About Fairfield · Local Links · Maps & Driving Directions
Welcome to Fairfield! One of Iowa's most unique and progressive communities...
Fairfield, Iowa boasts an impressive list of uncommon attributes, which is why it continues to capture the attention of visitors, business people and city aficionados nation-wide. Nestled in the southeast corner of Iowa, approximately 2 hours drive south from Des Moines—the state’s capital—and one hour drive southwest from Iowa City, Fairfield embodies a small town feeling with a big city bustle. Of the approximately 10,000 residents, the town is shared by 5th generation local Iowans and a sizeable number of relocated residents which have migrated to Fairfield from all parts of the globe.
Green Community
What looks like a typical Midwestern town, rooted in agrarian lifestyles and solid American businesses, Fairfield is also home to Maharishi University of Management (MUM), a university that brings a large percentage of international students and faculty from all parts of the world, most of whom are practicing Transcendental Meditation, the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This meditative community has spawned many related interests and businesses in the Fairfield community, most notably health-related businesses, organic agriculture and and an interest in “green” and sustainable living, as evidenced by the nation's first Sustainable Living major at the University, and many related businesses in town.
Iowa Great Place
Fairfield has been designated as “One of Iowa’s Great Places” by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and chosen by Mother Earth News as “One of the 12 Great Places You Never Heard Of”. Fairfield has been the winner of the “Entrepreneurial Capital of Iowa” Award, both for its fertile and conducive environment for business start-ups, and its many successful businesses that already make up its healthy business community. In addition, Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy was recently ranked #12 out of the "Top 15 Greenest Mayors" of the country by MSN. In 2009 Fairfield was granted the Radish Award for the Fairfield Green Strategic Plan.
Famous for the Arts
Another distinguishing sign of its success as a community: Fairfield is home to more than 300 resident artists, musicians, writers and theater talent, and the home of a brand new Arts & Convention Center, including The Stephen Sondheim (520 seat) state-of-the art Performance Theater, luring first rate theatrical productions and Broadway performers, for both training and performances. The highly popular First Friday’s Art Walk—held on the first Friday of each month (year round!)—has made Fairfield a destination location for artists and their supporters, and has spawned a new interest in the arts that is noticeably larger than the size of the town.
Other Distinguishing Characteristics
- More restaurants per capita than San Francisco!
- A bustling downtown square with unique shops, restaurants and services
- Over 1000 acres of parks and wildlife areas, including 17 miles of walking and biking trails
- A dynamic center of interest in organic farming, alternative energy and new building techniques, including Sustainable Living Majors at the University
- A hub of interest in health and healing, offering a wide selection of health stores, spas, therapies, and alternative health treatments
- Adjacent to Maharishi Vedic City - the newest city in America and home to:
· The Raj - An Ayurvedic Health Spa and Resort rated #1 in the country by The Spa Finder
· Maharishi Vedic Observatory - An assembly of outdoor structures designed for observing the sky, constructed and based on ancient Vedic principles of astronomy
These are just a few of the high points of Fairfield. So much to do, maybe you should plan to stay longer!
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