Living in Orange, CT

The rolling hills that make up the 17.6 square miles of Orange, just east of West Haven, were once home to the Paugasette Indians. Orange remained a farming community until the mid-1940s when post-war residential construction began. 

Orange now boasts the largest commercial district in the state, with a broad selection of retail stores and restaurants along Boston Post Road that provide a strong tax base for the town. With thoughtful zoning and an emphasis on the preservation of public open space, the town has worked to maintain its rural lifestyle and farming roots and is home to more than 10 working farms.

There is a mix of mid-century housing and newer developments, as well as some assisted-living communities, making it an ideal destination for many who are looking for Orange Ct. real estate.  Orange has developed into an open, well-planned residential community that retains its New England simplicity.

There are four public k-6 elementary schools in the town, geographically disbursed. Seventh and eighth graders attend Amity Regional Middle School. Amity Senior High School in Woodbridge hosts approximately 1,500 students from the towns of Woodbridge, Orange and Bethany.  It is consistently rated one of the top schools in the state, and is competitive with many private high schools. There is a Hebrew Academy in town, and Hopkins School in New Haven is within a few miles.

Located a mere 5 miles from New Haven’s Yale Bowl, Orange is easily reached by both I-95 and the Merritt Parkway as well as the Route 34 corridor and Route 1. Although it is close to both the West Haven and Milford train stations, there is a planned stop on Metro-North to be built near Yale’s West Campus to serve the many Orange residents who work in New Haven. Anyone who's looking for Orange Ct. real estate will have an easy time getting around the area.

Orange offers a wealth of recreational and athletic programs for residents, including baseball, softball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, nature trails, an indoor community pool and a walking/jogging track. The Community Center offers numerous programs for every age group, from pre-k to seniors.

The first weekend in August ushers in the annual Firemen’s Carnival, which raises funds for the predominantly volunteer fire department. The Orange Country Fair held in mid-September is a must, and includes an impressive exhibit of antique farm equipment, antique cars and farm animals. There is also a weekly seasonal farmers market held at the Fairgrounds. Boston Post Road offers abundant shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities within minutes of most residential areas.

With fewer than 15,000 residents, Orange combines the best in small, New England town living with all the conveniences of an urban center.

Nearby New Haven is known for its arts and culture and has become a real foodie destination.  Neighboring West Haven , home to the University of New Haven and Notre Dame High School, has beaches and a boardwalk, as does the quaint shoreline town of Milford.