RIDGEFIELD Connecticut Real Estate
Ridgefield is a quaint, picturesque, New England community whose quality of life is most discernible as you walk along Main Street with its Victorian homes, majestic churches, museums, a fountain designed by architect Cass Gilbert, unique shops, boutiques and restaurants. Ridgefield has become a popular shopping destination, offering a change from the large shopping centers.
Located in the southwest corner of Connecticut, adjacent to the Westchester, NY border, Ridgefield is 52 miles northeast of New York City. Ridgefield’s landscape encompasses 35 square miles of wooded, rolling hills dotted with numerous freshwater ponds and streams. Ridgefield’s citizens are enthusiastic and dedicated to preserving the quality of life as evidenced by their involvement with many town boards and committees. This vibrant, mid-size community offers a variety of housing choices for individuals in all stages of life. While chiefly residential, it is the home of some research and development companies, light industries and corporate headquarters.
From Main Street, with its rich history, to the bustle of the shops and restaurants in the town center, Ridgefield wins the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Ridgefield also includes a wide variety of cultural offerings .
Population 23,890 Area 35 square miles
Schools
Ridgefield’s schools are among its greatest assets. They are one of the main reasons people move to this town and are reluctant to leave. Ridgefield is one of only 36 public school systems throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut that are members of the Tri-State Consortium, which includes the highest performing school systems in all three states.
Recreation
Ridgefield is a center of cultural opportunities and includes the Ridgefield Civic Ballet, Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield Guild of Artists and the Workshop for Performing Arts. Two nationally recognized museums, historic Keeler Tavern and the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, add to the town’s charm.
Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Commission sponsors and organizes many adult and youth activities throughout the year including basketball, baseball, football, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, ballet, baton twirling, gymnastics and horseback riding. The town also offers an 18 hole public golf course, a private golf, tennis and swim club, as well as a swimming lake and many public tennis courts. Several other organizations and groups sponsor recreational activities, including plays, concerts, lectures, sidewalk art shows, antique and plant sales. The Ridgefield Skating Center features an indoor ice rink which offers extensive youth hockey and figure skating programs. There is an active senior citizens group that sponsors trips throughout the area.
Aldrich Park
37 wooded acres with trails for hiking and camping
Ballard Park
A five acre, beautifully manicured park with gardens and a small playground
Boulton Refuge
33.8 wooded, and open acres with walking trails
Lake Windwing
100+ acres for camping and hiking and a lake for fishing
Levy Park
38 acres with hiking trails and camping
Limestone Refuge
A 9.9 acre wildlife refuge that has excellent bird watching
Lippolt
579 acres with trails for horseback riding, hiking and camping
Martin Park
Town beach for swimming and picnicking
Pierpont State Park
312 acres for horseback riding, nature walks and hiking
Richardson Park
30 acres for picnicking and nature study
Woodcock Nature Center
Guided tours and limited camping
Weir Farm National Park
A nature center
Medical Facilities
Ridgefield is served by Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital. Danbury Hospital is a nonprofit general hospital with a 405-bed capacity and emergency treatment center. In addition, there are 37 outpatient clinics including one for mental health, which is run on a daily and nightly basis. Norwalk Hospital is a nonprofit, community supported, 439-bed institution offering comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients.
Ridgefield Medical Center houses a variety of independent specialized medical doctors and general practitioners. The Visiting Nurse Association of Ridgefield has home health aids and homecare services. It also has physical, speech and occupational therapists.
Volunteer Services
Volunteering opportunities in Ridgefield can be found in some of the many community organizations including, The Newcomers Club, The International Club, The League of Women Voters, The Old Timers Club, The Kiwanis Club, The Rotary Club, The Lion's Club, Caudatowna Garden Club, The Ridgebury Garden Club, The American Legion, and The Main Street Singles Fellowship.
Transportation
Metro-North Commuter Railroad provides daily service to New York City (90 minutes); Stamford, CT (40 minutes); White Plains, NY (40 minutes). Route 7 and Route 35, both state roads, go through Ridgefield. Private limousine service is available.
Historical Sites
Keeler Tavern: A tavern from Revolutionary War days and is now a museum.
Fountain at Main Street and West Lane: Designed by world-renowned architect Cass Gilbert c. 1915.
Peter Parley Schoolhouse: c. 1756. The “Little Red” Schoolhouse
The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art: Housed in an historic 18th century building. First museum in the U.S. devoted exclusively to contemporary art.
Lounsbury Mansion: c. 1896. Home of he Ridgefield Community Center
Elms Inn and Restaurant: Open since 1799
