A quintessential New England town
Situated along the Connecticut River, Essex offers a wealth of maritime history and colonial and federal architecture well preserved over the centuries. Homes like the Griswold House, now part of the Griswold Inn, have been a fixture in Essex since the Declaration of Independence was signed. “Homebuyers from as far away as New York and Boston are attracted to Essex for its waterfront, timelessness and different pace of life,” says Realtor James Sorrentino with Century 21 All Points Realty, who’s an eastern Connecticut shoreline resident and has been selling in the market for the last eight years. “In the winter, you can go eagle watching on the river. People love how this quaint community has managed to stay the same.” By “same,” Sorrentino means connected to history and tradition. From parades and free concerts on the village green to vintage boat shows and garden clubs, Essex is a quintessential New England town. Not surprisingly, Essex received a crime score of 1, the lowest possible, from CAP Index.
From historic to nostalgic homes in Essex
Homes in Essex are more expensive closer to the Connecticut River, from $700,000 to $5.5 million. In the Essex Village waterfront district, for example, historic farmhouses, colonials previously owned by 19th-century sea captains and converted barns artfully reimagined are within walking distance of marinas and restaurants and sometimes offer private water access for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing on the river. “People who move to Essex appreciate its historical value and invest in older properties with preservation in mind,” Sorrentino says. “They love the character of a period that can’t be replicated.” Newer ranches, Cape Cods and colonials added to the town over the years blend with the historic architecture and sell for $225,000 to $850,000. “The new homes are impressive, too,” Sorrentino says. “Money and creativity are put into them to complement the homes already there.” Condominiums are also available, listing for between $100,000 and $700,000.
Yacht clubs, preserves, parks and guided tours of the Connecticut River Valley
With access to the Connecticut River, Essex offers several businesses and marinas that cater to the boating community, such as the Essex Yacht Club, which offers racing, cruising and off-water club activities, or the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, which features a second-floor dining room and deck. Farther inland, Canfield Woods, one of several nature preserves in town, is ideal for hiking and spotting chickadees, woodpeckers, red foxes and white-tailed deer. Paw Dog Park to the south is an off-leash section of Viney Hill Brook Park, which features nature trails, streams and a pond. City parks are plentiful, too. They include Hubbard Field, a Little League field with basketball courts and a beach volleyball court, and Grove Street Park and Playground, a place for picnics, playtime on the jungle gyms and tennis. The town also offers a guided tour of the Connecticut River Valley on a steam locomotive and riverboat excursion that leaves from the town’s historic train museum.
Historic Essex eateries and specialty shops
Essex offers many dining options in the historic waterfront village. The Griswold Inn has served sophisticated dishes and libations since 1776. Essex Coffee and Tea Company, located across the street in the Timothy Starkey House, built in 1720, is a small shop that offers gourmet blends and fresh baked goods. Black Seal down the street feels like a seaside pub and serves classic New England seafood and steaks. “You won’t find any large, big box stores in Essex,” Sorrentino says. “This is a community that supports and appreciates small businesses.” For a modern take on classic tavern cuisine, residents can head west to Scotch Plains Tavern, which nods to history with its giant scotch barrel that forms part of the entrance. Not far away, Porkey Pete's BBQ offers this Southern favorite along with Texas-style burnt ends. Next door, customers can request butchered meats from Cliff’s Quality Meats or shop from the store’s full line of grocery products.
Thursdays on the Dock and Essex Ed
From July through August, the Connecticut River Museum hosts its Thursdays on the Dock summer concert series, bringing local bands to its front lawn for live music with beautiful views of the Connecticut River. Essex is also home to fun cultural events like the annual Groundhog Day parade. A paper mâché groundhog named Essex Ed parades through town, and people do their best to make as much noise as possible to "keep him awake" so that winter ends sooner.
Among the top-rated schools in Middlesex County
The schools that serve the community include Essex Elementary School, which received an A-minus from Niche. John Winthrop Middle scored a B, and Valley Regional High School scored a B-plus. All schools in the area are ranked among the top 10 in Middlesex County for their grade level by Niche.
Transportation in and out of Essex
River Valley Transit provides several transportation services, including on-demand rides and bus routes that run north-south along Route 9. The route connects Essex to Old Saybrook, about 3 miles south, with the closest hospital, Yale New Haven Health Old Saybrook Medical Center. Hartford is 37 miles north on Route 9 and about 32 miles from New Haven via Route 153 to Interstate 95.
Flooding around the Connecticut River and its tributaries
Located on the Connecticut River and marbled with ponds, brooks and streams, parts of Essex are naturally prone to flooding during heavy or prolonged rains. Homebuyers should inquire when purchasing a home near the riverfront or areas like Mud River, Viney Hill Brook, Falls River or Tiffany Brook.
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Collin Quinlivan
