$518,898Average Value$243Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A rural neighborhood alongside Interstate 91
Flanking Interstate 91’s west side in south-central Connecticut, the Highland neighborhood consists of a series of small subdivisions set within foliage in Middletown. Residential housing began to take root in the past half century or so, superseding the farms that primarily occupied it before. Despite its seeming remoteness, locals are less than 10 miles from Cromwell and Middletown and have access to annual events, which range from Pride celebrations to holiday parades. “Highland is within the city of Middletown,” says Siobhan McLaughlin, a senior sales associate and team leader for the Siobhan McLaughlin Team. “It has a very New England country and rural feel, yet you are part of a small city, which is great because you have all the convenience and activities you would find in a bustling, small city.”
Despite few prominent local businesses and diners in or alongside the neighborhood, the total number of which could be counted on one hand, Highland’s balance comes in the form of its proximity to the larger cities paired with its rural environment. “You feel like you’re in the country, but within a 5-to-10-minute drive, you have everything you need,” says McLaughlin, who grew up in the area. Interstate 91’s breadth runs northward from Connecticut to the Canadian border, so Highland residents aren’t far from taking a trip north to Hartford, Springfield or beyond. “It’s a bucolic country retreat,” McLaughlin says. “There’s historic homes, horse farms and it’s a beautiful area to walk, with some nice vistas. It’s a very beautiful area of town.”
Classic colonials amid the rural landscape
Colonial-style homes are the most common form of architecture in the Highland neighborhood, along with some Cape Cods and ranch-style homes mixed into the landscape. “That part of town runs the gamut,” McLaughlin says. “You have newer constructions, rather large homes that could be over or around $1 million, or mid-century, smaller homes that may be closer to $300,000.” Some properties can even date to the 1700s. “It still has that nice, country feel,” McLaughlin says. “There’s a lot of historic homes.” Prices usually range between $300,000 and $700,000. The area also has a CAP crime score of 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national rate of 4.
Homes in Highland are spread out, adding to the rural atmosphere, and larger lots are common. “It has a quaintness and New England feel, yet you are smack in the middle of the state and just minutes from every convenience,” McLaughlin says. “It kind of gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a great little area. There’s definitely some closer, more densely populated little cul-de-sac developments that were built in the 1980s with the sidewalks,” McLaughlin says, “or you could have a mid-century house that has an acre with a little barn in the back.”
Capes line may of Highland's residential streets.
The Highland neighborhood features several true colonial homes from the 1700s.
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Heading beyond Highland for shopping options
The Red Fox Restaurant sits just off of the east side of Interstate 91, serving as the closest restaurant to Highland’s residential areas. Its menu ranges from seafood and pasta to steaks and a buffet setup, and the establishment also offers catering. Residents often head into Middletown or Cromwell for more options. “Any restaurant you could ever want is along Main Street there,” says Matthew Egan, a broker associate with Regency Real Estate. “There are some really cool tapas places and a really nice vegan restaurant, which is called It’s Only Natural. There’s always awesome dining.” Less than 3 miles north, the Cromwell Diner has stood for more than 30 years and serves classic American fare. Near the diner, Café Fiore offers Italian food to customers.
Shoppers also have to head beyond Highland’s borders for anything other than flowers. “In Highland proper itself, there’s really no businesses other than the McInerny Flower Shop,” McLaughlin says. “It’s literally the only business in Highland.” The family-owned florist storefront is a local staple. For general needs, there is a Walmart less than 2 miles north in Cromwell, while grocery shoppers head about five miles east to Market 32 in Middletown. “Growing up here, we tended to do our grocery shopping in the Cromwell area,” McLaughlin says. “The closest grocery shopping is in Cromwell. Cromwell, Berlin and Meriden are very close by. There are a lot of different areas to experience, so it is convenient to all of those as well. In Cromwell, there’s a lot of shopping.”
Red Fox Restaurant is a local favorite steakhouse and cocktail bar in Highland.
Residents of Highland rely on McInerney's Flower Shop to decorate community events.
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Remote wilderness awaits hikers in Highland
Lamentation Mountain rises less than 1,000 feet on the west side of Highland, but it is the site of the Alice Fern Bruce Preserve, which spans almost 50 acres and offers trails for visitors. “There’s a lot of activities close by,” McLaughlin says. “The Blue-Blazed Trail goes through part of Highland, so there’s a lot of hiking opportunities.” Doctor Francis Giuffrida Park is less than 5 miles southwest, spanning almost 600 acres and encompassing multiple trails, lookouts at the surrounding landscape and more.
