30 + 1 Reason Why You Should Move To New Haven

Continuing with our previous posts, here are the final ten recommendations to complete a list of thirty amazing reasons why you should move to New Haven. Remember, we didn’t write the original article; however, using the author’s choices, we added our personal insights and commentary.

21. The Study

The Study at Yale is a lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Yale’s vibrant Arts campus, just steps from the University’s theaters, museums, libraries and cultural centers.  Although the ambiance is ultra-sophisticated, it has a surprisingly relaxing vibe.  Often frequented by visiting dignitaries to the University, it’s best known for housing visiting parents of Yale students.

22.  New Haven CitySeed Farmer’s Markets

This non-profit organization’s mission to connect communities through local food sparked the birth of CitySeed and a host of producer-only outdoor farmer’s market selling locally grown fruits, vegetables and dairy products.  There is a Saturday market in Wooster Square, a Sunday market in Edgewood Park, on Wednesday the farmers gather in front of City Hall in downtown New Haven, on Thursday they can be found in Fair Haven and Friday on The Hill.  Most of the markets shut down around the end of October.  In January the action moves indoors to the Metropolitan Business Academy, where they remain until April.

23.  Sugar Bakery & Cupcakes is well known for their in-house variety of cake flavors and custom creations, but their cupcake selection is the icing on the cake. With an everyday menu of 30 unusual combinations (think Red Velvet cupcake – our favorite, signature chocolate chip cannoli cream filling, vanilla butter cream, and mini chocolate morsels, or Strawberry Cheesecake, a strawberry cupcake with cream cheese frosting) at just $3.00 per cupcake – oh, my!  And let’s not forget their ‘seasonals’, some of which include Christmas Morning in winter, Mudslide in spring, Banana Split in summer and Trick or Treat in fall.  Located in East Haven, Sugar Bakery has taken to the streets of New Haven with a mobile truck bearing their goodies.

24.   The Owl Shop

Where in New Haven can you find food, drink, cigar smoking and relaxation all under one roof?  Add to that a daily ‘happy hour’ from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and live entertainment every Tuesday and Wednesday evening . . . plush ambience adds to the comfort of this unusual, but welcome respite. The Official Owl Shop Cigar Lounge on College Street, that’s where.  This is a true Cigar Bar, with on-site blending of world-class tobaccos to offer over sixty different cigar varieties.  There is a members-only club offering certain cigar lover benefits, including a humidor locker, for a nominal $75.00 yearly fee.  As of this writing there is a waiting list for a locker.

25.  The Wine Thief

The Best of New Haven Living 2015 poll names Wine Thief the best wine shop in New Haven.  Owners and employees of The Wine Thief are serious about their inventory and thrive on educating both the accomplished and casual wine lover to make them comfortable with their purchase. This is accomplished mostly through wine tastings held every Friday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  A great place to visit when you’re looking for ‘that’ special wine, either for yourself, or as a gift.  

26.  Cask Republic and Prime 16

Not quite sure why these two pubs were lumped together unless they were meant to be tied for placement in the beer and burger category.  Cask Republic claims to be unlike any other beer destination in the Northeast, boasting 56 draughts and 80+ bottled beers, pub-style menus, brewing events and a private dining room to accommodate small parties.  Prime 16 is described as a beer-enthusiast destination for artisanal brews & New American fare in a clubby, mahogany-rich space.  Special raves for their hamburgers and happy hour pricing.

27.  Zinc

If you’re looking for a farm-to-table restaurant, Zinc is the place.  Their modern interpretation of New American food is local market inspired, and globally infused with a focus on sustainable food.  You won’t be disappointed with this dining experience.

28.  Industry

Over the years the base of the economy in New Haven has shifted from manufacturing to the service sector; specifically health, business, and financial services, as well as retail trade, representing 56% of the economy.  The greatest up-and-coming growth spurt heading our way is the biotech industry; there are already several well-established biotech firms in the area.

