Welcome to East Haven
A small New England town with a big personality
The town of East Haven sits along the shore of the Long Island Sound and is about three miles from New Haven. Residents experience weather to match each season of the year, from sunshiney beach days to snow-covered hiking in the park. This provides a vast number of outdoor activities as well as upscale dining, boutique shopping, and exciting entertainment.
The history of East Haven dates back to 1683 when East Haven was part of New Haven and initially known as East Farms. Also known as Iron Works Village, East Haven was home to the third iron production industry in the New England region and the first in Connecticut. It separated from New Haven and was incorporated in 1785.
Because of its association with New Haven, East Haven properties have a similar style of architecture, including Colonial and Tudor Revival, Shingle, and Queen Anne buildings. Features of these buildings range from ornate details and irregular rooflines to asymmetrical designs and brick exteriors. The range of styles gives individuals a glimpse of East Haven’s history.
East Haven is accessible by car, train, and bus and is close to many major cities, including New York City, Boston, and Providence, Rhode Island. The proximity to these cities makes East Haven an excellent location for commuters to escape the hustle of city life and be nearby to job opportunities within and outside the town. Between transportation, weather, and abundant activities, East Haven is a wonderful place to live for people of all ages.
What to Love
- A wide array of outdoor activities
- Regularly scheduled events and festivals
- Picturesque views
- Outstanding dining options
Local Lifestyle
East Haven is a peaceful town with a suburban environment. With a population of 30,000, the location maintains a tight-knit community feel where locals are eager to mingle and support one another. Residents always have something to do throughout the year because of East Haven’s seasonal weather that accommodates indoor and outdoor activities.
Although peaceful, this small town also has a vibrant and lively lifestyle where locals spend time at parks and beaches or attend one of East Haven’s infamous festivals. Indoor activities include museums, performances, upscale dining, and boutique shopping. This vast array of options makes East Haven an exciting place to call home.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The downtown area of East Haven, known as The Centre, is where locals gather to shop, eat, and spend time with friends and family. ZINC New Haven serves a unique fusion of American and Asian cuisine. Wine lovers will revel in the beverage options at this restaurant that won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Also along Main Street are several fantastic restaurants, including Bistro Mediterranean Tapas Bar. Diners can enjoy a meal al fresco on the quaint outside patio or eat inside at the brick-lined bar or dining room. This Spanish-inspired tapas spot is a local favorite and boasts one-of-a-kind, simple cooking.
A local favorite is Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar, which specializes in perfectly cooked steak, duck, lamb, and fresh seafood. The dishes feature a cast iron cooking style developed by Chef Attilio throughout his career to bring extra flavor and seasoning. The beautiful dining room showcases a simple and classic design with tin ceiling tiles, wood-paneled walls, and an impressive custom wine rack.
For a meal accompanied by a waterfront view, residents visit the Sandpiper Restaurant. They serve classic New England fare, including lobster rolls, oysters, and Sandpiper’s famous shrimp. The decor is nautically themed, which pairs well with its fresh seafood menu and indoor and outdoor seating options.
Things to Do
East Haven has many entertaining events scheduled throughout the year that unite the community. One of the most popular is the East Haven Fall Festival which happens annually in September at the East Haven Town Green. Residents gather to experience live music, amusement rides, food vendors, and shopping.
For a day of outdoor adventure, individuals frequent Farm River State Park to hike, fish, and picnic. The state park sits along 16.5 miles of the Farm River and empties into the Long Island Sound. This marshland is a perfect location to observe wildlife or get your exercise in for the day.
In addition to parks, locals enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and recreation at the East Haven Town Beach. This beach has a pavilion that houses beach volleyball and bocce ball courts, a playground, a splash pad, and a picnic area. Residents can bring their families and friends for a day in the sun or relax by themselves with a good book.
History buffs love The Shore Line Trolley Museum, which is the oldest running trolley museum in the United States. Visitors can spend hours perusing the huge collection of documents, artifacts, equipment, and transit vehicles. They also host regular events at the museum, like arts and crafts, live music, and charity benefits.
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