Ridgefield, Connecticut is a town of 23,643 residents who are thrilled to be living in such a vibrant and cultured town. Situated in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, the town was considered a “resort” town up until the Second World War, as wealthy families from Boston and New York built large summer homes and moved there during the hot months of July and August. These houses together with the even older antique colonial homes give the town charm, beauty and uniqueness rarely found in New England.
The town borders North Salem and Lewisboro New York to the west, Danbury, Connecticut to the north, Wilton Connecticut to the south and Redding, Connecticut to the East. At an elevation of about 700 feet it catches the cooling breezes from Long Island Sound in the summer and the cold winds from the West in the winter.
Ridgefield was first settled in 1708 and incorporated in 1709. Residents are proud of the fact that in 1777, Benedict Arnold had his horse shot out from underneath him at the Battle of Ridgefield. Keeler Tavern, a local museum, has a British cannonball lodged in the side of the building; very interesting!
During the early years, the town was a farming community, raising apples, onions, vegetables and grain, as well as cattle, horses and pigs.In 1870 things changed with the building of a branch railroad line from Branchville up a steep incline to Ridgefield. This brought people from New York who built houses and the start of some small industry. The railroad was abandoned in the 1950’s when transportation by car to other stations allowed quicker access to New York City. Today Ridgefield is a dynamic, energized town which offers great services, convenient shopping and an easy commute to Stamford, a major industrial center and New York City.
The “feel” of Ridgefield is of New England history, of community, of joining, of energy and culture. Part of the town is a historic district listed on The National Registry of Historic Places, and there is J. Alden Weir Farm, the only National Park in Connecticut. The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art is rated one of the top small museums in the country.
There is the Ridgefield Playhouse, where name acts appear such as Blue Oyster Cult and Chris Botti, there is Martin Park open to residents with its sandy beach and playgrounds, and there is the Boys and Girls Club with its pool and classes in dance, yoga, swimming and other athletics. There is the municipal Ridgefield Golf Course designed by George and Tom Fazio. It is difficult to come up with a service that Ridgefield does not have or can get if you ask.
The school system in Ridgefield is at the top or close. The High School is rated 10 out of 10 by “Great Schools in the United States”. Ridgefield has nine public schools and two private schools. There are six elementary schools, two middle schools and one High School. There are 1,259 students enrolled in the modern High School with its fantastic athletic facilities. Teams from Ridgefield have won several state championships in football, lacrosse, skiing and soccer. 65 % of the student body competes in at least one varsity sport. Over the last few years the High School has undergone significant renovations.
Ridgefield offers its residents a convenient town center where you can get a Starbucks Coffee, buy a dress at a trendy women’s store, buy all your groceries at Anacona’s Market , eat at one of the best restaurants in the state or buy a slice of pizza. In short, Ridgefield is there when you need it but will leave you alone if that is what you want. Ridgefield is quiet and open with miles of fields and open spaces and yet it is only one hour and a half from New York City.
© Copyright 1999 - 2024 Dagny's LLC.