Fairview, Tennessee
Naturally Embracing Growth and Change
Connecting community, nature and economic growth ensures a bright road ahead
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Williamson County, Fairview, Tennessee, offers more than meets the eye. A place that prides itself on community, nature, and responsible growth, Fairview is a unique city that balances the peace of rural life with the convenience of metropolitan access. While Fairview is just 30 minutes from Nashville, it features a distinctive identity that blends small-town charm, economic promise, and an expansive commitment to outdoor recreation. The city is particularly proud of its 700-acre Bowie Nature Park, one of the largest in the state.
In a recent conversation with Fairview’s leadership—Lisa Anderson, Mayor; Patti Carroll, Economic and Community Development Officer; and Tom Daugherty, City Manager—the trio shares their vision for Fairview’s future. They discuss what makes this Tennessee city a hidden gem and how it prepares for growth and preservation. Their insights highlight a community that honors its history while eagerly embracing a sustainable, dynamic future.
Where community and nature thrive
Fairview’s strong sense of community is at the heart of its identity, deeply tied to its natural beauty. For residents, the city isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to feel at home. Carroll highlights Fairview’s close-knit atmosphere: “We are a tightly formed community based on family and mutual support.”
Mayor Anderson adds, “Our city is incredibly welcoming. It’s safe, friendly, and picturesque. We just hosted the World Series for softball, and many visitors told me Fairview would be a wonderful place to live.”
A large part of that sense of belonging comes from Fairview’s commitment to maintaining its natural spaces. Bowie Nature Park, with its miles of trails, lakes, and areas for biking and horseback riding, is a sanctuary that draws both residents and visitors. “Bowie Nature Park is our pride and joy,” Carroll says. “It’s a place where families gather, where people come to escape the hustle and bustle, and where we preserve the natural beauty that makes Fairview special. It’s one of the largest nature parks in the state and will remain a protected through the land trust implemented by the city.”
Fairview’s nature-first approach extends beyond its park system. Mayor Anderson emphasizes that despite the city’s growth, there is a conscious effort to keep Fairview green. “We’ve experienced a lot of development, but we always emphasize beauty and nature. Our commitment to preserving green spaces is part of what makes Fairview unique,” she says.
New projects, new opportunities
Fairview’s leadership has its eyes set on the future, ensuring the city grows in a way that benefits all residents. Key infrastructure projects designed to manage growth and improve quality of life are at the forefront of their efforts. The City Center project, for example, is a significant mixed-use development that will bring new restaurants, retail spaces, townhomes, and single-family homes to Fairview. “The City Center project is something we’re excited about,” Daugherty explains.
“Within the next year, we’ll see restaurants and retail spaces going vertical, and the residential areas will follow. This development will play a big role in the future of Fairview.”
Infrastructure in Fairview isn’t just about new development—it’s about maintaining and improving what’s already here. “Roads are a huge focus for us,” Mayor Anderson says. “We’re working on resurfacing projects, straightening Northwest Highway, and addressing traffic issues on Highway 100. We want to ensure we’re prepared for the coming growth, but we also want to keep Fairview functioning smoothly for current residents.”
One of the city’s most significant wins recently is the relocation of Lazestar, a Department of Defense contractor, from California to Fairview. “Lazestar is bringing 25 to 30 new jobs to Fairview, and what’s more, they’re working with our local high school to offer internship opportunities for students in our mechatronics program,” Mayor Anderson explains. “This is a big deal for us because our students previously had to travel close to an hour to get their required internship hours. Now, they’ll have opportunities right here in Fairview.”
In Fairview is home to several other manufacturers, including Scott Fetzer, France Lighting Solutions, Northland Motor Technology, and Power Wind. “Our industrial park is thriving,” Daugherty says. “We have several companies that provide excellent employment opportunities and Fairview continues to attract more. It’s an exciting time for Fairview’s economy.”
Meeting housing demands
Like many growing cities, Fairview faces the challenge of ensuring its housing market can keep up with demand. “Right now, we have nearly 3,000 rooftops approved for development, but construction takes time,” Anderson says. “The inventory is low, and as soon as homes become available, they’re purchased. We’re working hard to meet the demand, but we also want to ensure that we’re building in a way that aligns with Fairview’s values.”
