Geography
and History
Founded in 1639, Stratford is a community rich in history
and abundant natural beauty. Situated on Long Island Sound, and bounded
to the east by the Housatonic River, Stratford has long viewed its waterfront
as an important natural resource. The Town's location on Long Island Sound
affords residents and visitors alike with two public bathing beaches,
five marinas, several fishing piers and two public boat-launching facilities.
Karen's friend Tom lives there and took Karen and Lee on an informative
bicycle ride through the area. Thank you Tom.
Within an hour's drive of New York City, Stratford is the easternmost town in Fairfield County-Connecticut's Gold Coast. Major highways such as I-95, Route 8/25 and the Merritt Parkway bisect Stratford, and provide convenient access to the entire Northeast corridor. The deep water harbor of neighboring Bridgeport provide excellent docking and terminal facilities for either domestic or overseas shipping, in addition to ferry passenger service to Long Island. Sikorsky Memorial Airport, located in the Lordship section of Stratford, remains a hub of corporate activity and provides commuter service to other cities in the northeast. Rail service provided by Metro North with connections to Amtrack further round out an excellent array of transportation choices.
Population and Demographics
Stratford, Connecticut, at 18.7 square miles, is home to nearly 50,000
residents. In 2004, the median age was 41 and the median household income
was nearly $60,000. The median housing cost was $133,000. However Tom
pointed out many houses that cost one million or more dollars.
Interesting
fact: if a house along the shoreline is destroyed by hurricane or whatever,
it can NOT be replaced, but the owners must continue paying taxes. BUMMER!
KAREN
and LEE WANT TO THANK TOM ONCE AGAIN FOR HIS HOSPITALITY, LUNCH, BICYCLE
TOUR AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE AREA. WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO SPEND THE DAY!
See you on future trips, Tom!
