It is the birthplace of the frisbee and the most populous city in Connecticut, and claims the first Subway Restaurant. Bridgeport, Connecticut, also known for its contribution to industrialization, has an ecclectic history blended with all the amendities of modern day living.
Thinking about a move to Bridgeport? Take a look at the following guide to help make your decision. It's full of tips and information about the city from climate to cost of living. If you need to compare moving quotes, you can get started here at Movers.com with a free quote.
Bridgeport Climate
May through October, you'll find Bridgeport to be relatively warm. Lows are generally in the 60s while highs are in the 80s or higher, with high humidity. The area is classified as a subtropical humid climate, and carries with it some afternoon thunderstorms.
Winter temperatures can range from high 20s to low 40s, and temperatures don't stay as consistent as they do during summer months. Occasional snow and freezes occur during winter, and although rare, the area has seen some tropical cyclones and storms.
Bridgeport Neighborhoods
If you are searching for a neighborhood in Bridgeport, residential or otherwise, you will find approximately 70 different ones to choose from. Neighborhoods are divided into several areas including Downtown Bridgeport, East Bridgeport, West Side/West End, South End, and North Bridgeport.
The Downtown area features a myriad of local eateries, and is becoming a culinary landmark for Connecticut residents. Here you'll find venues for live music and dance, plenty of retail shops and historic districts that are compact and easy to navigate - slightly different from larger cities with vast streets and tall skyscrapers.
For a taste of the historic districts, you may want to settle in an area like Black Rock, a neighborhood in the southwestern section of the city. In addition to the residential areas found here, there are also plenty of commercial structures along Fairfield Avenue to keep its residents busy. There are two historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places here, and many young professionals, artists and academic call this area home because of the waterfront community.
Registering Your Car
Upon moving to Connecticut, the state gives you 60 days to transfer your vehicle registration to a Connecticut one. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and emissions test is required. You will need a copy of this test, your out of state title, an application for registration, proof of insurance and proper identification when going to the DMV to register your car.
Once you are an official resident of Connecticut, you will have 30 days to transfer your out of state license to Connecticut. You'll need to present your out of state license when you make the change, and it must not be expired for more than two years. Before you are issued your license, a vision test will be administered - road tests may be waived based on the licensing agent's discretion. You will have to bring multiple forms of identification, fill out an application form along with an application fee, and pay a license fee of $72 or $84 dollars, depending on how long the license will be valid for.
Bridgeport Schools
Bridgeport Public Schools is responsible for the public school system in the city, and includes 31 elementary schools and three high schools including Bassick High School, Central High School and Warren Harding High School. Over 23,000 students are enrolled in the system.
If you're looking for higher education, University of Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College, St. Vincent's College and the Yeshiva Gedola of Bridgeport all call the city home. UB is a private institution that is located on the Long Island Sound in the South End neighborhood, and is fully accredited.
Bridgeport Employment
Manufacturing and trade were always heavy hitters in the Bridgeport economy, but lately things have shifted slightly towards service-producing industries like healthcare services and small businesses. The city touts having a highly educated community, as approximately half of the population hold a college degree.
The unemployment rate in Bridgeport is slightly below the national average, sitting at about 7.6 percent as of March 2013. Some of the city's top employers include healthcare services and education. St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital and the University of Bridgeport are among the top 10.
Living Costs in the City
Moving to Bridgeport means you will most likely see a significant increase in your monthly bills, depending on where you originally lived. The overall cost of living is approximately 25 percent higher than the national average, but utility costs are almost 40 percent higher. The median salary in the area is approximately $40,000, while the median house value is approximately $140,000, though you can find homes for upwards of $500,000 or more.
Monthly rent for apartments starts at about $600 and up for a studio or one bedroom, and can go up to about $1,300. Utility costs may or may not be included, so be sure to check with your potential landlord about what amenities are paid for before signing a lease.
The city is known for its high energy costs, in fact, the whole state is known for having some of the highest energy costs in the continental U.S. There's a limit on coal-powered electric plants in Connecticut as part of an effort to be environmentally conscious, and as a result only seven percent of the electricity in the area comes from coal, and a lot of the area is moving towards solar energy. Be prepared for your bills to reflect that if you are considering a move.
Bridgeport Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies can service your move to Bridgeport, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Connecticut. Get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates is recommended). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Bridgeport Transportation
Many residents in Bridgeport use Amtrak and Metro-north commuter trains for their trek into New York City for work - these trains also provide service to Waterbury and New Haven. A Shoreline East Service provides transportation to New London and Old Saybrook by way of New Haven, and will connect to Bridgeport and Stamford during the week.
You can take advantage of ferry service from Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry that runs from Bridgeport across Long Island Sound to Port Jefferson in New York. You can even transport your vehicle via this ferry service, as well. Don't forget about the Great Bridgeport Transit Authority that provides bus service through the city and suburbs.
For commuters by automobile, the major roadways most commonly used are: Interstate 95, U.S. 1, and Routes 130, 127, 25 and 8.
Culture & Contemporary Life
The arts and music scene in Downtown Bridgeport flourish with places to go and festivals to see, like the City of Lights Gallery, the Bridgeport Arts Fest and the Bijou Theatre. You can enjoy Broadway caliber performances at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre the same day you can experience a variety of free music during Downtown Thursdays.
The food scene in Bridgeport is becoming more and more sophisticated, when dining options ranging from Asian, French, Italian and Portuguese to Turkish, Mediterranean and Caribbean. The locals boast the food here is like planning a trip around with world, without having to go anywhere.
Bridgeport didn't forget about you, sports fan! The Bridgeport Harbor Yard sports complex generates over a half a million visitors annually. Cheer on the Bridgeport Bluefish, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Fairfield University Stags and the University of Bridgeport Knights all right here.
Bridgeport Relocation Tips
- The weather can be unpredictable at times in the city, so make sure you dress appropriately for the corresponding seasons - it's a good idea to have an umbrella and extra jacket handy.
- Bridgeport is a large city with a lot of industry surrounding it - a lot of people commute to New York City from here, so be prepared for plenty of people using public transportation, and longer commute times if you are driving a personal vehicle.
- Research your neighborhood before considering purchasing a home, and if you can, go out and visit your potential homes or apartments before you make your move.