Population: 57,300 Area: 30.6 Square Miles

Commute Times: Hartford: 60 Minutes; JFK Airport: 80 Minutes; Stamford: 25 Minutes; Manhattan: 65 Minutes; White Plains, NY: 45 Minutes

Schools: 11 Elementary Schools, 3 Middle Schools and 2 High School

Recreation/attractions: Southport Harbor, Mohegan Lake, Beaches, Parks, Golf Courses, Private Clubs, South Benson Marina

Affluent and culturally exciting Fairfield is ideally positioned for elegant living, an abundance of leisure activities and convenient travel to metropolitan areas. Situated on Long Island Sound, Fairfield's 6-mile coastline and pristine beaches are a summer playground for water sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike. Overlooking the Mill River, several beautifully-landscaped parks offer the tranquil pleasures of picnicking, bicycling, walking and nature study. Residents may swim in freshwater at Lake Mohegan and, in the winter months, ice skating is enjoyed at Owen Fish Park, Sturges Pond and Gould Manor Park. Professionals will find Hartford and Manhattan equidistant from this captivating atmosphere.

An extensive and diverse range of housing suits the most selective tastes and pricing requirements of residents. There are stately colonials dating from the late 1700s, Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian homes, as well as striking contemporary structures and a wide variety of condominiums.

Fairfield offers a solid education to the student population. The program features a general academic curriculum, accelerated classes for exceptional pupils and a specialized agenda for the handicapped. A summer session supplements the traditional school year with a variety of academic, cultural and arts programs designed to maximize the learning potential of the town's children. Two well-known colleges - Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University round out the education opportunities of Fairfield.

Culture, history and the arts are generously supported and actively cultivated in Fairfield. Southport, on the western tip of town, is the site of the gracious 17th century homes of the area's first families. These grand homes, the marina, stately churches and many well-preserved buildings are nationally recognized as historic landmarks. There are three historic districts and one historic area. The Pequot Library, in Southport, one of three public libraries, maintains one of the nation's most impressive collections of rare volumes and Americana. The refined tastes of residents are amply satisfied by the select group of shops, art galleries, restaurants and private country clubs. The annual Dogwood Festival attracts thousands of visitors each May.