Living in Milford, CT
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to Milford, CT? Explore our complete guide to living in Milford, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Offering 17 miles of coastline, a historic downtown green and New England charm, Milford, CT, is known as “A Small City with a Big Heart.” From grabbing a warm Connecticut-style lobster roll at the harbor to catching live music on the green or taking a low-tide walk toward Charles Island at Silver Sands State Park, living in Milford offers classic coastal conveniences without sacrificing charm. Situated along Long Island Sound about 11 miles southwest of New Haven, the 50,631 people who call Milford home have their pick of picturesque beach cottages and New England Colonials, with a median home value of $381,175. Residents don’t have to go far for suburban comforts like the Connecticut Post Mall, the state’s largest mall, or to catch a show at Pantochino Productions. Milford attracts commuters to NYC and New Haven, as well as families of all ages seeking great schools and an active, nature-centric lifestyle right on the water.  

Top Reasons to Move to Milford, CT:

• A Coastal Community: Milford’s a natural beauty with its well-preserved shoreline and Long Island Sound location. Residents can stroll the three-quarter-mile boardwalk connecting Silver Sands State Park to Walnut Beach, explore barrier beaches and salt marshes at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, or spend summer days relaxing at one of the city’s beaches. Gulf Beach is a favorite for all ages, with its stunning shores, fishing pier, beach volleyball and views of Charles Island.
• A Full Social Calendar: Milford Green is the second-longest town green in New England, anchoring downtown with shade trees, a gazebo and duck ponds and serving as the city’s social center. The walkable downtown district is lined with historic 18th-century architecture, independent stores, craft coffee shops like Café Atlantique and waterfront dining at Dockside Brewery and Bin 100. The community comes together for outdoor movie nights, the Walnut Beach Association Concert Series and the Milford Artisan Market – Fall Festival. Perhaps the crown jewel of Milford’s social calendar is the Milford Oyster Festival, a massive late-summer celebration with oyster tastings, live music and food and drinks.
• Milford Is Family-Friendly: Education is a major draw for families relocating to Milford. The Milford Public Schools district is tiny but mighty. Serving just over 5,000 students, the district consistently earns national recognition as a great place for teachers, thanks to its highly favorable 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Parents love the district’s high academic standards, AP offerings and competitive athletics. Spend an afternoon with the kids at Bodie’s Place at Eisenhower Park, a massive, inclusive playground for children of all abilities, or attend a story time at Milford Public Library. Be sure to follow up any afternoon outing with a stop at Scoopy Doos, a popular ice cream spot.
• Life on the Water: Spending time on the water is built right into the city’s DNA. Boaters enjoy full-service marinas, guest slips at Lisman Landing and easy boat launches straight into the sound. Milford Harbor Marina is a deep-water harbor with private yachts, kayak rentals, fishing charters and waterfront dining. More than a dozen beaches dot the area, too! Milford is the birthplace of the lobster roll, and Seven Seas Restaurant & Pub is a local staple. On-the-water events, kayaking along the Wepawaug River and seafood shacks make every weekend feel like a dream coastal getaway.
• In a New York Minute: Commuting across the tri-state area is stress-free. Milford has its own downtown Metro-North train station, offering direct rail service into Grand Central Terminal in New York City and Union Station in New Haven. Drivers also enjoy instant access to I-95 and the Merritt Parkway (Route 15). When it’s time to get out of town, two local/regional airports and four major commercial airports are within an hour’s drive.