Milford, CT 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

A coastal city in Central Connecticut, Milford is located in between Bridgeport and New Haven. Its ideal location and historic appeal have made it a desirable option for retirees. Besides that, the city is home to a quaint downtown, and a number of beaches and greenspaces surrounding the city. 

Climate and Geography

The climate type in Milford is classified as humid subtropical, meaning summers are hot and humid while winters are cool to cold and receive a mix of both rain and snow depending on the temperature. Residents can expect more rain than the national average, an average amount of snow, and approximately 200 sunny days throughout each year.

Located right along the Atlantic coast, Milford has over fourteen miles of shoreline, the most in any city of Connecticut. The city is home to plenty of nature areas including forest preserves and state parks. 

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment

Residents looking to get outside and explore the city’s nature can visit one of the many state and local parks. Not to mention, there are a number of beaches to explore, such as Walnut Beach, Woodmont Beach, and Gulf Beach. These locations are ideal for swimming, camping, and boat tours. There are also plenty of waterparks for residents to enjoy during the summer. 

Aside from parks and beaches, residents can also visit some of the farms around the city, offering zoo-like amenities where they can interact with different animals. 

Milford’s downtown area is home to many antique shops, restaurants, and breweries. 

Residents looking for more extensive options for shopping, dining, and entertainment can reach New York City in about an hour and half, providing the perfect opportunity for day trips and weekend getaways. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Milford is higher than the national and state average. This is primarily due to the high cost of homes, housing, transportation and utilities. Groceries and health care costs are closer to the national average.

Connecticut is not typically considered a tax friendly state for retirees. Social Security benefits are normally subject to state income tax, with the exception of residents who fall below a certain income level ($75,000 for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers), and all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed with no exceptions. Property taxes are also some of the highest in the country, which can be a fairly large expense due to the high cost of homes. Homeowners who are 65+ may qualify for a property tax circuit breaker to help reduce this cost. Sales tax, on the other hand is on the lower end, and groceries are exempt. 

Health Care 

Connecticut ranks among the top states in Gallup’s Well-Being Index. 

There are many hospitals and medical centers in and near Milford including, Bridgeport Hospital-Milford Campus, Milford Hospital, and MidState Medical Center. In the neighboring city of New Haven, residents can find Yale New Haven Hospital which is nationally ranked in twelve specialties and rated high performing in nine procedures/conditions according to U.S. News.