West Haven, Connecticut
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| West Haven, Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Name | West Haven |
| Settlement type | City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | U.S. state |
| Subdivision name1 | Connecticut |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | New Haven County |
| Subdivision type3 | Metropolitan area |
| Subdivision name3 | Greater New Haven |
| Established title | Settled (parish) |
| Established date | 1648 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (town) |
| Established date1 | 1921 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Dorinda Borer |
| Area total sq mi | 10.86 |
| Area land sq mi | 10.76 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.10 |
| Elevation ft | 10 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 55,584 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 06516 |
| Area code | 203/475 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 09-82800 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0211952 |
| Website | www.cityofwesthaven.com |
West Haven, Connecticut. West Haven is a coastal city in New Haven County, situated within the Greater New Haven metropolitan area along the shores of Long Island Sound. It operates under a Mayor-Council system and is historically significant as the location of the West Haven Green, one of the nation's oldest public gathering spaces. The city is home to the University of New Haven and a portion of the station serving the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line.
History
The area was originally settled as the West Parish of New Haven Colony in 1648, with the West Haven Green being formally laid out in 1711. During the American Revolutionary War, the raid led by General William Tryon and Benedict Arnold landed here in July 1779. The community remained a part of the town of Orange until it successfully incorporated as an independent town in 1921, later becoming a city in 1961. Significant 20th-century developments included the establishment of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System campus and the growth of the University of New Haven, which relocated its main campus to West Haven in 1960. The city's shoreline was also the site of the former Savin Rock amusement park, a major regional attraction for decades.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.86 square miles, of which 10.76 square miles is land and 0.10 square miles is water. West Haven borders the city of New Haven to the east, the town of Orange to the north, and the town of Milford to the west. Its coastline along Long Island Sound features several public beaches, including Sandy Point Beach and Oak Street Beach. The West River forms part of its eastern boundary with New Haven, and the city contains areas of salt marsh within the New Haven Harbor estuary.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 55,584. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant populations identifying as White, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino of any race. The city has been a point of entry for immigrant communities, including substantial populations with ancestry from Italy, Ireland, and Puerto Rico. The presence of the University of New Haven and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System contributes to a transient student population and a notable veteran community.
Economy
The economy has historically been industrial and manufacturing-based, with companies like the former A.C. Gilbert Company and Sargent & Company operating in the city. Today, major employers include the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, the University of New Haven, and Yale New Haven Hospital, which operates health centers in the area. Retail and service sectors are concentrated along the Boston Post Road (U.S. Route 1) corridor and in the Connecticut Post Mall vicinity. The city also benefits from its proximity to the commercial and research hubs of New Haven and the broader I-95 corridor.
Culture and recreation
West Haven is known for its extensive public coastline, hosting annual events like the West Haven Halloween Parade and the Sav Rock Festival celebrating the legacy of Savin Rock. Cultural institutions include the West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center and the West Haven Historical Society. The University of New Haven contributes to the arts through its arts programs and performances. Recreational facilities are anchored by the Edward L. Bennett Rink for ice sports, Painter Park, and the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary, with the West Haven Boardwalk providing pedestrian access along the sound.
Government
West Haven operates under a Mayor-Council system defined by its City Charter. The current Mayor is Dorinda Borer. Legislative authority rests with the West Haven City Council, a body comprised of representatives from thirteen districts. The city is part of Connecticut's 3rd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Rosa DeLauro. At the state level, West Haven is within the 10th State Senate District and the 115th and 116th State House Districts. Municipal services include a dedicated West Haven Police Department and West Haven Fire Department.
Category:Cities in Connecticut Category:Populated coastal places in Connecticut Category:New Haven County, Connecticut