Bethlehem is a peaceful getaway for city dwellers
Bethlehem started as a farming community before the Revolutionary War. Centuries later, rolling farmland and forested hills still draw people to this rural community, whether for a permanent home or a relaxing getaway from the city. “Litchfield County is a big draw for weekenders from New York,” says Beverly Mosch, a longtime Bethlehem resident and a Realtor with Sotheby's International Realty. “Most move to Washington or Roxbury, but you get more house for your money here.”
Historic and modern homes with a wide price range
Houses date as far back as the 1700s but include many newer builds as well, some with a modern flair, some staying true to the historic aesthetic. Smaller houses and homes in need of renovations can sell for $200,000 to $350,000. Preserved historic Colonials and midcentury houses can sell from $400,000 to more than $1 million. New Traditional homes from the 2000s on several acres of land — some with views of woods, farmland or lakes — sell in the same range.
Small town businesses on Main Street
The town has a handful of businesses on and near Main Street. Nick’s Country Kitchen is a casual spot for comfort food and all-day breakfast. Little Town Deli has breakfast and lunch sandwiches. And Painted Pony Restaurant serves steak, seafood and pasta inside and on the patio. It offers a lively dining experience with Tuesday trivia nights and bands playing every Saturday. There are also a few local shops, including Percy Thomson Meadows, a tiny market run by a fifth generation family farm that sells meat, eggs and other locally sourced produce on an honor system. “You leave your money or write a check and grab what you need,” says Mosch. “It’s really a statement about life in Bethlehem.” Across the street, Towne Apothecary serves as a small-town pharmacy and gift shop. At Diane’s Gift and Garden, shoppers will find antiques, quirky signs and flowers. Ace Hardware is on Main Street and there’s a Dollar General about 5 minutes away. For everyday shopping needs, Mosch says people drive 30 minutes to Waterbury. “Costco is alive and well in Waterbury and people here use it extensively. They’ll stock up so they don’t have to go out shopping for a while.”
A recreational pond and a historic home with grounds to roam
During the summer, locals enjoy visiting the 110-acre Long Meadow Pond, whether to go boating, fishing or to relax on the beach. Come winter, the pond is used for ice skating and ice fishing. Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street has a playground, along with tennis and pickleball courts available by reservation. The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden is one of the town’s oldest homes, built in the mid-1700s, and serves as a museum and a place to stroll 10 acres of scenic grounds.
Community events celebrate agriculture, garlic and Christmas
The Bethlehem Fair has been an annual tradition since 1925. The September event features fair food and amusement rides, and celebrates agriculture with farm animals, tractor shows and pumpkin contests. “Kids will raise calves and bring them to the fair,” says Mosch. “They typically sleep with their calf in the hay the night before to keep them happy and calm for the big day.” The Bethlehem Fair Grounds also host the Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival every October. It’s complete with garlic food stands, cooking demos and live music. “The festival brings vendors from all over,” says Mosch. “There’s one that even makes garlic ice cream.” During Christmastime, Main Street gets lit up, from the storefronts to the fire station and the town hall. There’s a triangular town green where a Christmas tree gets lit up every year as well.
Well-rated public schools and an all-boy's boarding school
Students attend Bethlehem Elementary School, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. They’ll head to Woodbury for Woodbury Middle School and Nonnewaug High School, both rated B. The high school offers a media arts program with state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment. Students create on-air material for the school channel, which also airs sporting events. The Woodhall School, a boarding school for boys in ninth through 12th grade, is also in Bethlehem. The private school receives an A-minus.
Close to two highways
U.S. routes 6 and 202 are both about 4 miles away. Hartford and New Haven, the two closest major cities, are less than an hour away. New York City travelers have a two-hour commute. The closest commercial flights are out of Bradley International Airport near Hartford.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