These companies alone added some 1,000 jobs to the regional economy in the late 1990s, and continue to fuel the economy into the 2000s.  New Haven benefits from its’ close proximity to two major bioscience centers in New York and Boston.  Local healthcare and pharmaceutical firms, along with Yale Medical School, constitute one of the major concentrations of bio-medical research in the nation.  Another important element to the Greater New Haven economy is higher education, particularly the presence of Yale University and its worldwide reputation as a research center and its highly skilled and educated graduate base.

29.  Union Street Station

Union Street Station is a major regional stop for Amtrak, Metro North, Shore Line East and New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail service.  Peter Pan, Greyhound and Mega Bus provide inter-bus service from Union Station.  The building is actually the portal’s third; the first stood on Meadow Street, near the site of the current Union Station parking garage, before being destroyed by fire.  In 1920 a beautiful beaux-arts terminal replaced it.  The building featured interior limestone walls, ornate ceilings, chandeliers and striking stainless steel ceilings in the tunnels to the trains. It served the New York and New Haven Hartford Railroad until it fell into decline, along with the rest of the railroad industry after World War II.   It was shuttered in 1972, three years before being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1979 the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project provided funding to restore, rather than demolish, the building.  Reopened after extensive renovations in early 1985, it is now the premier gateway to the city.  Yale University has recently validated the value of Union Street Station to the New Haven community with the introduction of free shuttle bus service between Union Street Station and the New Haven Green.

30.  The New Haven Green

The historic New Haven Green, famous for its canopy of elm trees, open space, and iconic buildings both in and around the Green is our space, and plays an important role in contributing to the cultural entertainment we regularly enjoy here in New Haven. The Green hosts numerous public events, such as the Festival of Arts and Ideas and New Haven Jazz Festival, summer jazz and classical music concerts. This remarkable 16-acre site in the center of downtown New Haven is the central square of the original nine squares in the city.  Located on the upper Green are three historic early 19th century churches.  The United Church on the Green was built in Federal style in 1814.  The current First Church of Christ, built in 1812, was designed in Georgian style. Trinity Church on the Green is an Episcopal Church, built in Gothic style between 1814 and 1815 and reputed to be first Gothic Style church identified in the United States.  Because of this architectural legacy, The Green was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1970.  The Green is a tribute to the rich history of New Haven.

There you have it . . . 30 reasons why you should move to New Haven.  Actually, in the original article, the author had listed only 29 items.  We couldn’t understand how The New Haven Green, which contributes so much to the lifestyle of New Haven residents, was omitted from the list and we took the liberty of adding it as our 30^th reason.  Now that you are armed with all the reasons why you should move to New Haven, you need to know where to live in New Haven.  As promised, our recommendation for #31 – The Union, a luxury residential apartment building located at 205 Church Street.

31. The Union

The Union stands on the northeast corner of the historic Green at 205 Church Street.  The property has a significant history of its’ own, having once been home to Richard Perry, Secretary to the General Court of the Colony of New Haven in the 1640’s.  In 1927 a new colonial revival-style building, designed to reflect the architecture of the Green and its three historic churches, was built on the site for the Union and New Haven Trust Company.  A new tenant, First Union Corporation, who later changed its’ name in a nod to its Wachovia acquisition before merging with Wells Fargo, took occupancy in 1995.  The building’s ground floor is still occupied by a Wells Fargo branch, despite ownership having changed hands in 2013 when a New York-based developer purchased the property. Shortly after, The New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals approved zoning variances to allow for a residential building.  Construction to convert the former office building to 138 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom market rate rental apartments has been completed, and the results are truly exceptional.  Come preview the perfectly planned apartments, with its’ upgraded appliances, outstanding views and exceptional location. The luxurious amenities continue outside the apartment and throughout the property, as well.  Living at The Union makes for an exciting experience in comfort, relaxation and convenience.  You’ll quickly realize this unparalleled residence; coupled with the thirty New Haven special features listed above is where your story begins.

Contact a leasing representative at 203-777-7775 to make an appointment and see for yourself what all the excitement is about.  Advance sales opportunities are now available for studios, and one and two bedroom apartments.

The Union                                                                                                                                                                205 Church Street                                                                                                                                                  New Haven, CT 06510                                                                                                                              203-777-7775

http://renttheunion.wpengine.com/