$294,665Average Value$220Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Location and value in Behind the Rocks
Behind the Rocks takes its curious name from the basalt ridge running along its eastern border, which once served as a quarry. But with the growth of the residential community and neighboring Trinity College, the quarry was converted into a public park. Today, residents are drawn here for its cultural diversity, lower costs and its excellent location in Hartford, less than 4 miles from downtown.
Behind the Rocks in Hartford has a mixture of multi-family and single-family homes.
Trinity College is located at the eastern edge of Behind the Rocks.
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A diverse, tight-knit community that knows how to celebrate together
Behind the Rocks is a vibrant neighborhood. “Behind the Rocks, and the South End in general, tends to be more appealing than neighborhoods in the North End in that it has a lot more diversity and culture,” says Norm Hamilton, a Realtor at NextHome Elite Realty who sold homes here for 20 years. It’s also a tight-knit community where people gather frequently. “They have cookouts with one another,” says Hiram Colon, a real estate professional at Real Broker who grew up in the neighborhood and has sold homes here for nine years. “That’s where some of your longest-serving people live. You see these homeowners that, whether they’re renting or they’re homeowners, they stay all that time because of the fact that they take pride in their community. They won’t change it for anything.”
Residents gather for celebrations like the Three Kings Day Parade. In early January, it honors the wise men who offered gifts to baby Jesus. “They have live camels and they have the three kings riding the camels,” Colon says, adding that the parade starts at Park and Main streets. “Usually, they’re community leaders — sometimes the mayor will get up there on the camel.” At the parade’s end, the community offers gifts to local children. Locals also head to bigger citywide celebrations like:
The Puerto Rican Day Parade
The Great Hartford Festival of Jazz
The Hartford Latina Festival
Grants help buyers afford homes and renovations
Behind the Rocks has many multi-family homes and a smaller collection of single-family Cape Cods, but Colon says grant programs for first-time homebuyers draw many to the area. The Time to Own program offers up to $25,000 of grants if homebuyers stay in their new home for a certain amount of time, and he says others allow residents to put the difference between their pre-approval amount and purchase price into renovations. It makes multi-family units make sense even for first-time homebuyers. “They’ll often live in it and rent out the rest,” Colon says. “Most first-time homebuyer programs require that you occupy one unit in the multi-family market. Some of them don’t want to rent to a tenant, they want to keep it in the family, so they’ll rent it to the family.”
Multi-family homes typically cost between the high $200,000s and high $500,000s, while smaller single-families range from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$300,000s. The area’s median home price falls in the mid-$200,000s, which is a little higher than the median in North End and Barry Square but much lower than that of West End. “Homes also hold property values better than in the North End. From a real estate point of view, you can see the difference,” Hamilton says.
Most single-family homes in Behind the Rocks are Cape Cods.
Buyers often opt for multi-family properties.
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CTfastrack is Connecticut's first Bus Rapid Transit system for its residents.
Easy access to bus and CTfastrak lines, driving into Downtown Hartford
Public transportation is a huge part of life here thanks to CTfastrak, a rapid-transit bus line that runs along western part of the neighborhood between Hartford and New Britain. “It gets people places faster because they’re not sitting in traffic; they have their own line of transportation where they have almost like train tracks,” Colon says. “Bussing is huge there and it’s so accessible.” Multiple CTtransit bus routes pass through the neighborhood, and those who work or attend classes at Trinity College can easily walk to campus. Most residents still have cars for longer trips, and Behind the Rocks has easy access to Interstate 84. The under 4-mile drive into Downtown Hartford takes about 15 minutes.
Local restaurants and shops line Zion Street and New Britain Avenue
Eateries along Zion Street and New Britain Avenue are full of local flavor. “Piolin’s been in the area since before I even came to Connecticut,” Hamilton says. “I like the pollo a la brasa. It’s like rotisserie chicken with Peruvian spices. And I like the chaufa de pollo, which is like chicken fried rice.” American & Mexican Diner and Coyote Flaco are other popular options. Shopping centers in and around the community provide groceries and essentials within a few miles from home.
Walmart Supercenter offers essentials right in Behind the Rocks.
People love coming to CTown Supermarket for its variety in Behind the Rocks.
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Local parks offer fields, pools and spaces for team sports
Thomas J. Hyland Memorial Park is a popular spot for many residents, offering athletic spaces for soccer, football and baseball. Pope Park also hosts practices and games for local teams, and its recreation center has indoor and outdoor pools.
People enjoy riding bicycles in Pope Park in Behind the Rocks.
Welcome to Park River Greenway, located near Behind the Rocks.
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School choice options available through Hartford Public Schools
Behind the Rocks is served by Hartford Public Schools. District choice placement allows residents to choose in-zone schools like Hartford Public High School or A.I. Prince Technical School, but they can apply to inter-district magnet schools or neighboring public schools through the Open Choice Program.
McDonough Middle School serves many students in the Behind the Rocks neighborhood of Hartford.
Older students often attend Hartford Public High School.
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Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
Carlos Medina-Santiago
Video By
Barry Ridgeway
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The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Behind the Rocks
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Behind the Rocks Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Behind the Rocks, Hartford sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Behind the Rocks, Hartford over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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**Turnkey Investment Opportunity!** Rare chance to acquire a three-unit condo association with each unit individually deeded, offering maximum flexibility for investors. Each unit features 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and 1,126 square feet of well-designed living space. Units may be purchased individually or as a complete portfolio, allowing for diversified exit strategies including resale, rental, or
Excellent investment or owner-occupant opportunity just minutes from Trinity College in Hartford! This well-maintained two-family property features two spacious units, each offering 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, with approximately 700+ square feet of living space per unit. Ideal for generating rental income, the property is located in a strong rental market with easy access to Trinity campus,
Property Id: 2447088 We have updated 1 bedroom units available! Updated Kitchen New Tile Bathrooms Stainless Steel or updated Appliances Message today for an appointment Apply Fast because they will not last long *prices and specials subject to change without notice, floorplans available while they last.
Property Id: 2448813 We have updated 1 bedroom units available! Updated Kitchen New Tile Bathrooms Stainless Steel or updated Appliances Message today for an appointment Apply Fast because they will not last long *prices and specials subject to change without notice, floorplans available while they last.
Property Id: 1827295 We have updated 1 Bedroom units available! Granite Countertops New Tile Bathrooms Stainless Steel appliances Message today for an appointment Apply Fast because they will not last long *prices and specials subject to change without notice, floorplans available while they last.
Property Id: 2727668 We have updated 1 Bedroom units available! Granite Countertops New Tile Bathrooms Stainless Steel appliances Message today for an appointment Apply Fast because they will not last long *prices and specials subject to change without notice, floorplans available while they last.
Bright and airy 1st-floor 2-bedroom apartment located in Hartford's South End. Rent includes heat & hot water. Secured entry. One parking space is included in the rent. Enjoy on-site laundry facilities. Convenient location close to shops, and transit. Immediate occupancy. Freshly painted and ready for occupancy. Easy to show.
Spacious and well-maintained Unit #2 available for rent in the heart of Hartford! This inviting apartment offers a bright and functional layout with comfortable living spaces, generously sized bedrooms, and plenty of natural light throughout. Conveniently located near schools, parks, shopping, restaurants, public transportation, Trinity College, Hartford Hospital, and major highways, making daily
This bright and inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment at 351 Hillside Avenue, Unit #3, offers hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen with solid wood cabinetry, and generous living space. Enjoy charming details like built-in shelving and classic trim. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and transit. Don't miss this opportunity. Schedule a showing!
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