Welcome to Fairfield, CT: The EZ Ultimate Moving Guide

Imagine a stretch of golden sands washed by cooling blue waves. The salt spray carries through the breeze, and gulls caw as they fly overhead. No, it’s not Florida; it’s the shores of Fairfield, Connecticut. It’s an extraordinary living experience with a New England address. Live seaside in a community prized for its top-notch education, diverse dining, and scenic views.

Interested in moving to Fairfield? Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the transition to this incredible town.

About Fairfield, CT

It’s hard to believe this laidback town is only 50 miles from New York City. Five miles of Fairfield stretch along Long Island Sound. The parks and beaches feel more like an ocean, with those expansive bay views and charming salt-washed buildings. And at 60,000 residents, it doesn’t feel crowded like the Jersey Shore beaches.

Fairfield County has a reputation as one of Connecticut’s best places to live. Access to quality schools, health care, and jobs is just part of the town’s high quality of life. Add in the arts, beaches, and dining, and it’s easy to see why various media frequently place Fairfield in the nation’s top 100 places to live. 

Fairfield has a rich history dating back to the 1600s when English colonists settled its shores. Initially inhabited by the indigenous Paugussett tribe, the area became a thriving colonial settlement.

Its strategic location along the Long Island Sound and agricultural wealth helped it grow. Fairfield played a role in pivotal moments in American history. For instance, in the Revolutionary War, it served as a crucial supply depot for the Continental Army. Despite suffering devastation during British raids in 1779, Fairfield rebuilt and prospered. Some 18th-century sites and structures, like the Old Burying Ground and the Old Academy, are still present today.

As the centuries passed, Fairfield became home to Bridgeport’s ship captains and factory workers. Estates sprung up in the wake of the wealth, and development flourished after World War II. 

Today, Fairfield County has a reputation as being one of the nation’s most affluent counties. 

A Four-Season Paradise

Fairfield treats residents to the full splendor of the seasons. Summer shines with temperatures ranging from 80-90F. A pleasant humidity and sea breezes beckon for beach outings and outdoor adventures. Fall ushers in cooler weather and stunning foliage that paints the landscape in vibrant hues. Winter temperatures average 20-30F degrees. It sometimes brings frequent snowstorms. Other years, the snowfall is infrequent and light. Either way, you’ll have nights perfect for cozying up around a fire or days for ice skating. 

Cost of Living in Fairfield, CT

Connecticut is one of the nation’s pricier states, and Fairfield falls in line with that. Add in its waterfront location and prime access to the New York metro, and average costs run 39% over the US average. Fairfield residents even spend 24% more than the Connecticut average.

Housing is a major factor in why living costs are higher in Fairfield. The median prices are well above the state and US median prices. However, residents need larger budgets for every spending category. Miscellaneous costs–like child care, movie tickets, and clothing–run 62% above average. Transportation costs 36% more. 

Working in Fairfield

Life in Fairfield may feel very suburban because of its commute into the nearby metros and larger Bridgeport. However, the town has a robust economy of its own. 

Fairfield’s economy is historically tied to making things and maritime trades. This is like next-door Bridgeport and Black Rock. Manufacturing has recently pulled back but is still part of the landscape. 

Today, professional and business services are the leading sector for the greater metro. About 19 Fortune 1000 companies have been established in the region. The good news is that various industries drive its economic engine. Major employers work in finance, healthcare, education, and retail. 

Buying a home in Fairfield

People seek out Fairfield real estate market because of its location and waterfront access. As you peruse the current homes for sale, you’ll find a mix of historic homes, waterfront properties, and modern developments. There are single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes for sale. 

Demand for Fairfield living means housing costs run above average. The March 2024 average sold price of $860,000 is almost double the nationwide rate at the same time. Homes were under contract typically in 26 days at that time.

Naturally, homes closer to the waterfront usually command a higher value. However, even inland properties in Greenfield Hill command strong prices.

Generally speaking, Fairfield is divided into five areas. The Beach Area is the stretch on Long Island Sound, where the beaches and parks are always close. For a more traditional downtown-style life, look to the Fairfield Center and its cluster of attractions and shopping. Stratfield is near the center and has a suburban vibe. Southport has its own downtown area situated in a charming coastal historic district. Greenfield Hill is inland and has some spacious executive homes and estates.