“Lamentation Mountain and Giuffrida Park are the closest recreational areas,” McLaughlin says, “because a lot of Highland is privately-owned.” Hikers can also take to the Highland Pond Preserve, while golfers can hit the links at Miner Hills Golf Course across Interstate 91 to the east. Other conservation areas and preserves sit in the surrounding area.
Pistol Creek Park offers excellent areas to walk your pets and enjoy nature.
Alice Fern Bruce Preserve is a portion of Lamentation Mountain popular with hikers.
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A stretch of Interstate 91 on the east side
Even in the farthest reaches of Highland, from the subdivisions set within the rural landscape, residents are less than 3 miles from accessing Interstate 91. “That’s the nice thing about it,” McLaughlin says. “Even though you feel like you’re in the country, you can get on major highways.” Via the interstate, New Haven is less than 25 miles south, while Hartford is under 20 miles north. Drivers can reach the Berlin Turnpike, which runs through Hartford and New Haven counties, in less than 5 miles north. “They call it the Berlin Parkway because it goes from New Haven to Hartford, and there’s all sorts of restaurants, shopping and events along that road,” McLaughlin says.
Local celebrations range from holiday events to parades
A number of locations in Highland are on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to their cornerstones dating to several centuries ago. Though Highland doesn’t host many events itself, being a part of Middletown means residents aren’t far from annual gatherings. “Middletown has a ton of events,” McLaughlin says. “Downtown Middletown is a happening place. There’s always something going on and there are tons of festivals.”
Middletown PrideFEST takes place in the early summer each year and is hailed as the biggest Pride celebration in the entire state. “People come from all over,” McLaughlin says. “There’s always so much going on in Downtown Middletown. There are always art shows, craft shows and everything.” Other gatherings include seasonal celebrations and car shows. “They have a holiday stroll every weekend during the holiday time,” McLaughlin says, “and car shows, which totally shut down Main Street."
Residents are close to other area events as well, including holiday celebrations in Westfield to the east. “Westfield has their own Memorial Day parade, and it’s amazing,” McLaughlin says, adding that local scout troops, the fire department and other organizations take part. “Everyone gathers at the fire department afterward to have hot dogs and beer. It’s a very small, community event – it’s very quaint.”
Middletown residents can sit for a quick portrait with an artist during the yearly Coleman Brothers Carnival.
Kids and adults have a lot of fun on the midway rides at Berlin Fair.
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Three schools for Highland-area students
Though there aren’t any schools within the neighborhood, Moody Elementary School is located across Interstate 91 to the southeast and serves as a starting point for students in the area. It scores a B-plus with Niche, while Beman Middle School, formerly Woodrow Wilson Middle School, receives a C-plus rating. Middletown High School gets a B from Niche, offering a student-to-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 and campus publications like a yearbook, newspaper and creative arts magazine.
Beman Middle School in Middletown offers easy access for students and parents.
Middletown High School serves as a hub for education and community engagement.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle MacNeil,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Carroll Park
Smith Park
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Clark's Grove Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Giuffrida Park
Pistol Creek
Dog Park
Trails
Wilcox Park
Baseball/Softball
Pool
Tennis
Lamentation Mountain State Park
Transit
Airport
Tweed/New Haven
41 min drive
Bus
Fedex
Bus
Smith & Industrial Park Rd
Bus
Middle St & Winsupply
Bus
Middle St & Norpaco Foods
Bus
Middle & Timber Ridge Rd
Bus
Smith & Middle St
Bus
Cromwell Park & Ride (Industrial Park Rd Middletown)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Highland
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Highland, Middletown sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Highland, Middletown over the last 12 months is $502,915, up 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled near the top of highly desirable Westfield Hills on a private cul-de-sac, this bright, oversized Colonial offers space, comfort, and charm. With 4 bedrooms-including a spacious master suite with a walk-in closet, large office, and private bath with jacuzzi tub and shower-this home is built for relaxed living. A second full bath completes the upper level. Downstairs, the open layout is
Must see updated ranch located in desirable Westfield section of Middletown. The town lists house as having 3 bedrooms but has a possible 4th bedroom/office in the finished walkout basement along with a spacious family room with view and access to patio and your private back yard. The kitchen opens to living room creating a very functional great room. Laundry is located on the main floor. The
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle MacNeil,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,529
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$149,568
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$163,217
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.1%
College Graduates
48.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
7/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
