While it’s best known as a summer New England getaway, Litchfield has something to offer its residents all year round. If you want to live somewhere with lots of fresh air and solitude, you can’t beat this quaint little town.
Although only 8,316 people live here, Litchfield is far from boring, and it’s steeped in history. Founded in 1717, the town was once home to both Ethan Allen and Harriet Beecher Stowe, and it was also the site of the first law school in the United States. Today, 10 of its buildings are listed on the National Historic Registry, and its strong connection to the past is maintained by an active historical society.
While Litchfield’s scenic beaches and great hiking and fishing make it a popular summer destination, the town is absolutely stunning in the fall. Early in October, the trees in town turn from green to vibrant shades of red, purple, gold and orange. You can enjoy the foliage on a drive around Lake Waramaug or at an outdoor wine tasting in the backyard of the Haight-Brown Vineyard.
Interestingly, Litchfield manages to be both rustic and cosmopolitan at the same time. It’s somehow perfectly natural to walk into a historic brick and timber building and find yourself in a high-end boutique. For a good night out, enjoy some gourmet New England chowder or take in a movie at one of the town’s three theaters.
Because Litchfield caters to affluent summer vacationers, you should expect to pay anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 for a three-bedroom home. That price might seem steep for first-time homeowners, but it’s worth it for the excellent schools and fine Connecticut real estate the town offers.
If you’re looking to settle in a small town with a big emphasis on community, Litchfield is the place for you. Excellent fishing and quaint boutiques make the town one of the finest places in Connecticut to live.
