Living in Milford

From shore to forest, there’s a diverse mix of neighborhoods and areas to uncover in Milford. There’s three distinct walkable centers, historic districts, numerous parks and attractions, and over 17 miles of coastline to explore.
Nestled on Long Island Sound in a safe harbor, Milford evokes memories of childhood and lazy days at the beach.
A vibrant, walkable downtown boasts numerous restaurants and bars, boutique shopping, frequent fairs on the historic Milford Green, and the convenience of Metro North rail station. From our small shops to the Connecticut Post Mall, Milford’s proximity to US-1 is home to just about any retail imaginable.
A trip to Devon and Walnut Beach area will have you wanting to linger, shop for that ‘just perfect’ gift, and relax. On most summer nights, music can be found under the pavilion and groups standing in line at the local ice cream shop.
Count among our gems the rich history of Milford that invites you to explore historical landmarks like Simon Lake’s first submarine, the Taylor Building, Liberty Rock, and the Memorial Bridge that offers a glimpse of the Wepawaug and hints of yesteryear. And, of course, Charles Island where it is rumored that Captain Kidd buried his treasure.
Festivals and activities abound in Milford from the largest one-day event, the Annual Milford Oyster Festival, to outdoor movie nights and concerts, arts and crafts shows, the Rotary Lobster Bake, the Duck Race, Irish Heritage Day, Oktoberfest, Woodmont Day, and the Walnut Beach festival. Being bored is not an option in our community.
“Milford truly has something for everyone. Whether it’s the shoreline, downtown or one of the two golf courses there’s never a shortage of things to do. I can’t imagine a better place to own a business than Milford. Easy access to highways and Metro North, along with a business-friendly Town Hall, Milford is one of the best places to do business.”
-Scott Moulton, CFS, AIF, Capital Management Group
Milford is an idyllic, historic New England Community on the Connecticut coast just 60 miles from Manhattan: A coastal village prime for work, life and play. A small city with a big heart.
Resources
Beach Stickers & Boat Launch
Beach Stickers
Available for residents at the Tax Office, Parsons Government Complex, 70 West River Street (Hours are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday). Visitors without stickers pay per diem at city beaches. Silver Sands State Park is located on Long Island Sound. Take Exit 35 for School House Road to Boston Post Road. Take left onto Boston Post Road and second right onto Silver Sands State Parkway.
Boat Launch
The City owned boat ramp is located at Fowler Field, Downtown Milford, across from Milford Landing and is just a short distance to Long Island Sound.
Annual ramp permits are available at the City of Milford tax collector’s office at the Parsons Government Complex. This office is open from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on weekdays. They are also available at the ramp on Saturday and Sunday, in season only, from the launch ramp attendant; at Milford Lisman Landing Marina; or by postal mail. Call (203) 874-1610 for hours and/or details.
Clubs & Organizations
Milford abounds with clubs, organizations and non-profits that serve the interests of many. Whether you’re looking for services, or would like to support, volunteer or join a group to meet new people, Milford has many opportunities to get involved.
Education
Preparing Students for Lifelong Learning
The ability to wonder. Thinking through problems and finding solutions. The opportunity to build stamina and understanding. Students in the Milford Public School system have limitless opportunities to stretch their imaginations and engage deeply in content that is required to thrive – for today and beyond.
In Milford, students are able to bolster their learning in ways that are impossible elsewhere. A classroom studying the environment can conduct experiments on the impact of trash on water systems by taking a quick class visit to the beach. Students interested in technology are able to hop on a train and visit the Microsoft offices in NYC. Art museums abound throughout the region. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the New England Ballet visit twice a year to give children exposure to professional performances in the arts. Our unique location, combined with a stellar team of educational professionals, gives students in Milford an incredible advantage.
Technology ‘In Your Hands’
The district has embraced a 1:1 Chromebook Initiative, issuing every student a personal computer to use both at school and at home to ensure learning never stops. Research, inquiry, homework, and collaboration are pivotal in learning, and we make sure every student has the ability to do so.
Students Pursuing Post-Secondary Education
More than 85% of our high school graduates continue their education in a post-secondary institution.
Support for Students of All Abilities
With a wide variety of student abilities, the district supports all by providing programming developed just for them. Our Special Education team, comprised of expert teachers, para-educators, counselors and support staff, works to help all students achieve.
AP Courses & Internships: Robust Opportunities
With 21 Advanced Placement courses to choose from, students in our high schools can get a head start on earning college credit while still in high school. In addition, students have the ability to pursue internships in disciplines that are of interest to them – medicine, architecture, writing, business, and many more.
