Fairfield is located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It is situated along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. Fairfield is a town of many neighborhoods, two of which—Southport and Greenfield Hill—are notably affluent. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 57,340. In July 2006, Money Magazine ranked Fairfield the ninth "best place to live" in the United States, and the best place to live in the Northeast. This is primarily due to its affluence, low crime rate, excellent public school system, scenic location on the Long Island Sound, and proximity to New York City.