Fairfield

The town of Fairfield, which borders Westport to the east, was settled more than 350 years ago.

 

The town of Fairfield, which borders Westport to the east, was settled more than 350 years ago. Although the British burned 85 Fairfield and Southport homes and shops in July 1779, the town still retains many fine examples of pre and post-Revolutionary architecture. Its population of approximately 53,820 has preserved Fairfield’s atmosphere of a suburban town with a strong sense of community. Beautiful residential areas are fully protected from commercial encroachment by strict zoning regulations. Five miles of shorefront along Long Island Sound provide fine beaches and excellent boating. Located just 50 miles northeast of New York City, and 25 miles southwest of New Haven, Fairfield is convenient to both areas of commuters. In keeping with New England tradition, Fairfield is governed by a board of Selectmen and Representative Town Meetings.

 

Commuting: Trains to New York City take approximately 70 minutes from the Fairfield and Southport stations. Sixteen commuter trains run during the peak morning hours, and hourly thereafter. Public transportation is available by bus along routes established by the Greater Bus District.
Education: Fairfield Public Schools consist of eight elementary schools (grades K-5), two middle schools (grades 6-8), and one high school (grades 9-12). Special Education programs serve home-bound students as well as those with a variety of disabilities. All schools are accessible to the handicapped. Students whose problems are too severe to be met by tutoring or full or part-time placement in Special Education classes may be eligible for placement in special schools.
Recreational Facilities: Opportunities for swimming, boating, tennis, golf, camping, hiking, and cycling abound in Fairfield. Five saltwater beaches plus freshwater alternatives are free to Fairfield residents. Fairfield’s boat basin accommodates approximately 700 boats. There is additional space in Southport for mooring, docking, and launching. Thirty-four asphalt tennis courts are operated by Fairfield’s Recreation Department. Five lighted clay courts are covered with a “bubble” for use from October through May. For golfers, there is a nine-hole, Par Three course, and two regulation 18-hole courses, all open to the public at nominal green fees. The Recreation Department sponsors supervised play programs at some 25 playgrounds and ballparks. Indoor activities such as basketball, badminton, exercise, and weight training are available year-round.

 

Cultural Opportunities: An extensive variety of cultural activities and opportunities satisfies the wide range of interests of Fairfield residents. Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University both sponsor choral and chamber music groups that feature numerous concerts each year. The Chamber Orchestra of Connecticut, the Pequot Music Club, and the South Shore, Music Club hold concerts at the Pequot Library’s recital hall. Fort theater enthusiasts, there are three theater groups: The Boston Post Road Stage Company. The Fairfield Community Theater and The Fairfield Teen Theater. Many local artists exhibit their works around town in banks, libraries, and galleries. Tile young Artists Association of Fairfield holds monthly exhibitions and sponsors a summer arts and crafts show on Sherman Green. Other groups include Fairfield Art for Youth and the Fairfield County Arts Association. Three libraries and two universities located in Fairfield offer local residents an endless stream of Cultural opportunities in all aspects of the arts.