East Haven is located in New Haven County just south of New Haven between Branford and West Haven along Interstate 95 near Long Island Sound. Lake Saltonstall is nearby.
The East Haven area was purchased by Reverend John Davenport and Theophilus Eaton in 1638 and was known as East Farms. The town would be invaded by the British in 1779.
The initial town meeting (1785) named Isaac Chidsey First Selectman. The town became a city during the 1970's under Mayor Francis W. Messina.
Local attractions include: Lake Saltonstall, Farm River State Park, New Haven Harbor, Short Beach, Morris Cove, Lidyhites Pond, Morgan Point, and South End Point.
East Haven is part of the New Haven-Meriden, Connecticut metro area.