[skytrekker]

Fairfield county -does it have a 'higher quality of life?'

Well that is a real hard to decipher question. Connecticut as a whole as a high quality of life- Fairfield county has certain intangibles that may give the illusion of a higher quality of life scenario- that is if you have the income to support it- close to NYC- upscale ambiance etc..and be willing to compete and take the risks thereof. Most of Fairfield county reminds me of the upscale parts of Southern California, and the San Francisco Bay area. The rest of Connecticut is pleasantly very different. Other parts of the state have less stress, less congestion, and less pollution. There is less 'status' consciousness but much more peace of mind.

If you are seeking less stress, a high quality of life, peace, less congestion and A NO dog eat dog life - and are new to the state-look beyond Fairfield County, unless you have the income and or assets.

[mominfl]

I would say New Haven has a lot to offer, Yale University, great restaurants, and culture. However, you can easily live in Milford, Orange, or Woodbridge and be a ten-fifteen minute drive away. They are all great towns.
Fairfield is nice but it's Fairfield County - higher taxes, higher home prices. I would stick to New Haven County.
I grew up in the area and would have to say my favorite town is Guilford, although the commute into New Haven could be a headache.