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Meriden

Meriden

Located in New Haven County

$336,428 Average Value
$234 Average Price per Sq Ft
35 Homes For Sale

Meriden has a long history and a vibrant future

About halfway between New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut, the city of Meriden is home to approximately 60,000 people. Along its main streets, tall church steeples and Queen Anne-style turrets reach skyward, reflecting a blend of history and modern life. From the historic Italianate mansion that now houses the Al-Rawdah Mosque to the Meriden Green in the center of town, where the derelict Meriden Hub mall once stood, this is a city that's constantly reinventing itself. “Meriden is deeply rooted in its history, and we are very proud of it,” says Meriden’s mayor, Kevin Scarpati. “Today, Meriden is a very diverse place — we have a blend of cultures, which we celebrate. It’s a medium-sized city that’s still small enough for everyone to know each other.” Homebuyers can find a wide range of existing housing options and more housing units in the works, as well as an active community and plenty of parks.

The Al-Rawdah Mosque in Meriden is part of the Islamic Association of Southern CT.
The Al-Rawdah Mosque in Meriden is part of the Islamic Association of Southern CT.
The Meriden Mall has a few stores and a Ruby Tuesday's restaurant.
The Meriden Mall has a few stores and a Ruby Tuesday's restaurant.
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Ted's steamed burgers and The Little Rendezvous pizza

People from around the world have moved to Meriden, bringing with them flavors from their home countries. Locals can pick up flan and empanadas from Pan Del Sinai II or try a variety of Puerto Rican specialties at Caribbean Restaurant. Scarpati says the town is also known for its steamed cheeseburgers, with Ted’s Restaurant and K LaMay’s both claiming they have the best. “There’s a bit of a rivalry,” he says.

Pizza guru Dave Portnoy’s recent visit to Meriden is putting the city on the culinary map, as well. “He stopped into a little hole-in-the-wall place called The Little Rendezvous and gave it a 9.1, which, according to Dave, means it’s worth driving from out of state to try the pizza,” Scarpati says. Little Rendezvous has been open for almost 100 years; they use a coal-fired oven to cook their distinctive pies.

Meriden’s grocery options include Stop & Shop, CTown Supermarkets and Aldi. In warmer months, locals can pick up Connecticut-grown produce from the farmers market along the Meriden Green each Saturday. The Meriden Mall offers retail opportunities, as does a strip of big-box stores at the southern end of Broad Street.

Ted's Restaurant is home to Meriden's famous steamed burgers.
Ted's Restaurant is home to Meriden's famous steamed burgers.
The Little Rendezvous Restaurant is a 100-year-old pizza place in Meriden.
The Little Rendezvous Restaurant is a 100-year-old pizza place in Meriden.
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Daffodil festival and the Puerto Rican Festival

Meriden keeps a busy calendar of events, including the community's spring celebration of the city’s flower, the daffodil. There's a parade to mark the occasion, as well as carnival rides and live music in Hubbard Park, which is home to more than 600,000 daffodils. It’s also the ideal time for spring cleaning; each year, the state’s largest tag sale takes place as part of the Daffodil Festival.

One of the most popular occasions is the Puerto Rican Festival, which draws thousands of participants each year. “The planners spend the entire year putting it together,” Scarpati says. “They bring in performers from Puerto Rico, and the food is out of this world.” Treats like arroz can gandules, pernil, maduros and bacalaitos are just a few of the offerings. Another Meriden tradition is the annual Thanksgiving Day football game between the two local high schools, Maloney and Platt.

Hubbard Park and a mall converted into a new green space

After flooding in the '90s caused the decline and closure of a mall downtown, the city found a new use for the area. “It was a real blight. We razed the building and converted it into a park that doubles as a catch basin for flood control. Now, we have concerts there in summertime and car shows. It’s a real focal point for the community,” Scarpati says. Just north of downtown is Doctor Francis Giuffrida Park, which offers miles of hiking trails and striking views of the Bradley Hubbard Reservoir.

At Hubbard Park, community members can hike to Castle Craig, a stonework observation tower that overlooks the park. They can enjoy amenities like pickleball courts and a pool, as well. The town also has projects in progress to improve the town’s walkability. “The Meriden Linear Trail will eventually link the parks and will connect to other trail systems around Connecticut,” Scarpati says. Locals can also enjoy cultural events, such as plays by the Castle Craig Players and art shows at Gallery 53.

