Redding, Connecticut

Redding is a town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 8,270.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 83.0 km² (32.1 mi²). 81.6 km² (31.5 mi²) of it is land and 1.5 km² (0.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.75% water. Redding is a very attractive rural substitute to the towns along the Golden Coast. Although Redding, too, boasts the wealth that is rightfully identified with Fairfield County it is a more secluded option for home ownership. Real Estate obviously is very expensive.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 8,270 people, 2,918 households, and 2,413 families residing in the town. The population density was 101.4/km² (262.5/mi²). There were 3,086 housing units at an average density of 37.8/km² (98.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.15% White, 0.75% African American, 0.07% Native American, 1.78% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 1.48% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,918 households out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.7% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.3% were non-families. 13.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town the population was spread out with 29.1% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $104,137, and the median income for a family was $109,250. Males had a median income of $77,882 versus $52,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $50,687. 1.8% of the population and 1.2% of families were below the poverty line. 2.1% of those under the age of 18 and 3.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Trivia

There are currently zero stoplights in the entire town.

The two secondary schools are named Joel Barlow High School and John Read Middle School.

Mark Twain lived and owned property in Redding until his death in 1910.

Redding was selected as "Connecticut's Best Small Town."

Bridgeport Hydraulic is a major landowner.

The fictional book My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier was based in Redding during the Revolutionary War.

Peter, Paul and Mary member, Mary Travers lives in Redding.

The singer Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday) was the Joel Barlow High School softball coach while his daughters attended the school during the 1990's.

Attractions

Highstead Arboretum, which may be visited by appointment.
Redding Road House, restaurant-cum-bar with live music.
Devil's Den Nature Preserve, which features great hiking and scenic views of the Saugatuck Resevoir from the "Great Ledge."

Politics

The town selectman is Natalie Ketchum (R)