Orange, Connecticut

Orange, Connecticut is a town located in New Haven County, Connecticut, with a population of 14,421 as of the 2020 United States Census. The town is situated near the cities of New Haven, Connecticut, West Haven, Connecticut, and Milford, Connecticut, and is part of the New Haven-Milford, Connecticut Metropolitan Statistical Area. Orange is also close to the Housatonic River and the Long Island Sound, and is near several major highways, including Interstate 95 and the Wilbur Cross Parkway.

Geography

The town of Orange is located in the southern part of New Haven County, Connecticut, and covers an area of 17.4 square miles. The town is bordered by the cities of West Haven, Connecticut to the southeast, New Haven, Connecticut to the east, and Woodbridge, Connecticut to the north. Orange is also near the Housatonic River to the west, and the Long Island Sound to the south. The town's terrain is generally flat, with an average elevation of 65 feet above sea level. Nearby cities and towns include Milford, Connecticut, Stratford, Connecticut, and Trumbull, Connecticut, and the town is accessible via Interstate 95, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and the Merritt Parkway.

History

The area that is now Orange was originally settled in 1639 by English colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The town was officially incorporated in 1822, and was named after William of Orange, a Prince of Orange and the King of England. During the American Revolutionary War, Orange was a key location for the Continental Army, with George Washington and his troops passing through the area on several occasions. The town was also home to several notable figures, including Eli Whitney, the inventor of the Cotton gin, and Noah Webster, the creator of the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Nearby historical sites include the Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton, Connecticut, the Fairfield Museum and History Center in Fairfield, Connecticut, and the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Orange was 14,421, with a population density of 830 people per square mile. The town's population is diverse, with a mix of young and old residents, and a range of ethnic and racial backgrounds. The median age in Orange is 44 years old, and the median household income is $123,000. The town is also home to several major employers, including the Yale-New Haven Hospital, the University of New Haven, and the Southern Connecticut State University. Nearby cities and towns with similar demographics include Westport, Connecticut, Darien, Connecticut, and Greenwich, Connecticut, and the town is part of the larger New York metropolitan area.

Economy

The economy of Orange is diverse, with a mix of retail, service, and manufacturing businesses. The town is home to several major employers, including the Yale-New Haven Hospital, the University of New Haven, and the Southern Connecticut State University. Orange is also a popular location for small businesses, with several shopping centers and office parks throughout the town. The town's proximity to New Haven, Connecticut and the Long Island Sound also makes it an attractive location for maritime trade and tourism. Nearby cities and towns with similar economies include Stamford, Connecticut, Norwalk, Connecticut, and Danbury, Connecticut, and the town is part of the larger New York metropolitan area.

Education

The town of Orange is served by the Orange Public Schools system, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The town is also home to several private schools, including the Amity Regional High School and the Hopkins School. Orange is also near several major universities, including Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, the University of New Haven, and the Southern Connecticut State University. The town's proximity to these institutions makes it an attractive location for students and faculty, and the town has a highly educated population, with over 50% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Nearby cities and towns with similar educational institutions include New Haven, Connecticut, Fairfield, Connecticut, and West Hartford, Connecticut.

Infrastructure

The town of Orange has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major highways and roads passing through the town. The town is accessible via Interstate 95, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and the Merritt Parkway, and is also near several major airports, including the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport and the Bradley International Airport. Orange is also served by the Metro-North Railroad and the Shore Line East commuter rail lines, which provide access to New York City and other nearby cities. The town's proximity to these transportation hubs makes it an attractive location for commuters and businesses, and the town has a highly developed public transportation system. Nearby cities and towns with similar infrastructure include Stamford, Connecticut, Norwalk, Connecticut, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the town is part of the larger New York metropolitan area.