Fairview's housing stock is dense for Bergen County, with a mix of older single-family homes and multi-family buildings on small lots, reflecting the borough's urban-suburban character near the Hudson River crossings. The tightly built blocks sit close to commercial corridors and transit, giving the community a walkable feel. Buyers and renters are typically drawn by proximity to New York City and the George Washington Bridge rather than by large-lot suburban living, making it a practical option for commuters.

Fairview is a compact borough organized around its main highways and commercial streets, with residential blocks filling the space between them. The neighborhoods are dense and walkable, with homes, shops, and schools in close proximity. U.S. Route 1/9 and Route 63 cut through the borough and anchor its commercial corridors, while quieter residential streets extend toward the surrounding Bergen County towns. There are no large planned subdivisions; the borough reads as an older, tightly knit community.

Fairview is a commuter-oriented, urban-suburban community. Its location near the George Washington Bridge puts Manhattan within easy reach, and the borough's dense, walkable layout supports an active street life with shops and services close to home. The community is diverse, and daily life centers on the local schools, neighborhood businesses, and the quick trip across the Hudson. Residents value the combination of a compact New Jersey address and direct access to New York City.

Fairview is served by the Fairview Public Schools, the borough's own school district. The district operates the community's public schools for local families within the compact Bergen County borough, keeping education close to home. Students and families also have access to Bergen County's broader educational, vocational, and specialized programs, as well as the cultural and academic resources of the surrounding New York metropolitan area.

Fairview sits directly on a major commuter corridor into New York City. U.S. Route 1/9, Route 63, and County Route 501 pass through the borough, providing quick highway access to the George Washington Bridge and Manhattan. Bus service and the Hudson River crossings offer transit options for commuters, while the surrounding Bergen County network connects the borough to the wider region. Its position makes Fairview one of the more transit-accessible, car-optional communities in the southern part of the county.