Athletic Opportunities for Everyone
The Milford Public School district offers interscholastic play in 25 sports. We are a member of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC).
Solar Panel Use ‘Tops’ in the State
The district features more solar panel coverage (in sq. ft.) than any other public school district in the entire state.
Milford Public Schools
The mission of the Milford Public Schools is to nurture, discover and enhance the talents and capabilities of each child, to enable them to maximize their potential and find fulfillment through their schooling. We provide high quality educational experiences, which challenge and engage students in active learning, and help them become enthusiastic, successful and self-reliant learners. Our goal is for our students to graduate as responsible caring citizens, who are prepared for the multifaceted roles of adulthood and for career paths of their choice. We form partnerships with the parents and community to help achieve this goal.
Milford Department of Education Website
Milford Private Schools
There are also several excellent private schools in the city, such as:
St. Mary Elementary School
Lauralton Hall High School
Milford also has a regional vocational technical school:
Platt RVTS
Milford Public Library
The ultimate aim of the Milford Public Library is to provide the means for people to keep up with change in all areas, educate themselves continuously, become socially and politically aware, be more capable in their occupations, develop their creative abilities, appreciate literature, and the arts, be knowledgeable about the past, and stimulate their own personal and social well being.
The Milford Public Library is located at 57 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT 06460.
Milford Recreation
The city of Milford Recreation Department offers quality and cost-effective programs for residents of all ages throughout the year. They are proud to provide the City of Milford with a dedicated website and online activity registration system.
Parking Downtown & Transportation
Milford is easily accessible via train, plane, car and boat.
Train
There is a Metro-North train station right in Downtown Milford with regularly scheduled trips to both Grand Central Station in New York City and Union Station in New Haven. Metro-North’s website offers information on schedules, fares, and travel tips.
Amtrak stops in Bridgeport and New Haven, and offers travelers destinations throughout the east coast and the entire United States.
Contact the Milford Transit District for parking info at the Milford Train Station, 203- 874-4507.
Plane
The closest airports to Milford are:
CT – Sikorsky Memorial Airport located in Stratford (under 10 miles).
CT – Tweed New Haven Airport (within 15 miles).
International airports that service our market include:
CT – Bradly International Airport Located in Hartford (50 min drive).
NY – Westchester County / White Plains Airport.
NY – LaGuardia Airport.
NY – John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Driving
Milford is accessible by car from I 95 (Exits 34-40) and the Merritt Parkway/Wilbur Cross Parkway (Exits 54-55).
Commuter parking is available at the following locations:
Milford I-95 @ Old Gate Lane (Exit 40)
Milford Rt. 15 @ Wheelers Farm Rd. (Exit 55)
Milford I-95 @ School House Road (Exit 35)
Milford Route 1 @ Milford Connector
For places to park in Downtown Milford, review the City of Milford’s interactive parking map — Downtown Milford Parking.
Boat
Milford offers multiple choices for the boating enthusiast. State of the art facilities are available for transient boaters and those interested in spending more than one day in our fair city. Boating, Marinas, Suppliers.
Taking a day trip from Long Island? The Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry departs daily from Port Jefferson Harbor arriving in Bridgeport. Two stops on Metro North and you’re in Downtown Milford. Visit Website.
For up to date information on Traffic, road construction projects and to look at the traffic cameras check out the State DOT Visit Website.
Worship
Milford is home to a variety of different religious services and denominations. Since its founding in 1639 we have welcomed religious diversity. Here is a listing of our different churches.
Keeping the Faith Alliance
Calvary Alliance Church
203-874-9064
273 Orange Avenue
Assemblies of God
Berean Christian Center
203-874-1233
989 New Haven Avenue
Baptist
First Baptist Church
203-878-1178
28 North Street
Grace Baptist Church
203-874-8928
400 Burnt Plains Road
Congregational
First United Church of Christ Congregational
203-877-4277
34 West Main Street
The United Church of Christ in Devon
203-878-4685
30 Ormond Street
Wildermere Beach Congregational Church
203-874-9289
133 Broadway
Woodmont United Church of Christ Congregational
203-878-3885
1000 New Haven Avenue
Episcopal
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
203-874-8562
71 River Street
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
203-874-2701
283 Bridgeport Avenue
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Kingdom Hall
203-874-6965
494 Milford Point Road
Judaism
Congregation Sinai
203-301-0558
1000 New Haven Avenue
Congregation or Shalom
203-799-2341
205 Old Grassy Hill Road
Orange, CT 06477
Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont
203-772-8818
15 Edgefield Avenue
Non-Denominational
Cornerstone Christian Center
203-877-1007
349 Wheelers Farm Road
Kingdom Life Christian Church
203-877-3999
95 Grinnell Street
Mission Good Shepherd Church
203-877-7038
160 Chapel Street
Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran Church
203-878-2002
21 Robert Treat Parkway
Presbyterian
United Presbyterian Church
203-874-7088
109 Seaside Avenue
Roman Catholic
Christ the Redeemer Church
203-878-7431
325 Oronoque Road
St. Agnes Church
203-878-1617
400 Merwin Avenue
St. Ann Church
203-874-0634
501 Naugatuck Avenue
St. Gabriel Church
203-877-6096
26 Broadway
St. Mary’s Church
203-878-3571
70 Gulf Street
United Methodist
Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church on the Green
203-874-1982
168 Broad Street
Senior Services
Seniors will find excellent amenities designed to suit their specific needs in Milford. Housing choices are numerous, and a variety of programs offer employment, volunteer and educational opportunities.