Daugherty echoes the importance of responsible growth. “We’re in a period of transition,” he says. “Over the next five to seven years, we will see significant changes in Fairview. Our goal is to manage that growth while preserving the community feel that makes Fairview special.”
The City Center project will be key in addressing the housing shortage, offering a mix of townhomes and single-family homes. “We’re looking at a timeline of three years for the residential side of City Center to be completed,” Daugherty notes. “It’s going to help alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market, but we’re also mindful of making sure these developments fit into the character of Fairview.”
A prime business hub
While Fairview is a growing residential community, it’s also becoming an attractive location for businesses looking to relocate or expand. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from businesses because of Fairview’s location,” Carroll says. “We’re just 30 minutes from Nashville, Franklin, and Dickson and have great access to major highways. It’s a prime spot for businesses that want the convenience of being close to the city without the cost or congestion.”
Fairview’s location in Williamson County makes it desirable to businesses. “Being in Williamson County is a huge advantage,” Mayor Anderson says. “It’s a place where people want to live, which makes it a place businesses want to be.”
Fairview’s growing business community includes everything from dental offices and strip malls to mom-and-pop antique stores, which draw visitors from surrounding areas. “Our antique stores are a big part of what makes Fairview unique,” Mayor Anderson says. “We have people coming from all over to visit them, and they add to the charm of our community.”
Bringing Fairview residents together
Fairview’s community spirit is perhaps most evident in its events, which bring residents together and attract visitors from outside the city. For example, the annual “Third of July” celebration has grown into a massive event that draws tens of thousands of people to the town. “We had 28,000 people at this year’s event,” Daugherty says. “That’s almost three times the size of our population. It’s become a huge draw, and it’s all sponsored by local businesses, so it isn’t a taxpayer burden.”
In addition to the Third of July event, Fairview hosts other family-friendly events throughout the year, including Nature Fest, a fishing rodeo at Veterans Park, and a backpack giveaway for students. “Our events are a big part of what makes Fairview desirable,” Mayor Anderson says. “They bring people together and create a sense of belonging that’s hard to find in larger cities.”
The city’s leadership works closely with local schools to support students and families. “We’re very kid-driven,” Carroll says. “Whether through our events or our partnerships with the schools, we do everything we can to ensure families feel connected and supported.”
Planning for progress
As Fairview looks to the future, its leadership is focused on ensuring that the city continues to grow in a way that benefits all residents. One of the top priorities is addressing traffic congestion, particularly along Highway 100. “TDOT has us on a 10-year plan to widen Highway 100, but we’re pushing to get that timeline moved up,” Mayor Anderson says. “When something happens on I-40, Highway 100 becomes the alternate route, creating a lot of congestion. We need to get that road widened sooner rather than later.”
Daugherty also highlights the importance of infrastructure improvements in supporting Fairview’s growth. “We’re working on everything from resurfacing roads to adding a new fire station,” he says. “It’s all part of ensuring Fairview can handle the growth that’s coming while maintaining the quality-of-life people love.”
Fairview’s leadership is excited about the future but mindful of growth challenges. “We’re at a turning point,” Daugherty says. “Fairview could possibly see more change in the next five years than it has in the past 50, and that’s both exciting and a little daunting. But we’re committed to making sure we grow in a way that keeps Fairview the special place it is today.”
With a mix of community spirit, natural beauty, and economic opportunity, Fairview is poised for a bright future. Its leadership is ready to embrace growth challenges while staying true to the values that make this Tennessee city a unique and desirable place to call home.
AT A GLANCE
Who: Fairview city leadership, Lisa Anderson, Mayor; Patti Carroll, Economic and Community Development Officer; and Tom Daugherty, City Manager
What: A small city known for its rural charm and close-knit community, Fairview offers residents a suburban lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, especially Bowie Nature Park, one of the largest city-owned parks in Tennessee.
Where: Located in Williamson County, approximately 30 miles west of Nashville.
Website: https://www.fairview-tn.org/
