Fairfield, Al (Info) (Birmingham, Bessemer, Midfield: house, bankruptcy, schools)

[Bailey-Jones]

Am considering a move to Fairfield. I have been told the area is up and coming. My Aunt has a house there that she is willing to sell me. Can anyone share their thoughts on the area. I'd really appreciate your honest opinions.

[Tourian]

There are some very pertinent recent news stories about Fairfield regarding a major job provider and retailer that should weigh heavily on your decision and perception of the city.

[bosshawk]

To be totally frank, Fairfield is about as far away from up and coming as a city can be. It has been in a downward spiral for decades with no end in sight. It is very dilapidated and dying. Given that the city's largest taxpayer, Walmart, just closed a Superstore in the city that was less than 10 years old, the city is likely facing insolvency in the near future.

[Bailey-Jones]

I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you.

[preguntas]

Watch out for that aunt; she has an agenda and hopes that you will be the one to solve it.


(in fact skip any family functions she attends)

[bhamguy]

Saw tonight on Fox 6, that Fairfield's mayor realizes (as other small suburbs should) that Fairfield is truly struggling, and that it has only 2 options...to annex into another city or Jeffco or to file bankruptcy. I think that them, along with most towns out west, should just give it up.

[Tourian]

If they do decide to annex in to Birmingham maybe it will be a catalyst for other western suburbs to do so even before they are pushed right up to the edge and have to make a drastic choice. Problem is people in general are stubborn and reluctant to change. All those politicians would effectively be out of a job and the residents who have pride and a sense of place may be opposed to letting go. Putting up "Historic such and such" banners on the lightpoles while good won't be enough for those types. However I don't get how places like Brighton and Lipscomb still operate. One sketchy gas station or one KFC out on a 20/59 exit ramp is about all either of then have as far as businesses go. And both of them have had major scandals involving city officials in the past few years.

[preguntas]

Would most of the west Jeffco towns be losing access to county schools if annexed???

[steveklein]

Originally Posted by preguntas

Would most of the west Jeffco towns be losing access to county schools if annexed???

I know Fairfield has its own school system. Or at least I thought it did. Don't know about the other towns,

[bosshawk]

Only Fairfield, Midfield, and Bessemer have their own school systems on the western side of town. All of the others go to county schools. One would assume that any town annexed by Birmingham would then be zoned for Birmingham city schools.