There is one unique ZIP code in Fairfield, Pennsylvania and it is 17320. Area code: 717/223.
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ZIP codes
57.00
sq mi land
0.16
sq mi water
717/223
area code
Fairfield, PA ZIP code map
About Fairfield, PA
Fairfield is a small borough and surrounding township located in Adams County, Pennsylvania, carrying a quiet rural charm that sets it apart from the busier communities nearby. Situated in the rolling hills of south-central Pennsylvania, Fairfield is perhaps best known to history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers who are drawn to its proximity to some of the region's most significant landmarks. The community is served by a single ZIP code, 17320, reflecting its compact and close-knit character.
Location & geography
Fairfield lies in Adams County in south-central Pennsylvania, positioned just a few miles west of Gettysburg and near the Maryland state border to the south. Nearby communities include Gettysburg, approximately 8 miles to the east, Waynesboro roughly 12 miles to the southwest, Emmitsburg, Maryland about 10 miles to the south, and Chambersburg around 20 miles to the northwest. The area encompasses 57.00 square miles of land and 0.16 square miles of water, with terrain characterized by gently rolling farmland, forested ridges, and small streams typical of the Cumberland Valley foothills.
Community & economy
Fairfield has the feel of a quintessential small Pennsylvania borough, where agricultural heritage blends with a growing interest in heritage tourism spurred by its proximity to Gettysburg National Military Park. The local economy is supported by farming, small businesses, and services catering to residents and visitors passing through the region. Daily life in Fairfield revolves around its historic main street, local schools, and the natural landscapes that make Adams County one of Pennsylvania's most scenic rural areas.
Transportation
Fairfield is accessible via Pennsylvania Route 116, a key corridor that connects the borough to Gettysburg to the east and extends westward toward the Maryland border and Waynesboro. U.S. Route 30, one of the region's primary east-west arteries, is accessible nearby through Gettysburg, providing broader regional connectivity. The nearest commercial airport is Harrisburg International Airport, located approximately 50 miles to the northeast, while Hagerstown Regional Airport in Maryland offers an alternative option roughly 25 miles to the southwest.
History
Fairfield has roots dating back to the late 18th century, when settlers of Scots-Irish and German descent established farms and small enterprises in the fertile valleys of Adams County. The borough played a peripheral but notable role in the Civil War era, as Confederate forces passed through the area during the Gettysburg Campaign of July 1863, including a significant cavalry action near the town. Agriculture and milling were the economic foundations of early Fairfield, and the community has worked to preserve its historic character into the modern era.
Did you know?
One little-known fact about Fairfield is that the Fairfield Inn, a historic tavern on the main street, has been in operation since the early 19th century and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating inns in Pennsylvania. The borough's location just west of Gettysburg means it sits within a broader landscape of Civil War history that extends well beyond the famous battlefield itself.
