Welcome to Fairfield
A lively beach community with a laid-back vibe, a high-quality school system, and scenic water views
Fairfield, Connecticut, is an affluent town located on the shoreline of the Long Island Sound. The city sits on the eastern end of Fairfield County, only 50 miles outside New York City and roughly 30 minutes southwest of New Haven (home of Yale University). Fairfield is a lively, laid-back community with a rich history, home to historic buildings, museums, and some of Connecticut's better-known universities and private schools.
Southport, Connecticut, is a close-knit community within Fairfield, located along Long Island Sound between Mill River and Sasco Creek.
The downtown area of Fairfield is home to restaurants and shopping, while the nearby beaches and waterways offer a relaxing experience that draws visitors from across the state and beyond. Fairfield also offers a variety of parks and nature preserves, five area golf courses (three private, two public), and an abundance of stunning water views.
Fairfield Real Estate Market
Fairfield is home to some of Fairfield County’s most noteworthy neighborhoods: Sasco Hill, Fairfield Beach,
Southport, Greenfield Hill, and the University Area. Fairfield real estate sells quickly. Contact Cindy Raney & Team of Connecticut real estate agents & realtors to find townhomes, houses, land, luxury property & beach homes for sale in Fairfield, CT.
What to Love
- Five beautiful town beaches and over 1,100 acres of public parks
- Serene water views and beachfront properties
- Friendly locals, superb dining, and many community events
- Proximity to New York, New Haven, and Boston
Local Lifestyle
Locals fall in love with Fairfield's small-town feel. From the architecture of its historic homes and buildings to its gorgeous water views, Fairfield is an ideal place to live, work, and enjoy life. The community-based atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly environment make Fairfield a great place to raise a family. Parents value Fairfield’s highly rated public school system, though there are also a variety of local private and boarding schools in the area.
Enjoy a Day in Fairfield
Our recommended itinerary to discover a few of the many things that Fairfield has to offer.
Coffee
353 Pequot Avenue
A family-owned, European-style eatery, espresso bar, and bakery that uses only all-natural ingredients, we love grabbing a coffee and a pastry here and walking to Southport Harbor.
Brunch
275 Old Post Road
New England-inspired American cuisine has an emphasis on a farm-to-table approach.
Views
669 Harbor Road
Exquisite setting to take in the view at Southport Harbor, not to be missed.
Beach
Sasco Hill Beach
323 Fairfield Beach Road
This quiet, tucked-away beach has beautiful views and is a great place to sunbathe, read, or take a dip.
Shopping
1499 Post Road
A collected and cohesive selection of curated gifts, lifestyle, products, home accessories, and furnishings.
Drinks
4180 Black Rock Turnpike
An outstanding tapas bar with an award-winning selection of wines from Spain and South America.
Dinner
75 Hillside Road
A warm and welcoming atmosphere with inventive yet simple dishes, expertly prepared.
Culture
1073 North Benson Road
A dynamic and inclusive visual and performing arts center for the whole community.
More Fairfield Favorites
Explore even more of the places we love around town.
Dining
The Sinclair is a lively eatery with large leather sofas, rich tones, and elegant décor that serves small plates, mussels, pasta, family dishes, and a raw bar. For tasty Asian noodle dishes like ramen and pho in a stylish space, visit
Mecca Noodle Bar.
Barcelona Wine Bar offers rustic tapas with Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American inspiration and more than 300 wines. Head to
Bodega Taco Bar for house-made guac & chips, tacos, and salads — some of the best Mexican food in the area.
Visit
Martel Bistro & Bar, a cozy restaurant serving French-American fare paired with fine wines.
The Chelsea is another fun venue with a rustic-modern setting popular with young professionals.
Paci Restaurant is a romantic eatery with the best seasonally driven farm-to-table menu, housed in a former freight depot at the train station. We also love
Centro Ristorante for classic neighborhood Italian fare with charming indoor and outdoor dining options.
Head to
Colony Grill for one-of-a-kind, thin-crust pizza best served with the signature "hot oil" topping—there is a cult following! For sandwiches and other lunch options, check out
Firehouse Deli or
Spic & Span Market. Also, in downtown Fairfield is
The Pantry, a great spot for when you’re looking for prepared foods or a few last-minute groceries.
For dessert,
Oggi Gelato brings authentic Italian gelato to the community, using only real homemade ingredients with no artificial colors or preservatives.
Shopping
Fairfield’s downtown offers a walkable mix of national retailers and locally loved boutiques. You’ll find familiar names like LOFT alongside standout independents like
Boho Prep, known for its preppy-meets-playful aesthetic, and
Jane + Mercer, a modern boutique offering women’s fashion, gifts, and home accents.
Marea brings a coastal, effortless style with elevated everyday pieces that feel both relaxed and refined.
Things to Do
The Patterson Club is a private country club offering an 18-hole championship golf course, racket sports, tennis, paddle, pickleball, fine dining, and a stately clubhouse often used for weddings and social events. Jennings Beach is 27 acres of sandy beach along Long Island Sound with sand, volleyball, sailboat racks, a playground, and picnic areas. Fairfield also has four other beaches: Penfield Beach, Sasco Beach, South Pine Creek Beach, and Southport Beach.
The Connecticut Audubon Sanctuary includes
Banks South Farm in Fairfield, a 60-acre preserve that features walking trails, birdwatching, a cedar meadow, and a flowing brook. Adventurers can drive to Lake Mohegan for lake swimming, hiking, and lounging by the water. Kids love the sprinkler park, and families can enroll children in swimming lessons starting at age four. Brett Woods is also great for hiking and has an open area for dogs to run around.
Minitown Cafe & Play combines a cozy cafe for parents with a curated play space for young children (ages 0-6). Meanwhile,
Playhouse Fairfield offers an indoor play experience where kids can be active while parents relax with complimentary coffee.
Fairfield Theatre Company is a venue that showcases films, live music, performances, and speakers. Residents can also have a membership for discounted events and tickets. Fairfield also hosts live music in the town green, typically from May to early September.
Schools
Fairfield Public Schools is an education system that partners with families and the community to provide students with the skills and academic rigor to shape lifelong learners and responsible community members. Students may attend:
Public schools:
- Dwight Elementary
- Burr Elementary School, grades K–5
- Osborne Hill School Pre-K-5
- Jennings School K-5
- Holland Hill, grades K-5
- Riverfield School, grades K-5
- Roger Sherman Elementary, grades K-5
- McKinley School, Pre-K-5
- Stratfield School, grades K-5
- North Stratfield School, grades K-5
- Mill Hill Elementary School, grades K–5
- Fairfield Woods Middle School, grades 6–8
- Roger Ludlowe Middle School, grades 6-8
- Fairfield Ludlowe High School, grades 9-12
- Fairfield Warde High School, grades 9–12
Private schools: