is the cost of living in Fairborn?
The cost-of-living index lands near the national average, around 100 on most indexes, with housing the biggest savings: median home values run roughly 50% below the national figure. Combined with the shortest commute to Wright-Patterson AFB in the region, that value makes Fairborn a popular pick for base personnel. Glasshouse Realty agents can help you model an honest budget.
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in Fairborn
Glasshouse Realty is deeply rooted in the Fairborn market. Our agents live and work in Greene County, and we bring that ground-level knowledge to every transaction. Whether you're buying your first home or selling a property, we know the schools, the neighborhoods, the market trends, and the details that make the difference in Fairborn.
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