About West Haven

West Haven, located on the western shore of New Haven County along New Haven Harbor, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Bordered by the Oyster River to the southwest and Orange to the northwest, West Haven boasts the longest coastline in Connecticut, partially protected by the historic “Breakwater,” a series of stone walls constructed in the 1880s. These scenic shores attract both residents and visitors to the city’s beaches, parks, and waterfront restaurants.

The city is also home to prestigious educational institutions, including the University of New Haven and the Yale West Haven Campus, bringing a youthful energy and academic excellence to the area.

Founded in 1648 by leaders from New Haven County, West Haven was initially known as West Farms. The early settlers saw great value in its beautiful shoreline, dense forests, and fertile farmland. In 1822, part of West Haven and North Milford became what we now know as Orange. West Haven became a separate town in 1961, officially earning its status as Connecticut’s youngest city. Today, the city preserves its rich history through museums, properties on the National Register of Historic Places, and its stunning shorelines.

In 2023, Dorinda Borer became the 13th mayor of West Haven. A former member of the West Haven Board of Education and a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, Mayor Borer is dedicated to bringing out the best in West Haven. She is committed to celebrating the city’s remarkable shoreline, vibrant restaurant scene, strong school systems, dedicated public safety departments, and thriving businesses. Acknowledging West Haven’s challenging past, she is focused on turning the page to a brighter future, declaring, “The best is yet to come, West Haven!”

West Haven is home to several notable businesses, including Star Distributors, Inc., a third-generation wholesale beverage distributor founded in 1936. Located on a 52-acre campus, Star Distributors includes a warehouse, professional mechanic shop, and office complex. The company is currently the third-largest beer distributor in Connecticut and the largest non-Anheuser Busch distributor, holding approximately 40% of the market share.

In 2020, Sabatino Tartufi, the world’s largest truffle company based in Umbria, Italy, expanded its headquarters to West Haven. Founded in 1911, Sabatino distributes truffles and truffle products to over 70 countries. West Haven’s proximity to I-95 and easy access to New York City and Boston made it an ideal location. Sabatino also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Toronto, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

The Savin Rock Festival, first held in 1982, honors the legacy of Savin Rock Park. This two-day event features games, rides, music, and seafood, and brings together local organizations, businesses, and families to celebrate the community. The West Haven Chamber of Commerce organizes the festival with the goal of fostering unity and preserving the spirit of Savin Rock Park.

Another local gem is Cosmo’s Food Products Inc., established in 1944. Known for its Cosmo Brand Antipasto Specialties, the company supplies its products to grocery stores and restaurants throughout Connecticut. Today, Cosmo’s continues to sell its high-quality products to food service and retail distributors across the U.S., maintaining family recipes that have been passed down through generations.