Stratford : Connecticut

Stratford is an old Connecticut town of 51,000 on the Housatonic River north of Brideport. It is home to Sikorsky Aircraft and has a long tradition in aviation and defense manufacturing.  It was home for a long time to the American Shakespeare Theatre, which has unfortunately ceased operation. The town has several islands in the river and many nice beaches. Picture of Stratford Point Light courtesy of Wikipedia and Jeremy D'Entremont (public domain); photo of Boothe Memorial Park and Museum courtesy of Wikipedia and Igor154 (public domain).

Median price of a home in Stratford was just under $257,451 in early 2020, according to Zillow, which calls it a "Very Hot" market at this time. There are several active communities in the area (see link above)

Stratford has some nice town beaches and a beautiful river. There is a country club with golf course. Interesting aviation history.

It is too bad the Shakespeare Theater has not been able to reopen despite several efforts. There are several brown field sites in the area thanks to it's industrial past.

Those who want to live in a mid-sized town not far from NYC may like retiring here. Stratford offers parks and beaches, and community events.  it has a very active senior center, and a public golf course with views of the Long Island Sound.

Manufacturing drives the economy.  Sikorsky Aircraft, developer of the first American helicopter, and the world's leading helicopter manufacturer is headquarterd here and produces both military and commercial helicopters.  Since 1957, all Mariine One helicopters have been manufactured here.

January's average temperature is 33 degrees, July's average is 74 degrees.

There are several restaurants in Stratford along with parks, beaches, museums and places of interest.