Find Counselors Serving
Meriden, CT

Frequently asked questions

Meriden, CT

Meriden is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, located halfway between the regional cities of New Haven and Hartford. The city is part of the South Central Connecticut Planning Region. In 2020, the population of the city was 60,850.

Meriden was originally a part of the neighboring town of Wallingford. It was granted a separate meetinghouse in 1727, and became a town in 1806 with over 1,000 residents. Meriden was incorporated as a city in 1867, with just under 9,000 residents. It was once proposed as the Connecticut state capital. It was named for the village of Meriden, West Midlands, England, near Birmingham.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.1 square miles (62.5 km²), of which 23.8 square miles (61.5 km²) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²), or 1.66%, is water.

Meriden is a showcase for a number of prominent peaks of the Metacomet Ridge, a mountainous trap rock ridgeline that stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border. Notable peaks in Meriden include the Hanging Hills (West Peak, East Peak, South Mountain, and Cathole Mountain); Lamentation Mountain, Chauncey Peak, and Besek Mountain. Castle Craig, a city landmark for over a century, was constructed among the Hanging Hills in Hubbard Park.

The Quinnipiac River courses through the southwest quadrant of the city, known to area residents as "South Meriden", where it meanders through a gorge lined with several exposed sandstone and brownstone cliffs. Harbor Brook (originally named Pilgrim Harbor Brook) cuts through the town from the northeast to the southwest before emptying into Hanover Pond, an impoundment on the Quinnipiac River in South Meriden.

Meriden places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. MidState Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For fitness enthusiasts, the Meriden YMCA provides a comprehensive range of programs including group fitness classes, swimming, and personal training. The Meriden Green is another excellent spot for outdoor yoga and community events. For a more personalized fitness experience, Edge Fitness Club offers advanced equipment and specialized classes. To unwind, the Viso Bello Spa provides a range of relaxing treatments. The Meriden Adult Education center also hosts wellness workshops and fitness classes.

Top sites in Meriden, CT are Solomon Goffe House Museum, Quinnipiac River Park, and Hubbard Park.

Population: 60,850 (2020). ZIP codes: 06450. Area codes: 203, 475. Elevation: 177 ft (54 m). Area: 24.16 sq mi (62.58 km²).

FAQs

Is Meriden, CT expensive?

Meriden, Connecticut's cost of living is 9% higher than the national average. Meriden's housing expenses are 4% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 34% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 11% higher than the national average. Meriden has grocery prices that are 1% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Meriden is 12% higher than the national average.

What is Meriden, CT famous for?

Meriden is the showcase for one of the finest Traprock Ridges in all of New England. The Ridges frame the City, from Mount Lamentation along the easterly boundary to West Peak along the westerly boundary. These mountain ridges were recently protected by the City Council for future generations to enjoy. Meriden is the home of Hunter Golf Course, one of the finest public golf courses in New England. 

What is the crime rate in Meriden, CT?

The crime rate in Meriden is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 26 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Meriden is 1 in 38. Based on FBI crime data, Meriden is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Connecticut, Meriden has a crime rate that is higher than 92% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Meriden

Neighborhood Scout

Payscale

Solomon Goffe House Museum

Quinnipiac River Park

Hubbard Park

MidState Medical Center

Planet Fitness

Meriden YMCA

Meriden Green

Edge Fitness Club

Viso Bello Spa

Meriden Adult Education

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.