Chaplin offers country living in the hills north of Windham
Set in the rolling hills of northeastern Connecticut with the Natchaug River meandering through its center, Chaplin is a rural town offering a slow pace of life. Less than 2,200 people live in this Windham County community surrounded by state-owned forests. “Chaplin is a quiet little town,” says Amy Brunet, the owner of Brunet & Company Real Estate, who lives nearby in Killingly. “It’s greatly different from Killingly. It’s much more rural. You’re traveling to get to things, but you’ve got shopping close by in Windham.” Brunet adds that land is the big draw for homebuyers in Chaplin, as properties typically come with several acres. According to the CAP Index, there is a significantly low crime risk. The community receives a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4 out of 10.
Ranch-style homes, farmhouses and historic properties on several acres
Single-family homes in Chaplin rest along winding country roads that climb over wooded hills. Lot sizes are ample, often stretching across several acres. While much of the housing stock is ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and farmhouses, the community is also notable for its collection of early 19th-century homes that line Chaplin Street. These Georgian, Federal and Greek Revival-inspired houses were built alongside Chaplin Congregational Church, a landmark tied to the town’s beginnings. The homes, church and several other structures comprise the Chaplin Historic District, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Home prices range from $165,000 to $480,000.
Public schools and two universities nearby
The Chaplin School System, also known as Regional District No. 11, is not yet rated by Niche. Chaplin Elementary, which serves less than 200 students, earns a B-minus overall rating and offers prekindergarten through sixth grade. For seventh through 12th grade, Chaplin students can move on to Parish Hill Middle/High School, which also receives a B-minus rating. The school requires seniors to complete a capstone project as a graduation requirement. The University of Connecticut, a leading public research university with a large fanbase for its Huskies basketball teams, and Eastern Connecticut State University are less than 10 miles away.
Public parks and water-based adventures around Chaplin
From several state forests and campgrounds to in-town public parks, nature surrounds Chaplin. Hidden behind Town Hall is Edward Garrison Park, which features a playground, a baseball diamond and a disc golf course. Hubbard Sanctuary and Agnes’ Pasture neighbor the park, providing birdwatchers and hikers with nearly 2 miles of trails and scenic views of Darling Pond. Diana’s Pool is a popular swimming hole along South Chaplin’s stretch of the Natchaug River, though swimming is technically prohibited at the site. A 500-acre lake brings kayakers and boaters to Mansfield Hollow State Park, a little over 5 miles from Chaplin’s center. Hiking trails weave through the surrounding pine forest.
Dining in Chaplin and shopping in Windham
A few businesses dot U.S. Route 6 in Chaplin’s southern end. The Baker’s Dozen, a family-owned regional chain, is a popular morning stop for hot coffee and pastries, while Blondie’s Country Diner serves a full breakfast. Dollar General and the post office sit between several gas stations, and Walmart Supercenter and the Home Depot sit directly south of the community. For more national retailers and a variety of grocers, Brunet says residents head into Windham. The town, which is approximately 7 miles away, is home to East Brook Mall, which offers about a dozen stores and a movie theater.
Chaplin has access to highways and a regional bus system
State Route 198 and U.S. Route 6 meet in Chaplin, connecting the community to larger nearby towns. Willimantic, a former city now incorporated into the town of Windham, is about 8 miles south. The capital city of Hartford is a 35-mile drive west. Windham Region Transit District buses stop along U.S. Route 6 to take riders to the University of Connecticut. The highway also has a park-and-ride lot for carpooling. While there are no bike lanes along state Route 198, the road is a route cyclists often use for scenic rides.
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
