An architect's dream -- the city of Branford Center houses buildings that represent almost every major architectural style used in the United States, from Italianate to Tudor Revival architecture and everything in between.
Branford Center, Connecticut, is not so much a town or borough as it is a neighborhood of the larger town of Branford
An architect's dream -- the city of Branford Center houses buildings that represent almost every major architectural style used in the United States, from Italianate to Tudor Revival architecture and everything in between.
Branford Center, Connecticut, is not so much a town or borough as it is a neighborhood of the larger town of Branford. It is an historic neighborhood where much of life, as in its past, is centered around the coastal region and the activities and industries associated with it. As a neighborhood, it is a tightly-knit community that has developed over the years into a desirable area to settle down in.
Tight Market
Rental property in Branford Center can be hard to come by -- only about a quarter of the housing units are renter-occupied. This makes for a competitive market, and it means you may find yourself battling it out for an apartment for rent with numerous other possible tenants. You can get the upper hand by making sure to have great references ready along with pay stubs that show proof of a steady income. You'll also need your security deposit at the ready to put down, and that's where things can get difficult. Connecticut has an average rental cost that is higher than the national average, and the average rent in Branford Center is higher than the state's average. Finding a home for rent in Branford Center can cost you well into four figures. Thankfully, there are condo rentals and apartment rentals that can be found at a lower price.
Timing is Everything
This goes for the time of the year, as well as how much time you give yourself to find a place. With such a competitive market, you'll need to start your search for apartment homes well ahead of when you need to be moved in. A full month ahead would be recommended, or even more than that if possible. Also, don't be in a hurry to search for a place or move in during the winter months; nor'easters, or big blizzards, can hit the area hard sometimes and cause delays in schedules. You're best off doing your apartment or house hunting in the spring months.
Manage Expectations
Branford Center is an older town, so it will have older buildings -- half of the homes were built prior to 1970, so some of the available apartment homes may be a bit outdated. Some of the homes were built prior to 1940, so make sure the rental units you check out have updated wiring, and check for drafts; a small draft in the summer can turn nasty in the frigid winters.
Also, don't expect large houses -- while over half of the units in Branford Center are single family, detached houses, most of the units have three bedrooms or fewer.
As Branford Center is itself a neighborhood, there are no defining characteristics that change depending on what part of town you're in. There are definitely differences depending on the apartment building or complex you live in, and there are minor differences between living by the cove or living further inland, but they are small differences. Your best bet for finding rental units will be further inland though, with buildings such as Ivy Street Apartments and Rosehill Apartments being top spots to start your search for an apartment for rent.
One thing you can't deny, Branford Center knows how to eat. The borough has some nationally recognized eateries, such as the French bistro Le Petit Caf̩, rated one of the Top 30 in the nation by the USA Today. There is a wide variety of cultures represented by the eateries, with favorites such as Darbar India, Yooki Yama Japanese Restaurant and Dragon East Chinese leading the way. One place you've got to go is just over the Branford River to the Lobster Shack, and grab what many consider the best lobster roll in the state, if not in the entire northeast region.
After you've stuffed yourself silly, wander over to Branford Green to see what's going on. The venue is constantly hosting concerts and events, including the yearly Branford Festival that celebrates the town every June with games, entertainment, food and fun. It's also a favored place for sitting out in the sun during the summer, catching up with neighbors or just relaxing.
As a town that was built around the coast and the river, plenty of activities center on the water. Fishing and boating are common leisure activities, whether it's along the Branford River or out in Lindsey Cove.
Branford Center has some areas that are easy to walk or bike, and the public transportation system is adequate; bus routes are provided by Connecticut Transit, and the Shore Line East Branford Train Station has trains to New Haven, New York City, and other stops along the way on a daily basis. This makes it possible, though not easy, to make it in Branford Center without a vehicle.
