Ledyard

Gales Ferry, on the eastern bank of the Thames River and part of the Town of Ledyard, got its name from the ferry that began taking passengers across the Thames in 1740. Today, historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand near the original ferry landing in the village, yet so much around this seaside community has changed. “Employers like Electric Boat and the Naval Submarine Base in New London have brought in military personnel,” says Greg Broadbent, an associate broker with Re/Max Coast and Country, who has been selling real estate in Southeastern Connecticut for over 18 years. “The Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino are within a 10-mile drive. Gales Ferry isn’t oceanfront, but it sits on the Thames River, which has ocean access. People have boats, and they kayak and canoe on the river. It’s a nice safe community for people of all ages who like to be active.” With narrow roads, homes set back off the road behind a dense tree cover, and ponds and streams that break up the landscape, Gales Ferry has a rural, country feel. “The area isn’t commercialized; it’s more of a residential community,” says Realtor Jason Cioci, a 3-year real estate veteran who is also a full-time fireman in Groton. “I work with guys who live in Gales Ferry, and it’s a great spot to raise kids. The area used to be mostly farms like other parts of Ledyard.” With a historic ferry landing, positive economic indicators and a rustic setting, Gales Ferry offers a tranquil setting for those who don’t want to be too far from the action. From high-end waterfront houses to small ranch-style starter homes, Gales Ferry offers a range of housing options. “The village by the ferry landing is more historic and developed,” Broadbent says. “Once you leave the village, properties become more spread out and rural.” Victorians built around 1900 with wrap-around porches to take in the cool breezes and stunning river views grace the village area. They can sell from $400,00 and $850,000, depending on the view. 1920s Craftsman-style homes sided with cedar shingles or constructed with exposed wood beams are priced between $350,000 and $500,000. In the long center of the neighborhood, midcentury ranches list for $175,000 to $400,000. “It’s an older neighborhood, and many homes are under 2,000 square feet,” Cioci says. “Because many have an acre or more of land, homeowners often build on if they want a bigger house.” Additions are often done well, too, and maintain the house’s architectural style and integrity. Gale Ferry’s small downtown runs along Route 12. It features eateries like Fireside Brick Oven, an open-kitchen restaurant with a wood-fired brick oven, a newly remodeled dining room and an outdoor patio. Sunny Side Diner is next door and serves breakfast, lunch and brunch. Locally owned and veteran-operated Bro’s Barbershop around the corner offers a classic barbershop experience where walk-ins are welcome. Just down the street, Triple B: Best Burgers and Brews is an artisan burger and cocktails restaurant with live entertainment, happy hours and a dozen beers on tap. Farther south, customers can bring the four-legged members of their family to Barkin’ Barley. This craft brew taproom has a fenced-in, dog-friendly patio and an indoor/outdoor private dog park. For groceries, the Groton Square Shopping Center has a Walmart and a Stop and Shop south of Gales Ferry, where Route 12 meets Interstate 95. The schools that serve Gales Ferry are part of the Ledyard School District, which received a B from Niche. The Gales Ferry School, also B-rated, enrolls K-2 students. The Juliet W. Long School, a B-minus school, is next door and instructs grades three through five. Both elementary schools emphasize communication with parents through newsletters, teacher websites and email. Ledyard Middle School serves grades six through 10 and is part of the same building complex. It earned a 4 out of 10 on GreatSchools and has undergone a $40 million expansion over the past two years. Ledyard High School, which scored a B-plus from Niche, has a championship cheerleading team and offers nearly 50 clubs and activities that students can join. Erickson Park in the southern part of Gales Ferry is the site of a former general store. Today, this small park off Military Highway looks out to Mill Cove and the Thames River. It’s a good place to launch a kayak, take a walk or have a cookout. The park features a stone barbecue and picnic tables. On the northern end, Gales Ferry Marina lies in a naturally protected cove and provides summer dockage, winter storage, service and on-site fueling to members. The Gales Ferry landing site and boathouse, below the marina, are named for Roger Gale, who owned a ferry that took passengers across the Thames to Uncasville in the mid-1700s. Today, Yale University owns the complex of buildings and uses them as the training site for its heavyweight men’s crew that competes in the Harvard-Yale Regatta, which takes place on the Thames. The boat launch that is part of the site is for public use. Sweet Hill Farm hosts the Regatta Day Festival in June to celebrate and watch the Harvard-Yale Regatta, which is live-streamed at the festival. Attendees can also enjoy local food, beverages, a classic car show, yard games, vendors and appearances by the Ledyard Fire Company and Police Department. Speaking of which, the Mystic Firefest is held in September and benefits Mystic first responders. The event features live music, dancing, food and climbing at Tree Trails Adventures, the event space, about 8 miles southeast of Gales Ferry. Except for the small downtown, most of Gales Ferry is car-dependent. Southeast Area Transit (or SEAT) buses run north-south through Gales Ferry from Norwich to Groton and into New London on Route 12. The New London Amtrak station is located downtown, 8 miles away, along with ferry stations that take passengers to Long Island, Block Island and Fishers Island. Interstate 95 is south of Gales Ferry and connects drivers with Providence, 60 miles north; Boston, 110 miles north; and New York, 130 miles south. Churches in Gales Ferry include Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bishop Seabury Anglican Church and United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry. The Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London is the closest medical center, 9 miles away. The homes most at risk for flood damage are along Smith Pond and Pine Swamp Brook. Low-lying areas near Kings Highway, Meadow Drive, Barry Drive, Richard Road and Inchcliffe Drive in the southern portion of the neighborhood are also at risk for flooding.