An idyllic rural landscape in Western Connecticut
Winding country roads, gentle hills and swaths of forest and farmland come together in scenic Bridgewater. Located between Hartford and New York City on the western side of Connecticut, Bridgewater has held on to its rural atmosphere – unlike many of the towns around it. Driving away from busy Route 7 and crossing the Housatonic River into Bridgewater “is like a breath of fresh air,” says Robert Allen, town resident since 1988 and Realtor at William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services. “You’re getting away from everything that’s been developed. In the Winter, it’s like a Winter wonderland on that road coming in.”
From modest ranch-style houses to secluded estates
Long driveways leading to estates branch off of quiet, hilly roads in Bridgewater. Many homes in Bridgwater sit on several acres, secluded from other properties. Farmland and conservation land covering much of the town and abutting private properties create a rural feeling. A few older homes are in subdivisions, though these houses still sit on an acre or more. “What we have here is varied. You can go down the road and see a very simple ranch-style home right next to an estate style,” Allen says. Modest ranch and split-level homes typically sell for between $350,000 and $650,000, while larger properties on several acres can sell for $1.5 million or more. The median single-family home price in Bridgewater is $650,000.
Local farms and Bridgewater Village Store & Bistro serve the town
Bridgewater’s Main Street is lined with town institutions, including Burnham Library, Bridgewater Fire Department and historic churches. Also along Main Street is the town’s only restaurant, Bridgewater Village Store & Bistro. The Village Store has operated since 1899 and sells chocolates, pantry staples and gifts in its refurbished Victorian storefront. The bistro side of the business, which opened in 2016, serves breakfast platters, curated sandwiches and dinner specials like grilled salmon and roast chicken. New Milford has more shopping and dining 4 miles away. The town also has a hospital and grocers like Aldi and Stop & Shop.
Locals purchase local produce, eggs and meat from Sunny Meadow Farm and Stuart Family Farm. Allen explains that many local farmers lease their land from the nature conservancy, as much of the farmland is part of a land trust. “People are going back to basics and doing organic farming, which is important to people,” she says. Bridgewater farmers also sell their produce at the New Milford farmers market on Saturday mornings.
Athletics at Bridgewater Town Park and waterfront fun on Lake Lillinonah
Bridgewater Town Park overlooks Lake Lillinonah, a manmade lake formed through damming the Housatonic River. Locals enjoy boating, fishing and birdwatching on the water. Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in Connecticut, is also west of Bridgewater and has several accesses for swimming and boating. Bridgewater Recreation Area has several pickleball and basketball courts as well as baseball and softball fields. Residents can rent the Pratt Pavilion and Recreational Facility for parties and weddings.
The annual Bridgewater Country Fair raises funds for the fire department
Each year in August, this usually sleepy town buzzes with activity at the Bridgewater Country Fair. The three-day festivities include carnival rides; a parade with bands and Volunteer Fire Companies from across the region; and food stations serving roasted chicken, barbecue and roast beef sandwiches. This event raises money to support Bridgewater’s volunteer fire department through ticket, food and drink sales, and Allen says that many community members volunteer to help plan, set up and run the event. “We moved here in 1988 on fair weekend, and the next year we were working the fair at the roast beef tents,” she says. “It’s a great place where you work hard, and you play hard, and everyone celebrates after.”
Well-rated schools in Regional School District #12
Students living in Bridgewater are zoned to attend The Burnham School, the town’s K-5 school that has an A grade from Niche, and Shepaug Valley School, the region’s A-minus-rated middle and high school. The Shepaug School is home to the Agriscience Academy, which has courses in food science, agricultural mechanics, animal science, equine science, aquaculture and natural resources, and horticulture and landscaping. Students in the program have opportunities to work hands-on with animals and plants through these classes.
Getting to New York City from Bridgewater
Bridgewater is about 15 miles from the New York state line. “Property taxes are half or even lower for people moving here from New York,” Allen says. New York City is 80 miles southwest, and drivers can get into the city via Interstates 84 and 684. Bridgwater doesn't have its own commuter rail, but several commuter stations that take riders into the city are nearby. These include Brewster and Katonah, both on the Harlem Line. Other major cities nearby include New Haven, 32 miles southeast, and Hartford, 50 miles northeast. Bridgewater is also 75 miles northwest of LaGuardia Airport and 70 miles southwest of Bradley International Airport.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
