Connecticut’s recent marketing efforts toward attracting the young population to the state have been pretty fruitful. Because “Make it here” resonates with the new generation, places like Fairfield County have been getting a lot of interest.
Fairfield County, Connecticut is one of the most historically rich counties in the US. Greenwich’s historic homes have long been used as film sets because of their look on camera. The population is quite diverse, therefore, events and festivals are held throughout the year.
However, is Fairfield County as good as it looks on camera? If you’re someone who’s looking to move, let’s delve into what makes Fairfield County a great place to live.
1. Location and Accessibility
Fairfield County is just a short distance from New York City. Interstate 95 connects Fairfield County to New York. Another option to travel is the Metro-North Railroad which takes one and a half hours and around $14-$22.
Since Fairfield is a part of the metro economy of New York, many people working in NYC live in Fairfield. Trains depart every 30 minutes for these commuters.
So, if you’re looking for a job in NYC, Fairfield County is a great place to pick. But if you’re employed in Fairfield, a weekend at Times Square or a visit to the Statue of Liberty is no big deal too.
Its access to the cities and suburban feel is what makes this county attractive to people who like city life but want to enjoy small-scale, local community events too.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Fairfield County is pretty high, mainly because of the housing prices. The median home value in Fairfield County is $443,100, whereas the national median value is $281,900. But Fairfield is comparatively cheaper than New York.
Rental properties are a great option too. Compared to New York, the median rent is much lower. So, if you wish to work in New York, but don’t want to compromise on the quality of life, Fairfield County is your best bet.
3. Quality of Education
If you’re in Fairfield County, you don’t need to worry about the quality of education since it is home to some notable school districts.
According to Niche, the New Canaan Public Schools are the highest-ranked school districts in the county and have the best teachers in Connecticut.
Districts in Greenwich and Darien are not any less. Students in these schools consistently rank high in state and national assessments.
In Fairfield County, young adults have options like Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Connecticut to pursue higher education.
4. Community and Lifestyle
With towns like Norwalk, Greenwich, and Stamford, Fairfield has its fair share of historic places. But towns like Darien can also give you the affluent suburban feel.
In Fairfield, there’s something for everyone. You will find parks, beaches, and even art galleries and museums to make your weekends and holidays vibrant.
Since Fairfield is home to a diverse population, you will find festivals of all kinds happening in the city. It gives a chance to you to learn about new cultures and try out new foods!
5. Safety and Crime Rates
According to Niche Fairfield County’s crime rates are much lower than the national average. Let’s look at the statistics to see how the crime rates compare.
| Crime Statistics (per 100,000 residents) | Fairfield rates | National rates |
| Robbery | 12.8 | 135.5 |
| Assault | 20.9 | 282.7 |
| Theft | 1,495.1 | 2,042.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 142.9 | 284 |
| Burglary | 122 | 500.1 |
Polls find that 73% of people think that the police are very visible and responsive. A huge majority (92%) of the people in the County report that they feel safe.
6. Employment Opportunities
The unemployment rate in Fairfield County is pretty low. So, the US unemployment rate is 4.1%, but Fairfield’s unemployment rate is just 2.6%. Think that is impressive? Here’s another thing for you to note:
Over 62,000 people from Fairfield County work in New York and commute to and from the city almost every day.
So, by living in Fairfield, you’ll be one of the thousands of people who work in New York while residing in the metro economy of New York. And the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that New York had 515,000 job openings in June, a huge number to add to the opportunities in Fairfield.
7. Demographics and Community Diversity
Three out of 5 people in Fairfield County are White. African Americans make up 10.7% of the population. You will also find Hispanic and Asian families living in Fairfield.
The diverse community means that you’ll get to witness and attend a number of cultural events and functions throughout the year.
8. Climate and Environment
Fairfield County has a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and humid while winters are cold and snowy. The Long Island Sound plays a moderating effect that makes the weather extremely enjoyable all year round.
The County is replete with parks and natural attractions that are attractive to both residents and tourists.
Conclusion
Fairfield County, Connecticut, offers an attractive life. The quality of life is high, the streets are generally safe, and the beaches are serene.
Even though the cost of living in Fairfield County is high, the community is culturally rich and the places are beautiful. The best part – it is just a little far from New York.
So, you can enjoy the vibrant city life on weekends, and serene, weekday evenings at the homely Fairfield County.
