Redding, Connecticut

Redding is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 8,270 at the 2000 census.

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 (1.75%) is water. Redding is a very attractive rural substitute to the towns along the Golden Coast. Although Redding boasts the wealth that is identified with Fairfield County, it is a more secluded option for home ownership. As such, real estate prices have remained at a premium for the last couple years.

Sections of Redding

Georgetown is largely in Redding. West Redding, Redding Center, and Redding Ridge are three other parts of town.

Politics

The town selectman is Natalie Ketchum (R).

Attractions

Highstead Arboretum, which may be visited by appointment.
The Mark Twain Library, endowed by Redding's most famous resident of 1908-1909.
Redding Road House, restaurant-cum-bar with live music.
Devil's Den Nature Preserve, which features great hiking and scenic views of the Saugatuck Reservoir from the "Great Ledge."

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2004, 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 as of 2005 was 93.94% White, 1.51% African American, 0.14% Native American, 2.47% Asian, 1.93% from other races or from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.

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. About 1.2% of families and 1.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.1% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Trivia

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

Notable residents, past and present

Joel Barlow, poet and diplomat, born in Redding
Diana Conova
Katherine Sophie Dreier, late artist and patron of the arts
Lawrence Kudlow, host of Kudlow and Company television program
Barry Levinson, film director
Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday), rock singer, Joel Barlow High School softball coach while his daughters attended the school during the 1990's
Dick Morris, political consultant and author
Mary Travers, of the Peter, Paul and Mary group
Mark Twain lived and owned property in town until his death in 1910