Enjoy panoramic vistas from the stonework observation deck at Hubbard Park in Meriden.
Enjoy panoramic vistas from the stonework observation deck at Hubbard Park in Meriden.
Doctor Francis Giuffrida Park has hiking trails and access to the Bradley Hubbard Reservoir.
Doctor Francis Giuffrida Park has hiking trails and access to the Bradley Hubbard Reservoir.
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Meriden's Blue Ribbon schools

The former U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, worked in the Meriden Public School system for more than two decades and attended Meriden Public Schools when he was young. “Now his kids go to school here,” Scarpati says. Twelve public schools serve more than 8,000 area youth, and Niche gives the district a B grade. In recent years, John Barry, Benjamin Franklin, Casimir Pulaski, Israel Putnam and Roger Sherman elementary schools have all been named Blue Ribbon schools by the U.S. Department of Education. “We have spent a lot of time and money ensuring that all students have the technology to be successful. We also recently spent $100 million to renovate each of our high schools,” Scarpati says. “They have a strong sports program and great band and choral programs. The schools organize events that allow students to travel and be exposed to culture far outside of Meriden.”

Students recieve hands-on learning with inspiring mentors at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden.
Students recieve hands-on learning with inspiring mentors at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden.
Strong academics and caring teachers at Casimir Pulaski School prepare students for success.
Strong academics and caring teachers at Casimir Pulaski School prepare students for success.
Francis T. Maloney High School in Meriden has a great reputation.
Francis T. Maloney High School in Meriden has a great reputation.
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Single- and multi-family housing options from the 20th century

Alongside an existing stock of homes built mainly between 1900 and 1970, Meriden has several recently built multi-family properties. The median price of a single-family home in the town is $315,000. “There are so many types of homes in Meriden,” Scarpati says. “There are apartments, condos and duplexes — we even have homes on farmland.” First-time buyers looking for relatively budget-friendly housing might find a manufactured home for under $100,000, and a one-bedroom condo might go for $130,000. Most single-family homes in turnkey condition sell for between $300,000 and $550,000. For around $350,000, a buyer might find a well-kept split-level from the 1960s or a newly renovated Cape Cod with three bedrooms. New Traditional homes with four to five bedrooms usually sell for closer to $550,000.

Colonials amid mature trees dot the South Meriden streets.
Colonials amid mature trees dot the South Meriden streets.
There are many areas in Downtown Meriden that offer multi family living.
There are many areas in Downtown Meriden that offer multi family living.
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Highway travel around Meriden and more considerations

Because Meriden sits along a busy corridor between New Haven and Hartford, it’s a popular commuter town with great highway access. State routes 15 and 66, interstates 91 and 691 and U.S. Route 5 all go through Meriden. “Some people have requested sound barriers because highway noise does impact the quality of life,” Scarpati says. “It’s very convenient for travel though — the highways allow residents to easily get to work in cities like Middletown, Wallingford and New Haven.”

Public transportation includes CTtransit buses, which stop throughout downtown Meriden, and trains. Locals can head to the train station on State Street to take Amtrak and Hartford Line CT trains that run to New Haven and Hartford and further. There is a small airport in town, the Meriden-Markham Municipal Airport, but it currently only offers private service and a flight school. “We have discussed adding charter flights,” Scarpati says. The closest major airport is Tweed-New Haven Airport, 26 miles away. Those in need of emergency care can visit MidState Medical Center on Lewis Avenue.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists potential environmental concerns for New Haven County residents as hurricanes, ice storms and lightning. Flooding risks are the highest for homes along Harbor Brook. The CAP Index crime score for Meriden is a four, which matches the national average.

Meriden Markham Airport makes air travel simple and accessible.
Meriden Markham Airport makes air travel simple and accessible.
Find CTransit bus connections for stress-free transportation in Meriden.
Find CTransit bus connections for stress-free transportation in Meriden.
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Faith Wakefield
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Faith Wakefield
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Conar McDaniel

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: 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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
15,426
Number of Homes for Sale
35
Median Year Built
1960
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,460
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,119
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,105
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
698
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open House 3/29

    101 Wilcox Ave, Meriden, CT 06451

    $410,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,646 Sq Ft
    • 101 Wilcox Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Totally renovated and freshly painted colonial home with 5 full bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a master bedroom suite, partially finished basement, and 2-car detached garages. Hardwood floors and ceramic floor tiles. As you approach the entry, there is a large covered wrap-around front porch. Entry is gained through double doors which lead to a foyer with ornate decorative wooden stairs and

    Claude Cousins Berkshire Hathaway NE Prop.

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  • Monday, Mar 23
    Open Mon 11AM - 1PM

    40 Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450

    $350,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,150 Sq Ft
    • 40 Broad St
    • New 13 days ago

    Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity that will not last long. Discover a remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath Colonial offering comfort, functionality, and modern updates throughout. This inviting home features brand-new windows, durable laminate flooring, and refinished hardwood floors that add warmth and character. The remodeled kitchen is a standout, complete with granite

    Kimone Vassell eXp Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Meriden Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
60,219
Median Age
40
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$62,625
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$82,207

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
85.1%
College Graduates
20.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
21''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100

Moderately friendly

Transit Score®®

70 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Meriden