Guilford, Connecticut: A Classic New England Shoreline Town with History, Beauty & Community at Its Heart
Guilford, CT is one of the most picturesque and beloved shoreline towns in New England. Settled in 1639, Guilford blends timeless historic charm with a vibrant coastal lifestyle, making it a top destination for homebuyers seeking beauty, culture, and community along the Connecticut shoreline.
Located between New Haven and Madison and bordered by Long Island Sound, Guilford offers scenic waterfront views, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a blend of year-round and seasonal living that feels uniquely welcoming and distinctly New England.
Historic Charm, Coastal Beauty & Community Spirit
At the center of Guilford is its iconic Town Green, one of the largest and most beautiful historic greens in New England. Surrounded by stately colonial homes, charming boutiques, cafés, award-winning restaurants, and locally owned businesses, the Green serves as the heartbeat of daily life. Throughout the year, it hosts cherished community events including:
Summer concerts & art festivals
Antique shows & craft fairs
The beloved Little Folks Fair
Holiday celebrations & seasonal markets
Outdoor theater & community gatherings
With its classic architecture, shaded walkways, and thriving local shops, the Town Green gives Guilford its signature charm and strong sense of place.
A Rich Tapestry of History & Culture
Guilford holds the third largest collection of historic homes in New England, including well-preserved 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century residences. History lovers and visitors are drawn to Guilford’s remarkable museums, including:
The Henry Whitfield State Museum — home to the oldest stone house in New England
Hyland House Museum
Thomas Griswold House Museum
Medad Stone Tavern Museum
Guilford Keeping Society properties
These sites reflect Guilford’s long-standing commitment to preserving the past while embracing a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
The Guilford Art Center serves as a creative hub for artists, makers, and students of all ages, offering year-round classes, workshops, and exhibitions. Its annual craft expo is one of the region’s most anticipated arts events.
Shoreline Living with Endless Recreation
Guilford is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking an active lifestyle. The town offers:
Jacobs Beach — a local favorite with scenic views and calm waters
Public marinas & yacht clubs for boating and sailing
Guilford Lakes Golf Course
Private & public tennis courts
Biking & walking loops throughout town
Extensive hiking trails including Bluff Head, the Westwoods Trail System, and the Timberlands
Easy access to kayaking, paddle boarding & shoreline exploration
From coastal sunrises to wooded trails and peaceful inland lakes, Guilford provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for every season.
Convenience & Lifestyle in a Prime Location
One of Guilford’s major advantages is its accessibility. The Shoreline East Train Station, located near the town center, offers easy commuter access to New Haven, Stamford, and New York City. Many neighborhoods are within walking distance to town, the Green, and Jacobs Beach, making Guilford one of the most walkable shoreline towns in the region.
Its combination of natural beauty, historic character, excellent schools, and strong community values makes Guilford, CT an ideal place to live — whether you're buying your first home, relocating from the city, or looking for a peaceful coastal retreat.
Explore Guilford Real Estate
With a mix of historic homes, modern shoreline properties, family-friendly neighborhoods, and luxury waterfront estates, Guilford offers something for every lifestyle. As a local Guilford real estate expert, I help guide buyers and sellers through this unique and highly desirable market with deep local insight, strategy, and a personal touch.
22,037 people live in Guilford, where the median age is 50.7 and the average individual income is $70,909. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Guilford, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Central Cafe, Strange Land Emporium, and R3 FITNESS.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.7 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 2.99 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.49 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.11 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.64 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.65 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Guilford has 8,770 households, with an average household size of 2.49. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Guilford do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 22,037 people call Guilford home. The population density is 467.69 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
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Jules G. Etes is recognized as a leading real estate professional serving Guilford and Connecticut’s Shoreline communities, including Madison, Branford, and beyond. With deep local roots and extensive market knowledge, Jules provides clients with a smooth, strategic, and highly personalized experience from the first meeting to closing day. Whether guiding sellers through smart pricing and creative marketing or helping buyers find their perfect coastal retreat, Jules combines sharp negotiation skills, marketing expertise, and genuine care to make every transaction seamless. Choose Jules for exceptional service, trusted insight, and a results-driven approach that turns your real estate dreams into reality.
