We spent a few hours at the Pantry in downtown Fairfield, meeting with locals and asking them what they thought about the news that Money Magazine ranked Fairfield the ninth best place to live in the country, and the best small city in New England. Did we deserve this title? And if so, what makes Fairfield a great place to live? Here are their responses. We welcome yours, and we’ll publish them in an upcoming issue. Just email them to Deb@millrivermedia.net.
—DKO

Bruce Donatuti, Fairfield resident for 10 years
“It’s great because of the diversity. And you can throw a stone and hit a restaurant, shop, theater or the University. There’s still a feeling that you’re in ‘Cleaverville,’ but it’s also a sophisticated bedroom community of the City.”

Ron and Vincentia Dobson, Fairfield residents for two years
“We came here from Long Island, because we have family here. It’s got everything. The golf is great—we both play at Smith. It’s got great restaurants too.” (Ron)

“It’s more cosmopolitan than I thought it would be.” (Vincentia)

Rachel Mazzarelli, Fairfield resident for six years
“I love it for silly reasons: It’s got great restaurants, there’s culture, it’s close to the city and we’ve got water and mountains nearby.”

Pam Martin, Fairfield resident for two years
“It’s a very diverse community, which is something I really appreciate. I also love the convenience of Fairfield to the things we need and to the City. There’s also accessibility to tons of activities for kids. You can find everything nearby and can usually get your child enrolled in the activity. We’ve lived all over the country, and that’s not always true. Finally, the schools are great and there’s a wonderful variety of schools.”

Lily McGonagle, age nine
“It’s a great place to live because there are no hurricanes or earthquakes or anything like that, that can destroy our town.”

Alison Ward, lifelong Fairfield resident
“It has changed a lot. The good part is there are more possibilities for culture. I used to have to go to Westport or Southport for that. But along with that has come what I call the ‘New York attitude.’ There’s more rushing and snobbery. It’s not what it used to be.”

Teale Keane and daughter Laura Hoglund, Fairfield residents for 30-plus years and 26 years, respectively
“It’s got everything—a great town, the beach. And it’s
in between Boston and New York, and I have family in
both.” (Teale)

“I’d like to come back. I love it here.” (Laura, who just got married at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church)

Tiffany Garrity, Fairfield resident for one and a half years
“We moved here because of the great schools, the proximity to the beach and the train into New York City. We love it here. It’s a throwback to the ’50s and ’60s—the way the kids just run out of the house, visit the neighbors and play in the neighborhood.”

Don Vidoli, Fairfield resident for 21 years
“I think it’s an excellent community. Certainly the school system is excellent. And the town was blessed with a great location. We’ve got the shore and we’ve got the hills.”

Barbara Beever, Fairfield resident for 21 years
“There’s a diversity here, which I enjoy. I love the beach and the shoreline and how I can just get down there and smell the salt air. It’s got history like the old graveyards and that wonderful Copper Beech tree on Greenfield Hill. I go up and hug that tree. I also love the fact that I can hop on a train and get to New York, but not have to live there. And, I enjoy sitting in my back yard listening to the hummingbirds.”

Carolyn Xifaras, Fairfield resident for 10 years
“It’s a great town. They’ve put in a few too many banks, but there are also a lot of great businesses coming in. I’m a little surprised it was ranked number one in New England. It’s very expensive and the taxes are high. I also come from Rhode Island where they have ‘real’ beaches. And I’d like to see more going on at night. But it’s a good town, a nice town.”

Kelly Browne, Fairfield resident for 11 years
“Fairfield is nice because it has a lot of energy from the colleges. It’s also very family friendly.”

Joan Newman, Fairfield resident for 35 years
“I really like Fairfield a whole lot. It’s close to the City, but we’re in suburbia. It has even gotten better lately. Now there are restaurants. I used to have to go into Westport, and now I don’t.”

Jennifer and Jim Ramirez, lifelong Fairfield residents, who met when lifeguarding at the beach
“You can get everything right here: restaurants, shopping, movies. And it’s a beautiful town. I’m not going to leave.” (Jennifer)

“It’s got the new and the old. The old theater, and the new restaurants. The Old Post Road is great.” (Jim)

Lee Domeika, 16 years old and a lifelong resident
“It’s really convenient with the downtown. It’s small, and everyone’s friendly. And it’s got great schools where I’m getting a great education.”

Pam Paulmann, Fairfield resident for six years
“I do love it here. We used to live in Westport, but Fairfield is more community-oriented. It’s a nice community with nice people. Plus it has everything. I love my church, I love my schools, I love walking to dinner, shops and the train. It’s a great walking community.”