Branford sits along the shoreline of the Long Island Sound, about 8 miles from New Haven, and offers its residents access to a coastal lifestyle year-round with its many beaches, cottages on the water, locally owned restaurants and shops and laid-back living. "It feels like you're on vacation in Branford," says Eileen Smith, a Realtor with Pearce Real Estate, and a North Haven resident since 1992. "There's a big beach town atmosphere, and the waterfront is a big draw."
Walking trails are common in Branford.
Branford Supply Pond is the place to get your hiking in.
View from the Branford Green.
Branford's historic town hall.
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Locals have access to the water and green spaces
Branford has many parks and nature preserves, especially along the coast. Foote Memorial Park is a local favorite among boaters who enjoy its proximity to an inlet with two marinas. The park also offers basketball courts, a playground and baseball diamonds. And, of course, there's the water. Many locals love Stony Creek Beach, where they swim in the Long Island Sound, sunbathe on the sand, and cast a line out to fish the beach's pier.
Foote Memorial Park in Branford has recreation for everyone.
With miles of unique shoreline, Branford has it all.
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Many home styles and sizes to choose from
Coves carve out the town's shoreline, dotted with offshore islands and features an array of home styles. There are petite cottages and ranch-style houses, larger Colonial Revivals and grand Victorian-influenced beach homes, ranging from $275,000 for 900 square feet to $2.5 million for 5,700 square feet. Further inland, home styles are similar to those close to the water: cozy cottages and squat, midcentury-era ranch-style houses on the smaller end and grand Colonials on the larger end, ranging from $115,000 for 700 square feet to $850,000 for 3,000 square feet. Some of Branford’s most impressive homes sit on The Thimble Islands, a cluster of tiny islands off the coast, a few containing large Victorian-era summer cottages. The Thimbles are sometimes called a “boating paradise,” as evidenced by the kayakers, paddle boarders, fishing boats and ferries routinely slicing through the water. Many of those boaters are Thimbles' residents, as homeowners must use their own watercraft to navigate between home and the mainland.
Those looking for a home with a bit less upkeep can find condos throughout the town, ranging from $115,000 for 700 square feet to $950,000 for 2,800 square feet.
No matter where in town, Smith says that if newcomers find a home they like, they should move fast; the market is hot in Branford, thanks to its proximity to New Haven, and houses can sell overnight.
Branford features beautiful waterfront properties.
Enjoy a quiet life in Branford.
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Shopping and dining in downtown Branford
Residents flock to the many locally owned restaurants scattered throughout Branford when they want a night out. Nellie's offers a casual atmosphere and the popular Cajun-dusted mahi-mahi, which joins other menu items like oysters on the half shell, rib-eye steaks, and classic New England lobster rolls. At LoMonaco's Ristorante, patrons enjoy traditional Italian fare like pizza and pasta, and at Stony Creek Brewery, craft beer fans choose from an array of pale ales, lagers and stouts brewed in-house. For shopping, residents head to downtown Branford and visit the locally owned boutiques along Main Street, or they head west to the cluster of national retailers near Short Beach Road and pick up groceries at Big Y and essentials at Walgreens.
Enjoy a nice meal at Nellie's in Branford.
Branford has all your favorite shops!
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Branford High School serves students grades 9 through 12.
Branford High School lets students rock out
Area kids can head to John B. Sliney (JBS) School to start their education. From there, they often attend Francis Walsh Intermediate School and Branford High School. All three schools are a part of the Branford School District. JBS and Francis Walsh Intermediate each have a B rating on Niche, and Branford High has a B-plus. Branford High serves about 780 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. It offers a robust performing arts program, with a drama department that puts on classic musicals, including "School of Rock," where students get to rock the house to a packed auditorium.
I-95 and CT-rail trains keep residents moving
Those commuting to New Haven can hop on Interstate 95 and head west about 8 miles. Hartford is farther away, about 45 miles north along I-95 and I-91. Residents who want to skip the highways can grab the CT-rail Shore Line East train at the Branford Station near Maple Street, travel throughout the state and connect to other trains traveling throughout New England.
Written By
Sara Huffman
Photography Contributed By
Collin Quinlivan
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bob LaPerla,
an experienced agent in this area.
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This is a rare opportunity to purchase an amazing beachfront home in Branford. "The Breakers" is a small direct waterfront condominium community consisting of 5 units, which offers a private beach, boardwalk, and some of the most amazing views on the Connecticut Shoreline. This 1,500 plus square foot home features 9 ft ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. The open floor plan invites you to a
Beautifully updated Colonial-style home that blends timeless character with fresh, modern finishes. This home is a rare combination of space, style and location! Set on a spacious 0.68-acre lot, this is one of the largest lots in this sought-after neighborhood that is just minutes away from both 1-95 and popular Stony Creek Beach. This home welcomes you with gleaming hardwood floors throughout
This stunning Colonial, available for the first time, offers 4 spacious BRs & 3 full baths, boasting stunning curb appeal. As you enter, you'll appreciate the open floor plan. The 1st fl showcases numerous upgrades, including a versatile sitting area perfect for a home office. The chef's kitchen features ample cabinetry, breakfast bar, granite countertops, tile backsplash & gas stove with a
Welcome to 11 Bryan Road. You'll find this home is a short walk to Branford Point - Park & Beach, several Marinas, Town Boat Ramp, Branford Train Station, The Brewery, the center of town - shops & restaurants. Thoughtfully updated several years ago and still in move-in condition. One can appreciate the charm & details of the wood floors and vintage staircase. Pleasantly remodeled several years
Welcome to Indian Neck! Nestled on a quiet street in one of Branford's most sought-after neighborhoods, this three-bedroom home offers everything you have been searching for. The home's recently-remodeled kitchen is appointed with premium cabinets, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Kick back and relax in the light-filled family room featuring cathedral
Short Beach rental located directly on the Farm River with stunning water views and deep water dock( use of dock is $200 additional per month) This 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath home offers a peaceful setting with double decks perfect for relaxing. The sunken living room features hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, a fireplace, and sliders to a large deck. One bedroom and full bath are located on the
Enjoy the ease of single level living in this beautifully updated one bedroom apartment, featuring an open concept living room and a stylishly renovated kitchen and bathrooms. Located just minutes from shopping centers, major highways, and Branford's charming town center, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips. Don't miss this opportunity to live in a move in ready home in a
This well-maintained two-level apartment is ideally located in downtown Branford, directly across the street from the Branford Library. The main level features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, with a spacious living area and a kitchen equipped with a gas cooktop, perfect for those who love to cook. For added convenience, the apartment includes laundry facilities on the main level. The
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