What to Love

• Long coastline along Long Island Sound with popular beaches like Short Beach, Long Beach, Russian Beach, and scenic waterfront parks. 

• The presence of Sikorsky Memorial Airport adds aviation history and connectivity. 

• Historic landmarks and parks such as Boothe Memorial Park and Roosevelt Forest provide beautiful open spaces and preserved landscapes. 

• A variety of local dining options, waterfront restaurants, and small businesses that give the town character. 

• Convenient transportation via I-95, Merritt Parkway, U.S. Route 1, and rail via Stratford station on the Metro-North New Haven Line.

 

Local Lifestyle

Stratford offers a lifestyle that balances relaxation and activity. Water lovers enjoy beach days, marinas, and river walks. Nature lovers have trails, forested preserves, and parks. Historic districts and neighborhood diversity provide architectural and cultural variety. Commuters benefit from good highway and rail access. While in-town life often revolves around community events, family-friendly commerce, and scenic outdoor spaces, Stratford also supports pockets of vibrant restaurant scenes and local gatherings.

 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

• Dining: Favorites include Riverview Bistro, Knapp’s Landing, Riley’s By The Seawall, Biagio’s, Little Pub, and other waterfront or neighborhood-based spots. 

• Entertainment & Recreation: Beaches and parks are central — Short Beach Park offers recreation facilities, nature preserves like Roosevelt Forest give trails and quiet escapes, and Boothe Memorial Park offers more curated strolling, gardens, and historical ambiance. 

• Shopping & Local Businesses: Barnum Avenue and Stratford Square are hubs for retail, shops, local services, and seasonal pop-ups. 

 

Things to Do

• Enjoy a day at Short Beach, Long Beach, or Russian Beach for ocean views and waterfront leisure. 

• Visit Boothe Memorial Park for gardens, historic structures, and relaxing grounds. 

• Explore Roosevelt Forest and its preserved woodlands and trails. 

• Take in aviation history at Sikorsky Memorial Airport and possibly see small aircraft in flight. 

• Eat local: try waterfront or neighborhood restaurants with scenic or casual charm.

 

Schools

Stratford Public Schools operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is supported by engaged parents and offers both academic and extracurricular opportunities. The variety of schooling options helps serve families living in different sections of town. 

 

Demographic Details

• Predominantly town water and sewer

• Area: 19.9 sq mi total (17.6 sq mi land, 2.3 sq mi water) 

• Population: ~52,355 

• Households: ~20,095 households