“Live-work-shop-dine-explore” – Guilford continues to evolve to meet future opportunities - by Brian McGlone

Brian McGlone, Town of Guilford

Guilford, settled in 1639, represents a town rich in history, while continuing to evolve to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future. Guilford is ideally situated along Long Island Sound, just 12 miles east of New Haven along I-95, and is centrally located between New York City and Boston. The Shoreline East train station in Guilford connects to both Amtrak and Metro North. Air transportation is convenient, with Bradley International (Hartford) and T. F. Green (Providence, RI) airports both located within a one hour drive. Many travelers also appreciate the proximity to nearby J.F.K., LaGuardia and Newark airports as well.

The center of Guilford features a town green that has been voted Best in New England. It is an 8 acre parcel surrounded by quaint shops, restaurants, churches, art galleries, the town hall, town library, and several service providers. Throughout the year, the green bustles with activity, playing host to numerous social and civic events; including free concerts, parades, fairs, festivals, Shakespeare performances, annual holiday celebrations, Civil War era reenactments and much more. People of all ages come to relax, play or picnic on the green, and enjoy the historic charm that surrounds them.

Heritage tourism is an economic driver; folks can enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque downtown area, showcasing a variety of architectural periods, or visit our five historic museums. Guilford boasts more than 700 homes that are over 100 years old.  The Henry Whitfield House Museum, built in 1639, is the oldest stone house in Connecticut and all of New England, and has welcomed visitors from around the world.

In addition to the historical aspects of Guilford, residents and visitors enjoy all that shoreline living has to offer. Our town’s many lakes and proximity to Long Island Sound provides  boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming enjoyment to many. Guilford has thousands of acres of open space for hiking, including the terminus for the New England Trail, that stretches 215 miles to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire borders. There are numerous parks to enjoy, including a dog park, and one of the finest par 3 executive golf courses in New England. Tennis courts and playing fields are readily available and support a variety of athletics.

Guilford is known for its strong K through 12 public school system, including programs to support children with special needs and autism. A new $92 million high school opened in the fall of 2015 and was widely supported by the community.

Guilford has an educated workforce and is surrounded by many quality higher education institutions, including Yale, Quinnipiac and Wesleyan Universities, Connecticut College, the University of Connecticut and more. 

Public safety is paramount; Guilford provides excellent fire and police services. Many fine public service organizations also provide community support. Wide ranging health services are available, and The Yale New Haven Shoreline Medical Center provides emergency services and selective diagnostic and surgery specialties.

Commerce thrives in Guilford. We have many small, local, family owned businesses, as well as employers with several hundred employees. Our agricultural roots are strong, as evidenced by Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, established in 1871. Other long standing businesses include Guilford Savings Bank and Page’s Hardware and Appliances.

Guilford is the world headquarters for companies such as; The Safety Zone (personal protective equipment & supplies), American Cruise Lines (leisure and travel), Moroso Performance Products (automotive), Sightlines (education facility asset management) and Brooks & Whittle (specialty product labeling). Other leading edge companies include Defibtec (AED lifesaving technology), Thermo Fisher Scientific (DNA & molecular biology products) and the Rothberg Institute for Childhood Diseases. Other large employers in Guilford include the SARAH organizations, supporting those with intellectual disabilities, and the VNA (Visiting Nurses Association), providing home healthcare to those in need.

Recent retail expansion occurred in Guilford, with the opening of Guilford Commons, a 137,000 s/f shopping complex. National retailers such as The Fresh Market, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Michael’s Craft Stores are located there. Tractor Supply recently opened, serving our farming community and trades people. Guilford’s Economic Development Commission and the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce actively support our local businesses.

Guilford is a desirable community to live and work in, or to simply explore. The featured project, The Residences at 66 High Street is an exciting one for Guilford. Revitalizing a factory that has been dormant for about 15 years, this project is transforming what was a vacant factory to upscale residential living.  Located one block from the town green, it is an easy stroll to merchants, restaurants, banking and other services. The train station, beaches, parks, and marina area are all a short walk away. These new residences provide an option to many Guilford residents who want to downsize and experience “in-town living,” and are also attracting new people to our thriving community. Construction alone has contributed significantly to our local economy. When fully developed, The Residences at 66 High Street will continue to positively affect our town and add appreciably to Guilford’s Grand List. Several other housing projects will be completed in the next 2 to 4 years, demonstrating Guilford’s appeal to people and businesses alike.

If you would like to learn more about Guilford or tour our town, please feel free to reach out to me.

Brian McGlone is the economic development coordinator for the Town of Guilford, Conn.