Fairfield Town Profile

Fairfield is a gorgeous waterfront setting with vibrant and inviting neighborhoods. Like all Gold Coast towns, Fairfield offers convenient access to New York.

Located along Connecticut’s Gold Coast, the town of Fairfield has long been a popular residential destination. Picturesque surroundings, historic and cultural landmarks, and big city conveniences enrich day-to-day living in this coastal community of approximately 61,000.

Lifestyle

Extending around 30 square miles from a five-mile Long Island Sound coastline, Fairfield is a blend of historic charm, deep-rooted nautical heritage, and small-town warmth.

There are five public beaches within the town limits as well as two marinas, two golf courses, 36 playing fields, 170 acres of parks, over two dozen tennis courts, and more. Fairfield also boasts a distinct cultural profile because of its place in American history. The town center is dotted with exceptional dining and shopping destinations, as well as noteworthy museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Major highways such as Interstate-95, US Route 1, and the Merritt Parkway connect Fairfield residents to New York and the rest of the tristate area. It has three Metro-North stations — Southport, Fairfield, and Fairfield Metro — on the New Haven Line.

Fairfield’s public school district, Fairfield Public Schools, is considered one of the country’s best, with a total of 17 schools: 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and one alternative high school. There are several private schools as well. Higher education is covered by Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University.

Real Estate and Neighborhoods 

Homes for sale in Fairfield, CT come in a range of styles that reflect the town’s rich history. Buyers can find sprawling estates influenced by European architecture; timeless Colonial Revival, Victorian, and Federalist-style homes; and a variety of traditional New England saltboxes and Cape Cods.

With such a wide variety of options, Fairfield’s neighborhoods appeal to home buyers of all types. There’s always a place that will make any buyer feel right at home – from bucolic Greenfield Hill and secluded Sasco Hill to walkable Grasmere and historic Southport. Other inviting Fairfield real estate options include BrooklawnFairfield BeachFairfield CenterStratfield, and Tunxis Hill.

Attractions and Things to Do

  • Dogwood Festival
    A local tradition that has been going strong for more than eight decades, this family-friendly event showcases the town’s gorgeous dogwood trees in full bloom every May.
  • Lake Mohegan
    Located in the Stratfield neighborhood, this lake ringed by deep woods is a must-visit destination for some quality R&R.
  • Penfield Beach
    If you’re looking for a quick escape to swim and enjoy other water activities in the Long Island Sound, this 3.5-acre beachfront property is a great choice.

A Brief History of Fairfield, CT

Fairfield was established in 1639 when members of the Massachusetts Bay Colony explored southwest from their Hartford settlement. Led by Roger Ludlowe, the party discovered a land of opportunity.

With miles of salt marsh lining the coast, the area was named “Fair Fields.” The population grew, bringing with it prosperous grazing and farming endeavors.

Fairfield supported the growth of the cities of New York and Boston with the development of deep water ports in areas now known as the Black Rock and Southport neighborhoods. The ports facilitated the trade of flax, livestock, timber, wheat, and the world-famous Southport Globe onion.

Today, the 225-acre Southport Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is where you can find some of the town’s very few remaining pre-Revolutionary War structures, including Fairfield’s oldest house, the John Osborne House, at 909 Kings Highway West.

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