Study Shows Singles are Thriving in New Haven - Destination Named One of the Best Places to Live for Singles
According to a recent study conducted by Money magazine* on the 'Best Places to Live,' single residents in New Haven are on the rise. Centrally located in the Northeast corridor between New York and Boston, singles are taking note of New Haven's urban revival. Within the last ten years, the destination has witnessed a sharp increase in single residents, with many living and working in the downtown area.
New Haven, Conn. (PRWEB) August 15, 2008
According to a recent study conducted by Money magazine* on the 'Best Places to Live,' single residents in New Haven (http://www. infonewhaven. com) are on the rise. Centrally located in the Northeast corridor between New York and Boston, singles are taking note of New Haven's urban revival. Within the last ten years, the destination has witnessed a sharp increase in single residents, with many living and working in the downtown area. Today, more than 40 percent of New Haven's total population is comprised of young singles. Exciting downtown developments, access to higher education, proximity to major corporations as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene were among the top reasons named for the shift, deeming New Haven one of the best places for singles to live in the United States.
"Downtown New Haven offers singles a vibrant community that includes big city amenities from award-winning restaurants to world-class culture, while still retaining its New England charm," Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. said. "The lure of singles to New Haven speaks to the city's renaissance and commitment to making the city a great place to live, work and play."
More than 130 businesses have recently opened in and around downtown New Haven, including restaurants, retail stores, museums and cultural and entertainment attractions. While more than 3,720 housing units are currently available, a wave of single residents has created demand for additional housing. More than 1,000 new housing units are on the horizon, including 360 State Street -- proposed to be a LEED Silver project -- that will house 450 luxury and 50 affordable housing units and an urban grocery store such as Trader Joe's.
Another top selling point for singles is the number of area employers who offer homebuyer programs, where first-time buyers can receive up to $30,000 toward the purchase of a home. According to Zillow. com, a leading online real estate service, New Haven property value still shows a stronger appreciation rate (188 percent over the past ten years) when compared to the rest of the country and in terms of depreciation, has been less impacted by the recent recessive trend in the housing market.
There are more than 15 colleges, universities and professional schools located within a 30-mile radius of downtown New Haven, in addition to 11 junior colleges and technical institutes. Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Gateway Community College and Albertus Magnus College are among the top schools that add to the city's vibrant academic environment. Beyond education, New Haven's academic institutions have also played a crucial role in downtown development, from the creation of new jobs and community services to placing the city as well as its workforce on the international map.
Several leading state and global companies are based in New Haven, including Yale University, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hospital of St. Raphael, AT&T and the world headquarters of the Knights of Columbus. These companies have not only generated openings within the life sciences, medical services and biotechnology industries, but they have also spurred emerging sectors such as technology-intensive businesses and firms that support biotech operations. New Haven is also home to a considerable number of world-renowned architecture firms, like Pelli Clarke Pelli and Newman Architects, as well as nationally recognized law firms, such as Wiggin & Dana and Withers Bergman. These firms attract young, new talent to the city every year. Additionally, more than 20 Fortune 500 companies are located within less than an hour's drive from New Haven. Future employment opportunities include a $500 million Yale-New Haven Cancer Center, the newest of 41 research centers in the county.
For single residents, the city's most commendable attribute is it burgeoning arts, culture and culinary scene. The city is home to a number of world-renowned museums such as The Peabody Museum of Natural History, The Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art and City-Wide Open Studios (CWOS), a resource that unites hundreds of local artists and allows visitors to discover new artists, purchase art and explore gallery shows of the city. For a more intimate experience, the city is also brimming with art galleries featuring seasonal events and apprenticeship programs. New Haven's thriving theater scene includes one of the most historic Broadway theaters in the United States, The Shubert Theater and the tony-award wining Long Wharf Theater that soon will be relocating into downtown. New Haven singles can also enjoy an unparalleled collection of world cuisine on nearly every downtown block.
"As a single person I certainly looked into the social scene and overall quality of life before deciding where I wanted to live," said Chris Laconte, director of business development at Higher One. "In New Haven, I'm at a prestigious company in a city where I'm constantly meeting new people and where the social scene is welcoming and diverse. With so many bars, restaurants, cultural activities and so many young professionals involved in everything, there's no such thing as a boring moment in New Haven. I'm glad I chose to live and work here."
*August 2008
About Market New Haven:
A vibrant destination whose deep-rooted history has coined it the "Cultural Capital of Connecticut," New Haven is enjoying renewed fervor. Famed historic sites host lively year-round concerts and events. Acclaimed restaurants, eclectic shopping, cultural adventures and sophisticated nightlife add to the destination's urban renaissance and dynamic pulse. Market New Haven is a public/private partnership among the City of New Haven and its Board of Aldermen, Yale University, Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Local Business Community. The mission of Market New Haven is to enhance the positive image of New Haven and to communicate its renaissance by promoting the city's diverse award-winning restaurants, world-class culture and eclectic shopping.
Local business community funders include: U. I., AT&T, New Haven Register, NewAlliance Foundation, Knights of Columbus, NewAlliance Bank, PSEG, Webster Bank, Citizens Bank, Casey Family Services, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Bank of America, College Street Management and Olympia Properties.
Contacts:
Cathleen Decker
Lou Hammond & Associates
212-891-0213
Cathyd @ lhammond. com
Cristina Calzadilla
Lou Hammond & Associates
212-891-0212
Cristinac @ lhammond. com
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