Branford is a small quiet community perfect for suburban life, tucked into the coast of Long Island Sound. The commute to nearby commercial centers is practical, and outdoor enjoyment is abundant.
This area originally known as "Totoket", and later became Branford, was part of the land bought from the Mattabesech Indians in 1638. The Long Island Sound provided many of the early settlers with a livelihood doing shipbuilding and coastal trade. The first iron furnace in Connecticut was set up and operated at Lake Saltonstall in 1655.
The Branford Green is considered one of the finest in Connecticut with its three churches and town hall facing Main Street. Surrounding the historic town green are architecturally rich homes from the Greek revival, gothic and colonial periods. Large single-family ranches, contemporary designs, condominiums and delightful seasonal and year-round cottages are also available in the town.
Beaches in Branford are among the most stunning in Connecticut, stretching across 20 miles of coastline. The town is home to several serene public and private beaches, as well as Foote Memorial Park. The Scenic Route 146 is a 12-mile driving tour beginning in town and snakes along the Long Island Sound into Guilford. The largest group of islands in Connecticut is Branford's Thimble Islands. Numbering over a hundred, they take their name from the "thimbleberries" or black raspberries which once grew wild on them.
Branford's education community includes an early learning and family resource center for preschoolers, kindergarteners and their families, including three elementary schools; an intermediate school; high school; adult education and summer enrichment programs.