Living in North Branford (click link below)

North Branford, which includes the villages of Northford and North Branford, is a small, charming town in New Haven County. Centrally located between I-95 and I-91, some 20 minutes from the CT Shoreline. North Branford is an ideal place to work and to live. A family friendly community, peppered with farm stands, garden centers and nature trails. A considerable amount of the town’s acreage is taken up by the amazing Totoket Mountain and its beautiful views. Lake Gaillard, a reservoir located on Totoket Mountain, is a pristine body of water owned by the Regional Water Authority. It sponsors seasonal walks around the lake. Additionally, the north side of Saltonstall Mountain offers hiking access and is also located in North Branford.

There are many reasons why North Branford is a great place for families.  The town has an enviable combination of high performing schools and a low crime rate. In keeping with the tradition of public education as a high priority, the North Branford Intermediate School completed a renovation, adding 35,000 square feet to the existing building.  A new High School is currently under construction, scheduled to be completed in Dec. 2023.  This can be taken as an indication that the local North Branford economy is robust. Jobs and other amenities are attracting an influx of new residents. Although North Branford could be considered a relatively small town, it doesn’t fall short on sustainability and interest; from Pollinator Pathways to a solar farm that supplies renewable power to municipal buildings.

The town’s history is a source of pride. The Reynolds- Beers House, a small museum, was built in 1786 and is the home of the Totoket Historical Society. Located next to the Atwater Library in the town center it is a great resource for history buffs and newcomers. The Reynolds-Beers House also includes the Miller Barn, a farm museum. The museums have memorabilia from the mills on the Farm River to unique inventions manufactured here such as horseshoe nails, farm implements and coconut dippers.  Also next to the Atwater Library on Route 80, there is now a trail to the Harrison Farm Preserve owned by the North Branford Land Conservation Trust. It is at the end of North Street, a quaint, well-preserved street in the center of town.

Northford Center, located along Middletown Avenue (Route 17), was listed on the Historic Places National Register in 2021.  Although most of the homes were built prior to the Civil War, the earliest was built in 1703 and keeps company with beautiful architectural examples from Colonial times to the present day. The Little Red Schoolhouse, presently located on the Edward Smith Library property, is the oldest one room schoolhouse in New Haven County.

After enjoying some of the town’s history, check out the many farm stands and garden centers.  Rose Orchards has fruits and veggies; their creamery is top notch. In the fall, kids will delight in the petting zoo adjacent to a water wheel. Pumpkins, a corn maze and hayrides can be enjoyed as well.  For the adults there is a vineyard and winery next door featuring wines from both local and imported grapes.  And for beer lovers, one can check out Stewards of the Land on Route 22, a local brewery featuring various pale ales, fruit beers and stouts. Millpond Gathering, formerly a mill and located on the Farm River, has recently been renovated and expanded. It offers farm to table dining, event facilities and a beautiful view. Sport fields, parks, and open space are prominent features of the town.

North Farms is a small park with a play scape, soccer field, and hiking trails over the Munger Brook. It is stocked with trout. In back of Wall Field ball parks there are hiking trails along the Farm River, managed by North Branford Parks and Recreation, as well as a dog park. Two outstanding sports pavilions are housed in town. The Northford Ice Pavilion hosts a number of high school ice hockey teams while North Branford is the home of New England’s largest sports complex. It has outdoor fields and a 75,000 sq. ft. indoor sports dome.

Anyone looking for a spot that is just off the beaten path (but not too far), the town is family friendly, with a great community spirit, and rich history. With a high-quality school system, outdoor space, and a small-town neighborhood feel, North Branford is a great place to live, work, and play.