New Milford, Connecticut

New Milford, Connecticut is a town located in Litchfield County, situated near the Housatonic River and Candlewood Lake. The town is bordered by Bridgewater to the north, Washington to the northeast, Roxbury to the east, and Brookfield to the south. New Milford is also close to Danbury and Waterbury, and is part of the New York metropolitan area.

Geography

New Milford is situated in the western part of Connecticut, near the New York border, and is part of the Housatonic Valley region. The town is bordered by the Housatonic River to the west and Candlewood Lake to the south, which is the largest lake in Connecticut. The town's geography is also characterized by the presence of several hills and mountains, including Candlewood Mountain and Bear Hill. New Milford is close to several state parks, including Talcott Mountain State Park and Penwood State Park, and is also near the Appalachian Trail. The town's location near Lakeville and Salisbury makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking and fishing in Housatonic State Forest and Mohawk State Forest.

History

The area that is now New Milford was originally inhabited by the Pootatuck Native American tribe, and was later settled by English colonists in the early 18th century. The town was officially incorporated in 1712 and was named after Milford, which was itself named after Milford Haven in Wales. During the American Revolution, New Milford was an important stop on the Boston Post Road, which connected Boston to New York City. The town was also home to several notable figures, including Elijah Boardman, a United States Senator from Connecticut, and William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, who summered in Kent and Litchfield. New Milford is also close to several historic sites, including the Weir Farm National Historic Site and the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of New Milford was approximately 28,000 people, with a median age of 41 years old. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of young families, retirees, and commuters who work in nearby Danbury and New York City. New Milford is also home to a number of Hispanic and Latino residents, who make up around 10% of the population. The town is served by several nearby hospitals, including Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital, and is also close to several major medical centers, including Yale New Haven Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center. The town's demographics are similar to those of nearby Ridgefield and Wilton.

Economy

The economy of New Milford is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and service-based industries. The town is home to several major employers, including Pitney Bowes, Praxair, and Boehringer Ingelheim. New Milford is also a popular tourist destination, with several historic sites, including the New Milford Historical Society and Museum and the Cannonball Trail. The town is close to several major shopping centers, including the Danbury Fair Mall and the Westfield Trumbull Mall, and is also served by several nearby airports, including Westchester County Airport and LaGuardia Airport. The town's economy is also supported by several nearby institutions, including Western Connecticut State University and University of Connecticut.

Education

New Milford is served by the New Milford Public Schools system, which operates several schools in the town, including New Milford High School and Schaghticoke Middle School. The town is also home to several private schools, including The Canterbury School and The Gunnery. New Milford is close to several nearby colleges and universities, including Western Connecticut State University and University of Connecticut, and is also served by several nearby libraries, including the New Milford Public Library and the Danbury Public Library. The town's education system is similar to those of nearby Ridgefield and Wilton, and is supported by several nearby institutions, including Yale University and Columbia University.

Government

New Milford is governed by a mayor-council system, with a Mayor of New Milford, Connecticut and a New Milford Town Council. The town is also served by several nearby government agencies, including the Litchfield County government and the State of Connecticut government. New Milford is represented in the Connecticut General Assembly by several state legislators, including State Senator Kevin Witkos and State Representative Bill Buckbee. The town is also close to several nearby government institutions, including the Connecticut State Capitol and the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The town's government is supported by several nearby organizations, including the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the National League of Cities.