Local Expert's Guide to the Top Affordable Neighborhoods for Renting in Bridgeport, CT

I'm April, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Bridgeport, CT. I have lived in Fairfield County for over thirty years. I decided to downsize and move to a city with more amenities and affordable rental options. During my research, I settled on Bridgeport for its services and proximity to the Long Island Sound coastline to take my daily walks. Bridgeport is steeped in regional history and is home to desirable universities and prized cultural attractions. You will find a mix of families, students, and retirees. This makes the city diverse and exciting.

Bridgeport’s vast services, including municipal refuse pickup, public transportation, and assistance for seniors, are terrific. But these come with a price tag. Property taxes are some of the highest in the state. This is why it made sense for me to find a rental. Apartments are plentiful, and you have so many options, from quaint two and three-family homes to mid- and high-rise multifamily complexes. 

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Bridgeport

In this guide, I will share my top 6 neighborhoods where I think you will find the best values and a good quality of life.

1. South End

Bridgeport’s South End first piqued my interest as a desirable residential and recreational area due to its location near the water and its plentiful open space. I am drawn to the Atlantic coast, having spent summers at the New Jersey Shore and on Long Island.

Many of the residences in this area were constructed before 1939 and have a distinctive historic charm. The neighborhood is also home to the University of Bridgeport and some industrial parks. The university attracts people of all nationalities. You will find a diverse student population living in and around the South End, as well as people who make up a good part of the city’s workforce.

What we like best about this neighborhood is Seaside Park with its long coastal walking path, ballparks, and outdoor entertainment dome. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of NYC’s renowned Central Park. For entertainment and dining, the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater and Brewport Brewing Company are located in the South End just off Interstate 95.

2. The Hollow

The area known as The Hollow is a small, primarily residential neighborhood situated in central Bridgeport, bordered by the main arteries of North Avenue and Park Avenue. This is a densely populated area featuring a mix of two- and three-family homes, as well as smaller apartment buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

The neighborhood is considered very walkable. There is a family vibe with a close-knit Portuguese-speaking community. If you enjoy the Brazilian food scene, this is where you'll find a variety of options.

Access to downtown is convenient, and Route 8 is right there for those needing to drive a distance away to work. You will find three public schools in and near The Hollow for K-12 students. If you need a place to walk your dog, B.J. Brown Park and Lafayette Park are both right there.

3. East Side

The East Side is the gateway to Long Island Sound, with its harbor sitting adjacent to the Pequannock River, where the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Ferry departs for Long Island, servicing both commuters and vacationers. The area is dissected by the Amtrak and Metro North train lines as well as Interstate 95, making it a convenient location for those who travel a bit for work.

To the north of the highway and railroad tracks, you will find a mix of single-family homes, smaller multifamily apartment buildings, and newer residential developments. Below the transportation corridors is the harbor with a variety of fishing and recreational boats moored at the Bridgeport Harbor Marina. A fun thing to do here is to take in the water views while enjoying fresh seafood at the Boca Oyster Bar.

The area is home to Waltersville and Barnum Schools, serving grades PK-8. As this is mostly a family-oriented neighborhood, you will easily find open space for recreation or simply enjoying walks along the water. Seaside Park and Pleasure Beach are each a short drive from the East Side. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within a bustling city.

4. Downtown Bridgeport

At the cultural heart of the city is Downtown Bridgeport, with its vibrancy and convenience. This area has been going through some significant revitalization with restored historic structures, commercial buildings transformed into residences, and exciting new business opportunities. There is a strong urban feel, but with a vibe that invites creative types. You’ll find a good mix of residential and commercial spaces.

Downtown Bridgeport attracts more working professionals and singles than families and students. Apartments are a little smaller than in other areas, but with all the modern conveniences, such as elevators, making them accessible to more people.

Transportation is a breeze with proximity to major highways, the train station, multiple bus routes, and ferry service. I find the location to be pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and traffic lights.

Residents and visitors to Downtown enjoy museums, galleries, theaters, modern cafés, and boutique shopping. The Arcade Mall is an architectural gem with its restored glass roof and unique shops and cafés.

Like much of Bridgeport, the Downtown neighborhood is minutes from the coastline, so you can enjoy the sun and sand without having to schedule a costly vacation.

5. Brooklawn St. Vincent North

The neighborhood of Brooklawn St. Vincent North is in the northern section of Bridgeport, where HHC St. Vincent’s Medical Center is located. There is a mix of single-family homes and smaller apartment buildings. The area is popular with families, healthcare workers, and students. Students attending nearby Sacred Heart University find this to be a convenient and safe location for off-campus housing.

Despite this neighborhood being predominantly residential with a suburban feel, I find it to be lively with children playing and the 24-hour activity of the adjacent hospital. An acquaintance of mine, who happens to be a nurse, chose to buy a two-family home in this neighborhood to raise her 3 children and offer an apartment to her parents so they could help with the children. That gives you an idea of why people choose this area.

Proximity to Beardsley Park is a plus. The park’s zoo is a very popular local attraction. You can spend the day hiking the trails and visiting the live animal exhibits. Other local amenities include schools and churches. While there are some public transportation options, Brooklawn St. Vincent North residents mostly own automobiles, and several participate in ride-sharing to their jobs.

6. Black Rock

Black Rock holds a special place in my heart, mainly because it is where I call home. This charming hamlet is located right on the Long Island Sound. The neighborhood is quieter than downtown, yet still vibrant with a real sense of community. There is a mix of older single-family homes, two and three-family apartment structures, and newer apartment complexes attracting a younger workforce.

I love the mix of generations here. There are young families, graduate students, and a noticeable senior community. Prestigious Fairfield University is nearby, and Black Rock is perfect for those needing affordable off-campus housing. With the proximity to 2 major hospitals, you see many people in scrubs going off to work at all times of the day and night. For families, you have two school options: St. Ann Academy and Black Rock Public School.

St. Mary’s by the Sea is a lovely park where you can walk along the harbor with a view of the Fayerweather Island Lighthouse or enjoy a low-key picnic lunch. The food scene in Black Rock is diverse, with great pizza, ethnically inspired vegetarian fare, and the ever-popular Harborview Market serving endless breakfast and lunch specialties, just to name a few. We are also walking distance from Captain’s Cove with its sought-after New England seafood and several seasonal crafts shops. This neighborhood has many music festivals, art fairs, a Saturday farmer’s market, and a branch of the Bridgeport Library.

The Coastal Link bus route runs through the center of Black Rock, and the Fairfield Metro train station offers regular service to and from New York City, which takes approximately 90 minutes each way.