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West Haven, CT

Frequently asked questions

West Haven, CT

West Haven is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, located on the coast of Long Island Sound. The city is part of the South Central Connecticut Planning Region. At the 2020 census, the population of the city was 55,584.

Settled in 1648, West Haven (then known as West Farms) was a part of the original New Haven Colony. In 1719, it became the separate parish of West Haven but was still officially a part of New Haven until 1822.

During the American Revolution, West Haven was the frequent launch and arrival point for raiding parties on both sides of the war. On July 5, 1779, the British invaded New Haven Harbor and came ashore in West Haven and East Haven. Thomas Painter, a teenage militiaman watching for the approaching British ships while standing atop Savin Rock, is depicted on the city seal. The main commercial street, Campbell Avenue, is named for British Adjutant William Campbell, at the time an ensign in the Third Guards, who rescued the Reverend Noah Williston, the local Congregational minister, and outspoken revolutionary, from being bayoneted by British and Hessian troopers, after he broke his leg trying to escape his captors. Campbell then ordered the soldiers to help the minister back to the parsonage and had the regimental surgeon set his leg. Campbell is also credited with keeping the troops in reasonably good order during their march through the village and reportedly had two soldiers arrested after a local woman accused them of stealing her jewelry. Campbell was killed hours later atop Allingtown Hill on his way to New Haven by a local farmer-turned-defender. Campbell is buried in the Allingtown section of town off Prudden Street. Patriot victims of the invasion are buried in the Christ Church and First Society Cemetery. A historical headstone marks Campbell's approximate gravesite and is maintained by the West Haven Historical Society.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11 square miles (28 km²), of which 10.75 square miles (27.8 km²) is land .2 square miles (0.52 km²), or 1.54%, is water. West Haven has 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of publicly accessible beaches, which is one-quarter of the publicly accessible beaches in Connecticut. The hilly Allingtown district of the city is home to the University of New Haven.

West Haven is in the south-central portion of Connecticut's 3rd congressional district. The city is bound on the southwest by the Oyster River (the boundary between West Haven and Milford since colonial times), northwest by Orange, north by New Haven, and northeast by the West River, which divides West Haven and New Haven. To the east is New Haven Harbor and to the south is Long Island Sound. The Cove River flows through the city.

West Haven places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Yale New Haven Hospital - Saint Raphael Campus and West Haven Medical Group provide comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring a patient-centered approach to well-being. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Orange Theory Fitness is a popular spot for high-intensity interval training that helps with both cardio and strength. The West Haven Community House provides numerous fitness classes and wellness programs for all ages. For yoga enthusiasts, The Breathing Room offers a wide range of classes in a serene environment. Edge Fitness is well-equipped with modern facilities and personal training options.

Top sites in West Haven, CT are Bradley Point Park, Savin Rock Park, and West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center.

Population: 55,004 (2022). ZIP Codes: 06516. Area codes: 203, 475. Elevation: 33 ft (10 m). Area: 10.92 sq mi (28.27 km²).

FAQs

What is West Haven, CT is known for?

West Haven prides itself on being home to the longest stretch of publicly accessible shoreline in Connecticut. The city’s nearly 4-mile tract of beach on Long Island Sound comprises 25% of the state’s public beaches, a valuable asset that is ripe for discovery. West Haven is also home to one of the best beaches to visit in New England, according to Globe Magazine, published by The Boston Globe and Boston Globe Media. In the magazine’s 2018 Summer Travel edition, West Haven, specifically the Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary, was ranked 11th out of “The 20 best beaches to visit in New England.”

What is the crime rate in West Haven, CT?

The crime rate in West Haven is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 22 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 West Haven is 1 in 45. Based on FBI crime data, West Haven is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Connecticut, West Haven has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is West Haven, CT a good place to live?

West Haven is in New Haven County. Living in West Haven offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In West Haven, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in West Haven and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in West Haven are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of West Haven

Neighborhood Scout

Niche

Bradley Point Park

Savin Rock Park

West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center

Yale New Haven Hospital - Saint Raphael Campus

West Haven Medical Group

Planet Fitness

Orange Theory Fitness

West Haven Community House 

The Breathing Room

Edge Fitness

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