Milford Senior Center
9 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT 06460
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Telephone 203-877-5131 Fax 203-877-5135
www.milfordctseniorcenter.com
The Milford Senior Center is open to everyone 55 and over, regardless of color, creed, national origin, sex or sexual orientation. The Milford Senior Center is a United Way Agency. The Mission of the Milford Senior Center is to serve the specialized needs of Milford’s Senior population.
The City of Milford runs numerous activities through its Senior Center. Programs include arts and crafts, fitness, computer training, and outdoor recreation. Learn more by visiting the Milford Senior Center Activities calendar.
Services Provided
Ahrens Program
The Ahrens Program provides recreation, nutrition and educational activities for older adults with cognitive impairments. This program also enables caregivers to have several hours of respite while the participant is being supervised by staff members and volunteers.
Please contact Rita Whiskeyman, Ahrens Program Coordinator at whiskeymanmilfordseniorcenter@yahoo.com or Jean Kaluzynski, Social Services Worker at jeankalmilfordseniorcenter@yahoo.com.
Insurance Assistance Program
Assistance with Medicare, Title 19, ConnPace and other insurances, contact Jackie Sconzo, Insurance Specialist at jackiemilfordseniorcenter@yahoo.com.
Meals on Wheels Program
Homebound seniors and disabled individuals can receive home delivered meals on a temporary basis. A donation is requested. For more information, please contact Marie W. Vaughn, Meals on Wheels Coordinator at mariemilfordseniorcenter@yahoo.com.
Lunch Programs
The Center’s Mini-Lunch Program serves hot meals for $ 3.00 , sandwich dinner for $1.75, sandwich $1.25 & soup $.50 at 12:15 p.m. in our dining room.
Cell Phones
Notary Public
Notary Public services are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment with Geri Dichkewich or Marie W. Vaughn, call 203-877-5131. There is no charge for this service.
Energy Assistance
Please call the Human Services Department at 203-783-3253.
Milford Food Bank
The Milford Food Bank is located at the Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive. The Food Bank accepts donations and distributes food to individuals of all ages in Milford. For additional information, call Sharon Brown, Food Bank Manager at 203-877-5131.
Transportation
Transporting members to the Senior Center and to medical appointments in Milford, conttact Jim Convery, Transportation Supervisor at 203-877-5131,Ext. 2125 or jimtconverymilfordseniorcenter@yahoo.com.
AARP Income Tax Assistance
Free Income tax assistance is offered during February, March and April for low and middle income individuals with special attention to those 60 and older. Contact the Center at 203-877-5131 in January for information on this service.
Government
City of Milford
While the city was founded in 1639, the current city form of government was adopted by referendum in 1959. Under this form of government, the Board of Alderman is elected as the legislative body and the Mayor is elected as the chief administrator of the city. For more information about the city government, visit their website at www.ci.milford.ct.us. For information about the Board of Education, visit their website at www.milforded.org.
The city is proud of the fact that it is very supportive of the business community. The City works with business to foster economic growth. Efforts to expand or grow in Milford are met with professional review by various City departments. Assistance is given to businesses from the smallest shop to the largest corporation. For more information about why Milford might be the right place to locate your business, contact Milford’s Economic Development Office at 203-873-3230 or visit their site at http://www.ci.milford.ct.us/economic-community-development.
State of Connecticut
Within its borders, Connecticut has forested hills, new urban skylines, shoreline beaches, white-steeple colonial churches, and historic village greens.
There are classic Ivy League schools, modern expressways, great corporate offices, and small farms. Connecticut is a thriving center of business, as well as a vacation land. It is both a New England state, and suburban to New York City.
Visit the State of Connecticut’s official website for complete information
http://www.ct.gov/ctportal/site/default.asp.
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