Life in New Haven
New Haven is a vibrant, young city with attractions for all tastes.
New Haven combines New England charm with a cosmopolitan way of life. Since its founding, it has become home to people of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a rich cultural heritage that continues to be celebrated in the city’s many neighborhoods, fairs, festivals, and historical societies.
Fabulous eats abound in New Haven for every taste and budget, from trendy upscale restaurants to Louis’ Lunch, which claims to have cooked the first hamburger in the United States. The nightlife in New Haven includes rock concerts at the famed Toad’s Place, as well as many bars, coffee shops, theaters and clubs.
Culture and the Arts are everywhere in New Haven. There are the performances at the famous Shubert Performing Arts Center, productions of classic and modern plays at the Yale Repertory Theatre by the members of the Yale School of Drama, off-beat improvisation productions at the Yale Cabaret, and the internationally renowned Long Wharf Theatre which has hosted hundreds of productions that have gone to Broadway. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, the Yale School of Music, and the many choral groups have performances during the year and often feature internationally recognized musicians. For the museum enthusiasts, New Haven boasts several outstanding museums, including the Yale Art Gallery, the British Art Center, and the Peabody Museum.
With many scenic parks and a beautiful coastline, Greater New Haven is the place for hiking, biking and picnicking at such places as the Sleeping Giant State Park and the historical Edgerton Park. Other popular areas include East and West Rock Parks that were carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. Wooded hills and picturesque routes are especially breathtaking in the fall, and the snow-covered peaks of the southern Berkshires provide skiing and other winter sports. Water sport lovers will enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and swimming at the many beaches which dot the coast around New Haven.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the many sporting events offered locally and regionally. From collegiate football to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament, there are sporting events throughout the year. Soccer and baseball abound in New Haven with many Yale EM residents and staff participating in local leagues.