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New Haven, CT

New Haven, CT

New Haven is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. It is located on New Haven Harbor on the northern shore of Long Island Sound and is part of the New York City metropolitan area. With a population of 135,081 as determined by the 2020 U.S. census, New Haven is the third largest city in Connecticut after Bridgeport and Stamford, the largest city in the South Central Connecticut Planning Region, and the principal municipality of Greater New Haven, which had a total population of 864,835 in 2020. Prior to 1960, it was the county seat of New Haven County until the county governments were abolished that year.

New Haven was one of the first planned cities in the U.S. A year after its founding by English Puritans in 1638, eight streets were laid out in a four-by-four grid, creating the "Nine Square Plan". The central common block is the New Haven Green, a 16-acre (6 ha) square at the center of Downtown New Haven. The Green is now a National Historic Landmark, and the "Nine Square Plan" is recognized by the American Planning Association as a National Planning Landmark.

New Haven is the home of Yale University, New Haven's biggest taxpayer and employer, and an integral part of the city's economy. Health care, professional and financial services and retail trade also contribute to the city's economic activity.

The city served as co-capital of Connecticut from 1701 until 1873, when sole governance was transferred to the more centrally located city of Hartford. New Haven has since billed itself as the "Cultural Capital of Connecticut" for its supply of established theaters, museums, and music venues. New Haven had the first public tree planting program in the U.S., producing a canopy of mature trees (including some large elms) that gave the city the nickname "The Elm City".

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.1 square miles (52.1 km²), of which 18.7 square miles (48.4 km²) is land and 1.4 square miles (3.7 km²), or 6.67%, is water.

New Haven's best-known geographic features are its large, shallow harbor, and two reddish basalt trap rock ridges which rise to the northeast and northwest of the city core. These trap rocks are known respectively as East Rock and West Rock, and both serve as extensive parks. West Rock has been tunneled through to make way for the east–west passage of the Wilbur Cross Parkway (the only highway tunnel through a natural obstacle in Connecticut), and once served as the hideout of the "Regicides" (see: Regicides Trail). Most New Haveners refer to these men as "The Three Judges". East Rock features the prominent Soldiers and Sailors war monument on its peak as well as the "Great/Giant Steps" which run up the rock's cliffside.

The city is drained by three rivers; the West, Mill, and Quinnipiac, named in order from west to east. The West River discharges into West Haven Harbor, while the Mill and Quinnipiac rivers discharge into New Haven Harbor. Both harbors are embayments of Long Island Sound. In addition, several smaller streams flow through the city's neighborhoods, including Wintergreen Brook, the Beaver Ponds Outlet, Wilmot Brook, Belden Brook, and Prospect Creek. Not all of these small streams have continuous flow year-round.

New Haven places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Yale New Haven Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Orangetheory Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Edge Fitness Club provides a comprehensive range of fitness equipment and classes for all levels. Breathing Room Yoga offers yoga classes that promote relaxation and flexibility. New Haven Pilates offers personalized pilates sessions to improve strength and posture. Greater New Haven OB/GYN provides comprehensive women's health services.

Top sites in New Haven, CT are Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, Yale Peabody Museum, and Lighthouse Point Park.

Population: 135,319 (2023). ZIP codes: 06501–06540. Area codes: 203, 475. Elevation: 59 ft (18 m). Area: 20.13 sq mi (52.15 km²).

FAQs

What is New Haven, CT known for?

The city served as co-capital of Connecticut from 1701 until 1873, when sole governance was transferred to the more centrally located city of Hartford. New Haven has since billed itself as the "Cultural Capital of Connecticut" for its supply of established theaters, museums, and music venues. New Haven had the first public tree planting program in the U.S., producing a canopy of mature trees (including some large elms) that gave the city the nickname "The Elm City".

Is New Haven, CT expensive to live in?

New Haven, Connecticut's cost of living is 14% higher than the national average. New Haven's housing expenses are 15% 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. New Haven has grocery prices that are 1% lower than the national average. Healthcare in New Haven is 12% higher than the national average.

What is the crime rate in New Haven, CT?

With a crime rate of 37 per thousand residents, New Haven stands out for having one of the highest crime rates in America across communities of various sizes. This statistic encompasses both violent and property crimes, indicating a significant risk for residents. Specifically, the chance of experiencing either type of crime in New Haven is approximately one in 27, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and community vigilance.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of New Haven

Neighborhood Scout

Payscale

Yale University Art Gallery

Yale Center for British Art

Yale Peabody Museum

Lighthouse Point Park

Yale New Haven Hospital

Orangetheory Fitness

Edge Fitness Club

Breathing Room Yoga 

New Haven Pilates

Greater New Haven OB/GYN

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