Small-town community
East Berlin is technically the east half of Berlin town, but with its own school, firehouse and post office, the neighborhood forms a separate tight-knit community. "If there were a list of the top ten little towns to grow up in, I would absolutely put East Berlin on there," says Taylor Anderson, the manager at Uncle D's Diner and life-long East Berlin resident. "It's tight-knit, safe and centrally located — it's just an awesome place to raise kids." East Berlin sits less than a mile from the marked Geographical Center of Connecticut, so it is quite literally centrally located. Major cities sit just within reach, but at its core, East Berlin has a small-town feel and a slower pace of life.
Beloved local diner and convenient strip mall
Uncle D's Diner has been the go-to staple in East Berlin since it opened 11 years ago. "My whole family has lived here our whole lives," says Anderson, whose parents opened the diner. "So, we had the community's support back when we first opened, and that support has just grown." Known for its breakfast, Uncle D's has a classic old-school American feel. And kids love the free donut after every visit. And a mile down Berlin Road, a shopping center is anchored by a Walmart Supercenter, surrounded by a few more restaurant options. More businesses also sit across the Berlin Turnpike in Kensington and New Britain.
Explore the Grove and play some ball
Clarke Grove Park, known affectionately as "the Grove," is the place to be on a nice summer day. There are kids' play structures and a basketball court, all shaded by mature trees. The local elementary school also has sports courts, including new pickleball courts, open to all town residents. Sports, especially baseball, are a common pastime here, and the Berlin Parks and Recreation department ensures a rotating selection of community teams.
Walkable elementary school and highly-rated high school
East Berlin is home to the Richard D. Hubbard School, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade and is walkable from many homes. With an A-minus rating from Niche, it is the highest-rated elementary within the Berlin School District. The high ratings continue throughout students' academic journeys; McGee Middle School has a B-plus, and Berlin High School has an A-minus. All three schools incorporate a fine arts curriculum, and Berlin High has rigorous academics, offering AP and dual enrollment courses with UConn. Kids who attend Berlin High speak highly of the club and sports offerings, and school sports games are well-attended by the community.
Houses through the ages
Most homes were built from the 1980s to today, but some historic 1880s homes are still for sale at around $250,000. Newer homes range from $300,000 to $550,000 and sit on at least a half-acre. There's room to spread out on these quiet streets, and although there are only a few sidewalks, streets are quiet enough that kids can safely play outside and bike over to their friend's houses. As the neighborhood expands south, luxury properties built in the 2020s cost around $800,000 to $900,000 with spacious five bedrooms.
Fall fun at the Berlin Fair
The Berlin Lions Fair occurs every September at the Berlin Fairgrounds, just north of the neighborhood. Beyond the classic carnival rides and food, the Fair has live performances, a demolition derby and a pie-eating contest. Parking is always packed, but East Berlin residents can take the 30-minute walk instead of driving. The Fair is run by the local Lions Club, which also works to plan other events throughout the rest of the year, like holiday celebrations.
Major roads and train lines
East Berlin residents are close to the Berlin Turnpike and Interstate 91, offering access to the whole state. Berlin is also home to a Hartford Line train station, offering easy trips from New Haven to Springfield, MA, with a stop in Hartford. Even with the ease of getting around, East Berlin is far from some big city amenities, with the nearest hospital being 6 miles away in New Britain and the closest airport being 28 miles away.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
