West Haven is home to a young and diverse population. With roots in Connecticut’s historic past (its town Green is on the National Register of Historic Places), West Haven looks towards enhancing its future by capitalizing on its rich cultural roots, unique location, and shoreline resources. Home to University of New Haven and Yale’s West Campus, West Haven is a university town. The site of Connecticut’s “Coney Island,” (the former Savin Rock Amusement Park), West Haven is a city with fun at its heart. Snuggled between New Haven, with whom it shares the West River and Horseshoe Lagoon; Milford, where the Oyster River empties into the LI Sound; and the Town of Orange’s busy commercial strip, West Haven offers easy access to all the cultural and retail attractions of its neighbors while maintaining its own unpretentious small-town feel. With the longest publicly accessible shoreline in the State of Connecticut, including the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary, West Haven is also a leader in coastal resiliency.
City of West Haven
Facts about West Haven
Town/City established:
- Incorporated 1921.
Named from:
- Named when it was made the west parish of New Haven, about 1720.
County:
- New Haven.
Notable citizens (past and present):
- Ulish Booker, NFL Football player.
- Eleanor Estes, author of children's literature.
- Jamey Jasta, metalcore musician.
- Rufus Porter, painter, inventor, founder of Scientific American.
- Jonathan D. Spence, professor of history at Yale University.
- Smoky Joe Wood, Major League Baseball pitcher.
Top Five Attractions:
- West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center
- Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary
- Longest publicly-accessible beach in Connecticut
- Historic Town Green
- Bradley Point
Annual Visitor’s Events:
- Icy Plunge for the Cure, January.
- Black Heritage Celebration, February.
- St. Patrick's Day Celebration, March.
- Savin Rock Firework Spectacular, July.
- Apple Festival, September.
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, November/December.
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony, December.
Quality of the town/city:
- We’re a surprisingly laid-back beach town with more than a little spice (come sample our pizza, Turkish, seafood, Italian, Ramen, and other ethnic restaurants). Enjoy a concert on the Green or take a stroll past Savin Rock on the boardwalk. Rent a kayak, fly a kite, or just soak up the mellow vibe. The little City you never knew about is waiting for you to discover it!