bridgeport connecticut
bridgeport connecticut

Bridgeport, CT

Houses in Bridgeport

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  • History

  • Location

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  • Demographics

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Where can I buy a house in Bridgeport, CT?

Bridgeport is a seaport city located in southwestern Connecticut. It is on the north shore of Long Island South and at the mouth of the Pequannock River. According to the 2020 census, Bridgeport has a population of around 149,000 people. It is the most populated city in the state of Connecticut and the fifth most populated city in all of New England.

Bridgeport is part of the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Connecticut. The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolis creates part of the New York megacity, which is also known as the Tri-State city area.

History of Bridgeport

History of Bridgeport

connecticut history

Bridgeport has a well-positioned harbor which was used by the early settlers as the center of farming, fishing, whaling and shipbuilding. Since it first became a settlement in 1659, it has been known under a number of different names. Until 1695 it was called Pequannock, then it changed to Fairfield Village and eventually to Stratfield due to its proximity to neighboring towns of the same name. During the American Revolution in the 19th century, the area was a center of privateering and in 1800 the borough of Bridgeport was officially chartered. It was named “Bridgeport” to honor the first drawbridge that was erected over the river in 1800. In 1821, Bridgeport was later incorporated as a town, but not until 1836 that it was chartered. When the railroad opened in 1840, the industrial center of Bridgeport grew as many items began to be made. These included carriages, brass and cast iron fittings, sewing machines, tools, saddlery and ammunition. By the 1930s, the community had established close to 500 manufacturing firms. To this day, Bridgeport is known as a manufacturing center which produces electrics, transportation equipment, plastics and machine tools. In 1881, showman, resident and town mayor of Bridgeport, P T Barnum, built four houses where his traveling circus was housed. Barnum continued improvements to the city by building the Bridgeport Hospital. In 1873, Bridgeport’s city flag was designed. Each aspect of the design represents meaning to the city of Bridgeport. The anvil, cogwheel and hammer represent the city’s industry and the bridge symbolizes the first drawbridge over the Pequannock River. The cornucopia represents wealth, and finally, the sailing ship celebrates the area’s maritime commerce and industry. It was in the year 1936 that Bridgeport’s city flag was created for a centennial commemoration event. The flag is similar to many other flags of nearby cities with its dark blue field and Old English lettering above and below the central seal. The top reads the “City of Bridgeport” with “Connecticut” spelled out below. The seal portrays a view of the city’s economic and civic life.

connecticut history

Things to do in Bridgeport

Things to do in Bridgeport

connecticut things to do

Before you decide on whether to buy a house in Bridgeport, CT, you need to consider the amenities in the city and in the surrounding countryside. Known as the Park City, it is clear that Bridgeport is a city made up of plenty of green spaces and parks. So if you love spending time outdoors, then Bridgeport, CT may be the place for you.

Seaside Park is a lovely green space by the water combining the two most notable aspects of Bridgeport. There is plenty of parking and many sandy areas for friends and family to spread out. Plus, there are public grills to use for summertime BBQs.

Other notable city center parks include Ellsworth, West End and Riverfront. All are wonderfully maintained and have facilities on-site to increase the enjoyment of city life for both residents and visitors.

connecticut things to do

Houses for sale in Bridgeport, CT

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Location

Map showing Bridgeport

Location

Bridgeport has an advantageous geographic location in the state of Connecticut. The seaport city is located in Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequannock River on Long Island Sound. Situated a short 60 miles from Manhattan and an even shorter 40 miles from The Bronx, Bridgetown is a central city in Southwestern Connecticut. The coastal city has an attractive seafront with an impressive harbor and port. Bridgeport Neighborhoods Downtown Downtown Bridgeport has benefited from many upgrades and offers new residents a wonderful place to call home. The neighborhood is also the hub of most of the city’s arts and entertainment. East Side Across the Pequannock River from downtown Bridgeport is the East Side neighborhood. This area is very easily accessible as it’s dissected by the I-95 and the Amtrak/Metro-North railway line. East Side is also home to the Pembroke City Historic District which is included on the National Register of Historic Places. North End North End is the ideal neighborhood for a family considering a move to Bridgeport, CT because of its many areas of parkland. St Vincent’s Medical Center is also in the North End, offering plenty of employment opportunities. South End The South End of Bridgeport is located between Cedar Creek and Long Island Sound. The area is lucky enough to be located on a peninsula of land with views of both Pleasure Beach and the Port of Bridgetown in the East End. West Side The West Side of Bridgeport is split between both residential and industrial use, though still very much blessed to have views of Seaside Park. Bordering the Town of Fairfield and the Black Rock neighborhood, the I-95 also bisects this area of Bridgeport.

Bridgeport demographics

Bridgeport demographics

connecticut demographics

Bridgeport is Connecticut’s largest city and its popularity has grown as evidenced through a 3.1% population growth during the decade between 2010 and 2020. From a total of 144,229 residents, that number increased to 148,654. This significant growth in population represents the popularity of the pretty and historic coastal community.

Bridgeport is also a very educated community. The city is very close to the US average in regards to residents achieving college educations. Approximately 22% of the city’s inhabitants over the age of 25 have a qualification from college, with nearly 19% possessing a bachelor’s or advanced degree.

In 2018, the average income per capita in Bridgeport was just over $24,000. This sits in the lower middle in comparison to the rest of the US and this is due to the diversity of the city and its residents.

connecticut demographics

Arts in Bridgeport

Arts in Bridgeport

connecticut arts

Bridgeport, CT has a wealth of arts and entertainment options, which is why there is so much interest in buying a house in the city. Anyone spending time in Bridgeport should make sure they have time set aside to explore all the culture throughout the city and in downtown Bridgeport.

From theaters to museums, visitors can take in the newly renovated Bijou Theater and the Downtown Cabaret Theater. Museum and gallery-goers will enjoy a day at the Barnum Museum, the City Lights Gallery and the Housatonic Museum of Art. McLevy Green is also the site of various cultural events such as the Bridgeport Arts Fest, Downtown Thursdays and the Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting.

connecticut arts

Schools in Bridgeport

Schools in Bridgeport

Before you buy a house in Bridgeport, Connecticut, you need to think about what the schools in the vicinity are like. This is especially true if you have a family and the younger ones are still in attendance. Bridgeport’s public school system is the largest in Connecticut, and the Superintendent of Schools has commented on how much the impact of recent improvements of Bridgeport have had on the appeal of living in the city. The city’s public school system is varied and offers 30 elementary schools, three comprehensive and two alternative programs. Bridgeport also has a fine selection of higher education facilities. These include Fairfield University, The University of Bridgeport, St Vincent’s College and the Housatonic Community College. There are a variety of different education options on offer, depending upon the student’s requirements.

connecticut schools

Why Bridgeport?

Why Bridgeport?

connecticut why

There are plenty of good reasons to buy a house in Bridgeport. The relaxed and laid back coastal vibe is one thing, but there is also the thriving economy which is a big draw for people from all over the country. Remember, only you can decide if you would enjoy living in a house in Bridgeport, Connecticut.


connecticut why
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