I grew up in East Haven. Now in New Haven, but in terms of East it is quite nice. A lot of old Italians who are VERY used to their way of living (translated: there’s a decent amount of biggotry), and a lot of it was passed down to the next generation. Pretty safe and very family friendly, plus if your kid eventually likes baseball we have 4 fields ! Education system is okay, I know two people from my middle school who went to East Haven High and wound up going to Ivy league schools. Overall pretty quiet and people keep to themselves. Main Street is loaded with good, family owned food from various cultures. Some reccomendations as a native: Aniellos, John & Marie’s Pizza, Papas Wings & Seafood, Foliage Chinese Food, and Taqueria la Frontera. We now have a farmers market too, its small but there are some really kind vendors and great businesses that come through!