Fair Oaks

Bounded by Madison Avenue to the north, San Juan Avenue to the west, American River to the south and Mississippi Bar to the east, Fair Oaks is a small, flat and middle-class community. It’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is under 30,000 residents (many of whom come from a white background). The area is a mix of semi-rural and suburban areas, with a handful of neighborhood shops plotted along busy streets.

The city is a friendly, all-encompassing community. During the first weekend of May, Fair Oaks hosts the annual Fair Oaks Spring Festival in Old Fair Oaks Village. The festival celebrates the community’s residents, hosting a Saturday parade and Sunday fun-run, which are both complimented by a myriad of children’s games and food vendors.

For year-round outdoor activities, the Northridge Country Club falls along the northwestern border, offering a beautiful 18-hole course. American River, Mississippi Bar and its accompanying parkland edge Fair Oak’s southeastern edges. The location is a hot spot among those looking to camp and explore by horseback. Moreover, the community provides an off-leash dog park in Phoenix Park.

Neighborhoods have a farm-like quality to them, considering all of the open space, long driveways and tall, wood paneled fencing surrounding many of its properties. The neighborhood homes are a mix between house levels. Newer and refurbished homes are commonly two-stories while older residences are stretched one-story houses. The streets are typically quaint and safe with nicely trimmed lawns and lush green properties.

Fair Oaks school system is part of the greater San Juan Unified School District. The city’s top school’s include Earl LeGette Elementary School, Will Rogers Middle School, Del Campo High School and Bella Vista High School.