East Haven ~ The Beach
The East Haven shoreline, known as Momauguin, takes its name from the Indian Sachem from which the land was purchased in 1638. Along with neighboring Short Beach , the area has a rich history as a summer vacation destination. In its heyday of the mid-1800s, the sparkling shoreline was a mecca for vacationers, with boardwalk amusements, a carousel and numerous hotels which would be booked solid for the summer. Today, the hotels are long gone, yet the shoreline has retained its charming coastal appeal and has become an inviting residential shoreline community that attracts both year-round as well as seasonal residents. While the scenic coastline can be enjoyed all year long, the area truly comes alive in the summer, with plenty to do for all ages such as crabbing, fishing, wind surfing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing or even just walking along the shore.
East Haven’s shoreline begins at Morgan Point , which is located directly across the harbor from New Haven ’s Lighthouse Point. The secluded area is almost Cape Cod-like with well-proportioned family-sized homes, many of which enjoy deeded beach rights, as well as waterfront condominiums along Shell Beach . Further along the shore is the popular Silver Sands featuring the Silver Sands Beach and Tennis Club and a beautiful mile-long strip of sandy beach.
Neighboring Cosey Beach is a charming, 1920’s nautical New England village. Named one of the five top picks for clean summer spots in the East Coast by the National Resources Defense Council, Cosey Beach ’s resort-style atmosphere includes a town beach and park, pavilion, community center, bocce court, ball field and a picnic area. Cosey Beach is also the site for the annual Fourth of July fireworks festivities. The day-long celebration is the highlight of the year as the community comes together for the event includes a beach party, food and live entertainment. For local flavor, the Sandpiper and Beach Head restaurants serve up seafood favorites year round.
Further east, Mansfield Grove extends to the East Haven River , which forms the border with neighboring Branford. This residential area features single family homes, condominiums and a public kayak launch.
The area offers great diversity of properties ranging from small cottages to waterfront condominiums and expansive, custom homes. Buyers will find homes are very affordable, especially considering the proximity to the beach. One of the unique appeals of the area is the great sense of community felt among its residents. The atmosphere is one of a close-knit, friendly, neighborhood feeling where where the year-round residents welcome the seasonal families that return year after year. This rare quality makes Momauguin and Short Beach an ideal location to purchase a primary residence, vacation home or investment property