Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut, with a population of over 147,000. Located on the coast, it's halfway between Stamford and New Haven, and 55 miles from midtown Manhattan, New York. The Merritt Parkway, I-95 and Route 8 put the city within easy reach of much of the northeast. Metro-North trains stop regularly just over the town line in Fairfield, taking riders to New York City in 80 minutes. Catch Amtrak in the center of town to get to Boston, Massachusetts, in three hours. A ferry goes to Port Jefferson, on the north coast of Long Island.
Bridgeport's down-and-out reputation is somewhat outdated. While some areas are a bit depressed, the walkable downtown has been revitalized in recent years and new residents are moving in. Affordable rents and good transit connections are a draw. The 2010 census revealed that the population increased (3-4%) for the first time in decades. Neighborhoods in Bridgeport's southwestern corner, Black Rock and St. Mary's, are wealthier than the rest of the city. These leafy enclaves feature Craftsman bungalows and Capes with well-kept lawns and a hint of saltwater in the air. Though beaches are privately owned, there's a popular waterfront park with a view of Long Island in the distance.
Renting an apartment in Bridgeport gives you access to New England's many desirable destinations. Coastal escapes within 125 miles include Newport and Block Island in Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay, and Mystic. Block Island is accessible by ferry. To the north is the rugged Mohawk State Forest and, beyond that, the Berkshires and Vermont's Green Mountains.
Apartments for rent in Bridgeport are more affordable than in many east coast cities, as the market is not too competitive. Because neighborhoods are varied and changing, it's a good idea to get to know the city before committing to a location.
