Here's Where Southport, Fairfield Rank Among Top Places To Live In CT

FAIRFIELD, CT — Southport and Fairfield, which for the purposes of this study are listed separately, are among the best 100 communities in Connecticut to live in, according to a new report by the ranking website Niche.com.

Southport is ranked #7 overall, and Fairfield comes in at #25, with both communities receiving high marks for the public school system and nightlife, among others.

Within the sub-category of best suburbs in the state to live in, Southport is #5, and Fairfield is #15, out of 73 suburban communities in the ranking.

Click here to view Niche.com's methodology for its best places rankings.

"Living in Southport offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes," the report reads, listing median home value at $724,300. "In Southport there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in Southport and residents tend to be liberal."

Fairfield, where the median home value is listed as $627,100, received a similar description from Niche.com. Median home value nationally is $244,900, according to the report.

"Living in Fairfield offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes," the report reads. "Many young professionals live in Fairfield and residents tend to be liberal."

Median household income in Southport is $161,042, while in Fairfield it's $149,641; median household income nationally is $69,021, according to the report.

Fairfield receives a "B" for diversity, while Southport gets a "C+" in that category.

Southport also receives an "A+" under the Good for Families category, compared to Fairfield's "A" rating.

Mark Barnhart, Fairfield's Director of Community and Economic Development, told Patch that he's not surprised by Southport and Fairfield receiving high marks from Niche.com.

"Fairfield/Southport are consistently ranked among the top places to live," Barnhart said. "Fairfield offers a nice blend of amenities that you typically find in much larger cities with an upscale suburban lifestyle. Fairfield has a rich history, a vibrant downtown, abundant cultural and recreational offerings and top-notch schools…all that and more in a community that despite its size still maintains a family friendly small town feel."