Connecticut’s new slogan “Make it here” is now garnering a lot of attention. People from all over the country, especially youngsters are considering Connecticut as their next home.
In Connecticut, Milford is one of the cities specifically getting more attention than the others, all thanks to its historic charm, modern amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings.
This coastal town is especially getting attention for its accessibility. A weekend in New York or hustling in Boston’s best locations won’t be a problem when you’re based in Milford.
If you’re considering Milford for living, you might want to consider more than picturesque coastal areas and amenities. In this article, we will give you six reasons that make Milford a great place to live in Connecticut.
1. Location and Accessibility
Located in New Haven County, Milford is situated between New York City and Boston. So if you’re travelling from Milford to Boston or New York – not a problem.
Milford’s Metro-North Railroad is a great option for commuters to get to New York City. The train takes around 2 hours to get to the Grand Central Terminal in New York and runs every thirty minutes.
Going to Boston takes a little over two hours via bus. However, you could always use a car if you’re travelling with family to save up on costs
2. Cost of Living
Milford’s cost of living is higher than the national average. According to Best Places, to live comfortably as a family in Milford, the wage should be $6,270 per month. This is 16.1% more expensive than the national average.
Housing prices for a typical home are around $392,000, 8.3% more expensive than the Connecticut average, and 15.9% more expensive than the national average.
However, the housing market offers a mix of historic homes, modern condos, and new construction. So, whatever your budget may be, finding a home in Milford would not be a problem.
But if you love the coast, Milford is the place to pick, especially if you’re considering the cost of living. Milford’s cost of living is generally lower than other coastal towns in Connecticut.
3. Quality of Education
If you’re moving with family, Milford boasts a strong public school system. You will find schools here with a 10 to 1 student-teacher ratio. You also have a range of options if you wish to enroll kids in private schools.
The best part is that New Haven is home to Yale University, one of the Ivy Leagues. People living in Milford can commute to New Haven in no time. The University of Connecticut and Sacred Heart University are two other options for higher education when you’re living in Milford.
4. Community and Lifestyle
If you’re a foodie, new restaurants are popping up in Milford now. But the best part about Milford is its small-town vibe. If you’re social, you can get into the community scene and enjoy a range of local events like the Milford on the Sea.
Under the Milford on the Sea umbrella, there are a range of events including music nights showcasing local talent with live music, drama, and art displays. You can go on boat trips every weekend to rewind and reconnect with nature.
If you’re a dog lover, there is an annual dog show too! People train their dogs and prepare for the entire year to get awards in various categories. Those with expertise in gardening get the chance to showcase their skills in plant shows.
Plus, if you like to meet up and contribute to the community spirit of volunteerism, there are a lot of local charity and fundraising events to attend too!
Follow the Visit Milford on Sea website to keep up to date with community events.
What most residents love about Milford is being able to bike along the shores of Long Island sound water. The serene experience is similar to therapy and holds the power to heal you in and out.
If you’re a foodie and a beach lover, the popular “The Lighthouse” is a must-visit. This is a seaside bar and restaurant that serves delicious delicacies and cuisines from breakfast through dinner!
As far as the amenities go, there are numerous grocery stores and big supermarkets like Costco. Plus, the snow in the winter and the community Christmas events will give you holiday movie vibes.
5. Safety and Crime Rates
Milford is safer than 15% of the cities in the USA. The chances of you becoming a victim of a property crime is 1 in 41 and a violent crime is 1 in 1,174. However, the police department is quite dedicated, so you’ll be safe as long as you follow the protocols and take necessary precautions for your safety.
6. Employment Opportunities
Milford’s job market is quite diverse. So whether you’re looking for a role in manufacturing, healthcare, or finance, Milford can give you the opportunities you need. However, you can also take up a job in New Haven or Bridgeport if you’re living in Milford.
Milford has an unemployment rate of 3.9% which is 2.1% less than the US average. This shows that if you try, you might find the right opportunity in Milford. However, because Milford is close to New Haven, you might experience traffic congestion during peak hours.
7. Demographics and Community Diversity
The diverse nature of the cultural events, shops, and restaurants reflects the diversity in the Milford community. If we talk statistics, a majority of the people living in Milford are white (83.4%). However, you will also find a few Hispanic and Asian families in the region as well.
The age range is quite diverse too. So, you will see a number of young professionals and even retirees when you attend the local events in the community.
8. Climate and Environment
Milford’s winters are harsher than most US cities. The snow in the winter can restrict activity during this time, but it gives a nice, holiday feel during Christmas time.
However, because Milford is a coastal area, the summers are humid. Its beautiful coastline is a tourist spot during the summer since the temperatures range between 28 and 16 degrees. But if you’re living in Milford, you can enjoy the coastline anytime you feel!
Conclusion
Milford, Connecticut, is a great place to live in. Although the winters get quite tough, the summers are equally enjoyable. You’ll see Milford residents often biking by its beautiful coastline.
Although Milford is safer than just 15% of US cities, a strong sense of community will probably make you feel safe. The public education system in the city is great and the job market isn’t so bad. So, if you’re young, or moving with family, Milford may be the perfect place for you.