Guilford

Shoreline beauty, historic character, sound economic base, educational excellence, and an involved citizenry make Guilford, Connecticut a highly desirable place to live and conduct business. Located on Long Island Sound, within easy commuting distance to major urban areas, and lying along Interstate 95 within easy reach of New York and Boston, Guilford has attracted university faculty, researchers, software designers, writers, scientists, and many others to its real estate market. With 71% of its citizens having attained college degrees, the town has access to excellent public schools and private schools and universities that provide strong employment support for business.

Nonetheless, Guilford, with a population of less than 22,000, retains distinctive small-town benefits. For example, there is a surprisingly generous land area per person. Of the 30,000 acres in Guilford, nearly 7,300 acres are committed open space. Maintaining connection to the area’s farming history, Guilford’s celebrated agricultural fair is the second oldest in the state. And Guilford takes a New England small-town approach to being ever mindful of maintaining excellent value for every tax dollar spent.

Guilford’s form of government provides a lively exchange of ideas and a voice for every viewpoint. To vote at a town meeting, the legislative body of the town, one can either be a registered voter in the town or a citizen aged 18 or above who, jointly or severally, is liable to the town for taxes assessed against him on an assessment of not less than $1,000. In addition to the annual town meeting in May and the annual budget and referendum meeting in April, special town meetings can be called by the Board of Selectmen when they deem it necessary or upon application of at least 50 people qualified to vote in a town meeting. So the people of Guilford are actively involved in maintaining the town’s historic and natural resources while providing all the benefits of a strong economy and business climate.

Guilford boasts the largest town green in New England. Along tree lined streets are the third largest collection of historical homes in New England, as well as churches, boutique shops, antique markets , fine restaurants, and art galleries. Within a short distance, along Route 1, a variety of similar shopping and dining experiences can be found. Nearby are museums that display Guilford's historic heritage, including the Hyland House (1660), Thomas Griswold House (1774), the Dudley Farm (1840), and the Henry Whitfield State Museum (1639), the oldest stone house in New England, containing many artifacts of Puritan life.

The area’s waterfront vistas, wooded hillsides, parks, and open highlands provide outdoor recreation for hikers, bikers, bird watchers, and others. The Westwoods and Timberlands trail systems are large recreational areas for hiking. Westwoods, located in South Guilford, contains 39 miles of trails on 1,200 acres. Timberlands contains 600 acres and is located in North Guilford. Birdwatchers enjoy the area, especially the East River salt marsh meadow. And, of course, the shoreline and beaches of Long Island Sound, provide boaters and others with endless recreation.