Fairfield Information
About the Fairfield, Connecticut Area
Fairfield is conveniently situated only 50 miles northeast of New York City and 25 miles from New Haven. It enjoys an enviable location. It sits on the edge of the Long Island Sound, and has about two miles of public beaches and several miles of picturesque coastline where residents can enjoy a wide range of water sports. Inland, rolling hills are covered with parkland and tree lined streets. The Mill River bisects the city and empties into Long Island Sound at Southport Harbor. Its banks are dotted with parks that are perfect for walking, bicycling, picnicking and fishing. Lake Mohegan offers freshwater swimming, while winter skating is available at Gould Manor Park, Owen Fish Park and Sturges Pond. Fairfield covers 30.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 60,000.
Fairfield is a residential waterfront community as diverse as it is intriguing. It boasts cozy condominiums as well as equestrian estates. Too diverse to categorize, the residents of this former farming and seafaring community come together to enjoy a strong sense of community. There are eleven neighborhoods in Fairfield to call home: the Beach area, Tunxis Hill, Stratfield, Grasmere, Greenfield Hill, Mill Plain, Holland Hill, the University area, Southport, Black Rock Turnpike, and Town Center.
In the fall of 1639, Roger Ludlow, one of the founders of the colony of Connecticut, led a small group of men and a large herd of cattle to the shore of Long Island Sound. At a place known to the local Indians as Unquowa, they established a settlement that became known as Fairfield, named for the hundreds of acres of salt marsh that bordered the coast. The marsh provided a plentiful supply of feed for the livestock and abandoned Indian fields became the site of the settlers’ first agricultural plots. In the intervening years between those early days of settlement and today, much has occurred to change the face of Fairfield. Yet the town continues to bear the imprint of those who came before us.
Fairfield is a residential waterfront community as diverse as it is intriguing. It boasts cozy condominiums as well as equestrian estates. Too diverse to categorize, the residents of this former farming and seafaring community come together to enjoy a strong sense of community. There are eleven neighborhoods in Fairfield to call home: the Beach area, Tunxis Hill, Stratfield, Grasmere, Greenfield Hill, Mill Plain, Holland Hill, the University area, Southport, Black Rock Turnpike, and Town Center.
In the fall of 1639, Roger Ludlow, one of the founders of the colony of Connecticut, led a small group of men and a large herd of cattle to the shore of Long Island Sound. At a place known to the local Indians as Unquowa, they established a settlement that became known as Fairfield, named for the hundreds of acres of salt marsh that bordered the coast. The marsh provided a plentiful supply of feed for the livestock and abandoned Indian fields became the site of the settlers’ first agricultural plots. In the intervening years between those early days of settlement and today, much has occurred to change the face of Fairfield. Yet the town continues to bear the imprint of those who came before us.
Today Fairfield is largely a home-owner’s town. The largest majority of the approximately 20,000 housing units are single-family homes. Of the nearly 20% of residences that are not single family, most are condominium units. There are a small percentage of two-family homes and apartments. Prices in recent years have ranged from over $100,000 to more than one million dollars for single-family homes. An extensive and diverse range of housing suits the most selective tastes and pricing requirements of residents. There are stately colonials dating from the 1700’s, Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian homes, as well as striking contemporary structures and a wide variety of condominiums.
Fairfield offers a solid education to the student population. The program features a general academic curriculum, accelerated classes for exceptional pupils and a specialized agenda for the handicapped. A summer session supplements the traditional school year with a variety of academic, cultural and arts programs designed to maximize the learning potential of the town’s children. Two well-known Colleges-Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University round out the education opportunities of Fairfield. Fairfield currently has 2 high schools, 3 middle schools, and 11 elementary schools, which accommodate grades kindergarten through fifth. There are 11 private and parochial schools completing Fairfield’s spectrum of educational opportunities.
Fairfield offers a myriad of recreational activities. With two universities contributing rich culture, community art organizations, nature centers, wildlife preserves and sports opportunities galore, both intellects and sports fans will enjoy this mid-Fairfield County town. With two rivers, shorefront, and a fresh water lake, it is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Well-maintained public tennis courts, three golf courses, and 22 parks, playgrounds and picnic areas ensure outdoor fun through most of the year. There are also plenty of private clubs in Fairfield including Brooklawn Beach Club, Patterson Club, Pequot Yacht Club, Southport Racquetball, Wakeman Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Fairfield YMCA. In the winter, the hills of Fairfield lend themselves to sledding, the ponds to skating, and the woodlands to some cross-country skiing. Through the Recreation Department, you can sign up for pre-school programs, fitness classes, basketball programs, tennis, golf, volleyball, soccer, indoor recreation and even fencing. Sailing lessons and field hockey camp, softball leagues, and trips to exciting places are all available through a very active department. Another fine feature of this town is its ease of transportation. There are currently two train stations, and a third on the way that are serviced by the Metro North Railroad. Major transportation arteries, such as Interstate 95 and one of Connecticut’s scenic roads, Merrit Parkway (Route 15), offer convenience to all commuters. Southport, located on the western edge of Fairfield, is a renowned village within Fairfield. Private clubs, art galleries, and small shops cater to discerning clientele. Part of Southport has been designated a historic district, including the picturesque harbor, several churches, historic buildings and well-preserved homesteads of first families (the area was settled in 1639). The Pequot Library houses a magnificent American collection that includes rare books and other material.
Fairfield has many other items of interest. For example, it is home to the corporate headquarters of the global conglomerate General Electric. Many commercial enterprises dot the Post Road, which was once a dirt road used as a mail route from New York to Boston. Shopping is plentiful, with eclectic boutiques in Southport as well as mega stores such as Home Depot and BJ’s Wholesale Warehouse providing no reason to leave town! Because of the ethnic diversity of the residents of this town, restaurants representing the four corners of the world are not hard to find.
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