Transportation at Your Fingertips

Commuting into the city is easy. Three Metro North Line stations stop through town, and there is an Amtrak stop in Bridgeport next door. New York City can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes by train. That short jaunt makes Fairfield a commuter’s alternative to city living.

If you want to drive into the city, Merritt Parkway and Interstate 95 will take you across Connecticut and into New York.

But what about in town? Fairfield’s wheels are turning toward a healthier and more connected community with the launch of a bicycle path network plan. This initiative aims to create a web of safe and scenic routes. The town wants to meet the growing demand for alternative commutes for its residents.

Fairfield Beaches

Five miles of coastline mean residents have access to exquisite beaches. Fairfield’s beaches are open to residents in the summer. Non-residents can buy day passes. Find more details on Fairfield’s official beach page. 

Jennings Beach and Penfield Beach are popular destinations. Their facilities support swimming, picnicking, and other recreational activities. In the summer, the town even has Movies On the Beach!

Even More Outdoor Recreation

If you don’t like saltwater swimming, try Lake Mohegan and its public swimming beach. Like the shoreline, a town permit is required to access the area. 

But living in Fairfield isn’t all about access to the waterfront. All around the town are open areas and public parks with recreation facilities. In fact, the town owns about 1,100 acres of undeveloped spaces that range from vital wetlands to upland forests. These tracts have trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

Golfers have an 18-hole municipal course and a par-3 course for quick play. Three additional private country clubs have courses; they also have tennis programs. Fairfield Indoor Tennis Club is for players of all ages. 

Birders have two Audubon Society sites with hiking trails and nature programs. They’re unrelated to the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department but are another way to spend time outdoors. 

A Pet-Friendly Community

Fairfield embraces your furry friends with open arms. Enjoy off-leash freedom at Jennings Beach (October 1 to March 31). Also, at Lake Mohegan park, find beautiful trails for leash-less adventures.

Live Music and Arts

The Downtown concert series at the Sherman Green Gazebo and the Fairfield Theater Company exemplify the community’s love for arts and music. The event schedule is most active in the summer but shows run all year. 

Walk through downtown, and you’ll discover a charming collection of art galleries and historic community theaters. It’s part of a local art community that runs studios and workshops. But this small town also has a prized art museum. The Fairfield University Art Museum collection is worth a browse to see its European and American artworks. It also has pieces from Asia and Africa, plus traveling collections. 

Dining Out

Smaller towns have a reputation of having fewer interesting places to eat, but Fairfield is different. Its dining scene has a reputation for excellence. Restaurants meet all your needs, from fast-casual to the fine dining. The town’s Restaurant Week, where local chefs give a taste of their style in a prix fixe menu, is an annual hit. 

Education Excellence

Fairfield is synonymous with educational prestige. The public school district is among the best in the state and nation, as evidenced by its schools’ ranking among the best in the state. Sherman School was the second-best elementary school in 2024, while Dwight Elementary was no. 5. Ludlowe Middle School ranked no 19, while Ludlowe High was no. 21. The system has programs for diverse learners, with STEM coursework, AP and IB programs, and gifted studies.

This good public education is complemented by prestigious private institutions. These include Fairfield College Prep and Notre Dame Catholic High School.

The town’s educational excellence extends to its higher education. Fairfield University is a respected Jesuit University with about 5,000 undergraduates and 1,200 graduates. Admissions is competitive, with about a 50% acceptance rate. It also ranks in the top 125 universities nationwide as of 2024. Sacred Heart University is New England’s second-largest Catholic university, and its 6,000 students study in over 40 programs. 

Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Commuter Parking: Apply for your parking permit through the Fairfield commuter parking page.
• Waste Management: Fairfield trash pick-up is provided by city-approved third-party vendors. See the list of licensed residential waste haulers. Alternatively, you can take your trash to a transfer station instead.
• Water Services: Aquarion Water Company is the town’s water supplier.
• Power: United Illuminating operates the local electrical grid. Southern Connecticut Gas Co is the gas supplier. 

Settling into Fairfield

Moving to Fairfield, CT, means joining a community that values quality of life, unity, and the pursuit of happiness. Its unparalleled living experience is why it’s made lists like “Best Small Towns in the USA.” By leveraging knowledge in this guide, you are well on your way to making your transition to Fairfield smooth and enjoyable. Welcome home!