8 Awesome New Haven Suburbs to Consider Living In

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Updated on March 27th, 2024

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New Haven, CT, has risen in popularity for those looking to rent or buy a home in the region. This New England city is known for many things, most notably as the home of Yale University. New Haven also has a lively downtown area filled with restaurants and shops to explore. 

If you want to buy a home in New Haven, you’ll find that the median home sale price is $269,750, the average sale price per square foot is $140, and the housing market is somewhat competitive. And if you’re looking to rent an apartment in New Haven, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,945.

If the New Haven area is right for you, but you’re not certain about living in the city, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to buy a home or rent an apartment, we’ve collected a list of 8 awesome New Haven suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 30 minutes away from the city, so you’ll be close enough to explore New Haven’s best activities.

new haven lighthouse by the sea

#1: West Haven

Median home price: $295,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $163 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,720 
Driving distance from New Haven: 10 minutes
West Haven, CT homes for sale
West Haven, CT apartments for rent

West Haven, with a median home sale price of $295,000, is first up on our list of New Haven suburbs. Just about a 10-minute drive away from New Haven, you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer. If you’re considering moving to West Haven, stop by the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary, spend the afternoon at Sea Bluff Beach, or visit the Ward Heitmann House Museum.

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#2: East Haven

Median home price: $290,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $165 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,975 
Driving distance from New Haven: 15 minutes
East Haven, CT homes for sale
East Haven, CT apartments for rent

Only 15 minutes from New Haven’s downtown is East Haven. Some popular things to do in East Haven include spending the day at one of the many beaches like Silver Sands Beach, touring The Shore Line Trolley Museum, or heading to Lake Saltonstall Recreation Area.

#3: Orange

Median home price: $450,730 
Average sale price per square foot: $194 
Driving distance from New Haven: 20 minutes
Orange, CT homes for sale
Orange, CT apartments for rent

20 minutes away from downtown, you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Orange. Even with a population of about 14,300, there are plenty of cool things to check out in Orange. If you decide to move to this New Haven suburb, go for a hike at Racebrook Tract or check out the scenic view at Tucker’s Ridge.

yale university building exterior

#4: North Haven

Median home price: $396,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $226 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,695 
Driving distance from New Haven: 15 minutes
North Haven, CT homes for sale
North Haven, CT apartments for rent

North Haven is another great suburb that you may want to check out if you’re ready to live outside of New Haven. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in this New Haven suburb. Make sure to visit one of the many parks and green spaces like Wharton Brook State Park, Peter’s Rock Association, or Tidal Marsh Trail.

#5: Milford

Median home price: $362,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $279 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,295 
Driving distance from New Haven: 20 minutes
Milford, CT homes for sale
Milford, CT apartments for rent

About a 20-minute drive into the city, consider adding Milford to your list of New Haven suburbs to check out. In Milford, you can visit the wildlife refuge at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center, spend the day at one of the beaches, or visit the Milford Historical Society.

#6: Ansonia

Median home price: $305,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $164 
Driving distance from New Haven: 25 minutes
Ansonia, CT homes for sale
Ansonia, CT apartments for rent

Sixth on the list is another well-known New Haven suburb, Ansonia. This area has about 18,900 residents and is a great suburb to consider buying a home or renting an apartment. In Ansonia, you can explore the Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, check out the charming downtown, and take in the views of the Naugatuck River, among many other local favorites.

street sign in new haven downtown area

#7: Derby

Median home price: $285,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $174 
Driving distance from New Haven: 25 minutes
Derby, CT homes for sale
Derby, CT apartments for rent

Next on our list of New Haven suburbs is Derby, which is roughly a 25-minute drive into the heart of the city. With a population of about 12,300, living in Derby is a great alternative to New Haven’s hustle and bustle. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to stroll through Osbornedale State Park and visit the Osborne Homestead Museum.

#8: Shelton

Median home price: $464,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $225 
Driving distance from New Haven: 30 minutes
Shelton, CT homes for sale
Shelton, CT apartments for rent

Rounding out our list of New Haven suburbs is Shelton. This suburb is home to 40,900 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of New Haven’s population while remaining only 30 minutes from the city. Once moving to Shelton, you’ll want to visit Indian Well State Park and take in the scenery. 

3 Affordable things to do in New Haven

1. Yale University

“For those interested in history, New Haven is a great place to explore,” says Sup, New Haven?. “Yale University is an excellent starting point, with its architecture and public art, as well as its plaques which provide information about the nation’s oldest cemetery, its vast collection of rare books, and the home of Roger Sherman. Free self-guided tours are available online, making it easy to learn about the history of the city.”

2. Yale Art Museum

“Visiting the Yale Art Museum is one of my favorite things to do in New Haven, CT, and the best part is that it’s free to the public,” recommends Della Bella Photography. “At the gallery, you can admire works of art from around the globe. Afterward, head to Little Italy’s Wooster Street and indulge in Pepe’s Pizza, the best pizza in the country.”

3. Children’s Museum

“Bringing my family to the Connecticut Children’s Museum in New Haven, CT is my favorite low-cost activity. This remarkable spot has a plethora of enjoyable and interactive experiences for kids, making it a truly enchanting experience for the whole family.”

Methodology: Whether a suburb is under a 30-minute drive from downtown New Haven. List organized in no particular order. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.

Learn more about New Haven

21 Popular New Haven Neighborhoods: Where to Live in New Haven in 2023

7 Beautiful Parks in New Haven for Nature Lovers

Saving for a House? 7 Free Things to Do in New Haven, CT

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
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Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about housing affordability and home interior design ideas. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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