West Haven, CT

Settled in 1648, West Haven (then known as West Farms), was a part of the original New Haven Colony. In 1822, the areas of West Haven and North Milford joined and became the town of Orange. It was not until 1961 that West Haven was incorporated as a separate town. West Haven is Connecticut’s youngest city, but one of the state’s oldest settlements.

Today, West Haven, CT has a rich history and culture, as well as miles of beaches that attract tourists from around the world each year. West Haven offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from fishing and swimming to picnicking and exploring the area's many nature trails. The downtown area is bustling with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues for people to enjoy. West Haven also boasts numerous educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to two universities. There are plenty of reasons why West Haven continues to be an attractive place for people looking for a diverse and exciting lifestyle. Large industrial city/College town - South coast along Long Island Sound, 75 miles northeast of New York City.

Places to Visit:

  • Seabluff Beach
  • Baybrook Beach
  • Morse Beach
  • Oak Street Beach
  • West Haven Veteran's Museum and Learning Center
  • Alliance Children's Theatre at UNH

Climate:

    West Haven, CT has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer months is around 81 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winter temperatures can reach as low as 10 - 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The area also receives an average of 44 inches of rain each year, with snowfall typically occurring between December and March. The city also experiences extended periods of dry weather throughout the spring and fall months.

Transportation

    Interstate 95, Connecticut State Route 34 (also known as Derby Avenue), and U.S. Route 1 (the Boston Post Road) run through West Haven, between Orange and New Haven. Route 162, which both begins and ends at Route 1, starts in Orange, passes through West Haven, and ends in Milford. A north-south state road, Route 122, begins in New Haven, comprising Forest Road, a stretch of Campbell Avenue and First Avenue up to the junction with I-95.

    Bus service is provided by Connecticut Transit New Haven. West Haven Center is served by the various 265 and 271 routes (main service along Campbell Avenue). The 265B service continues to Saw Mill Road and Bull Hill Lane; the 265R service run along Jones Hill Road and terminate at the Baybrook Shopping Center near Oyster River; the 265S service continues to Savin Rock via Second Avenue. The Route 271M/S routes run along the West Haven shore towards Milford. The Route 261 route serves the areas along Orange Avenue. The 268 route serves the Veterans Affairs Hospital (C) and Bull Hill Lane (B).

    A rail line, used by Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak, runs through West Haven. In 2013, the Connecticut Department of Transportation opened a new Metro-North station in West Haven, across from the former Armstrong factory.[18] West Haven station provides commuter rail service on the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line. The station provides full service on Metro-North into New York City, and has 660 parking spaces on-site. Amtrak does not stop in West Haven; the closest Amtrak stop is New Haven's Union Station.

    Tweed New Haven Regional Airport, in New Haven, is the closest facility offering air service to West Haven.