More land and riversides in Montville
Montville grew from its love of the land. Before it was incorporated as a town in 1786, Montville was valuable farmland around the Oxoboro River sold to English settlers by the Mohegan tribe. This mostly green community of around 18,000 residents has over 28,000 acres of grasslands, multiple lakes, creeks and rivers plus a 700-acre Indian reservation that includes a world-class casino and resort. The area's large homes and lawns, outdoor recreation and easy access to multiple villages around Southeastern Connecticut, make it a popular riverside town.
Theme parks and sports leagues under the Connecticut Sun
Many lakes and streams flow through the community and into the Thames River on the eastern border. Camp Oakdale is a 62-acre park with miles of walking trails, a dog park and sports facilities, while the Montville Community Center has a playground and pavilion that can be rented out for small gatherings. Little League games occur at the Mall Field by Old Colchester Road to the south, while over 100 dinosaurs come to life in the 60-acre Dinosaur Place theme park. Plus, the Mohegan Sun casino and resort in the village of Uncasville hosts Connecticut Sun fans at its stadium when the WNBA season is in full swing over the summer. “It’s one of the largest casinos in the world,” Real Brokerage associate Kristopher Tramont says. “It’s this massive, beautiful casino with high-end restaurants and entertainment.”
Cape Cod and Colonial homes west of the Thames River
Housing prices in Montville are generally lower than national averages, with lot sizes ranging from a quarter-acre to 10 acres. “If you’re buying in Montville, you’re typically going to get a good amount of land at a very valuable price point,” Tramont says. “You get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your house.” Many condos and manufactured homes range from $50,000 to $300,000, while a few Cape Cod and ranch-style homes range from $300,000 to $500,000. Older Colonial homes built before the town’s founding sell for around $500,000 to $800,000. Larger waterfront properties by the river sell for about $1 million to $1.8 million.
Summer concerts, community carnivals and farmer’s markets
Montville stays busy with community events during the summer. The Montville Carnival features rides, games and fair foods each June and the farmer’s market kicks off in late June and runs until October. Food trucks, bounce houses and live music are prominent at Montville’s Food Truck Festival, and the free summer concert series takes place at the Oxoboxo Brook Pavilion in July and August.
Uncasville eats and Mohegan Sun shopping
Shopping and dining are concentrated by the riverside in Uncasville. The largest cluster of restaurants is alongside the Norwich-New London Turnpike and includes longtime establishments such as Golden Palace Chinese, Herb’s Country Deli and Nino’s Pizzeria. More chain restaurants, department stores, supermarkets, hotels and fashion retailers are located in Montville Commons and the Mohegan Reservation. The Mohegan Sun resort itself includes around 40 shopping and dining options.
Montville’s public and private schools
There are three elementary schools in Montville. Oakdale Elementary earns a B-plus, Mohegan Elementary earns a B-minus and Dr. Charles E. Murphy School earns a B. Leonard J. Tyl Middle School has a gifted program and earns a C-plus, while Montville High School has a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and receives a B. Several private schools, including Bradley, Saint Bernard and Waterford Country School, are in the community.
Interstate travel to New York and Massachusetts
Interstate 395 is on the eastern end of the region and runs around 50 miles north into Massachusetts. The highway leads to Interstate 95 about 12 miles south. From there, it's around 120 miles to New York City. The 24-hour Backus Hospital is 7 miles north in Norwich and the Tweed New Haven Airport is 48 miles west. “You’re close to everything everyone wants to be around,” Tramont says. “Depending on where you want to go, you’re only 15-20 minutes from all the top commercial spots or 25 minutes from the beaches in New London.”
Environmental factors
Air pollution is generally higher in Montville due to a steam turbine power plant that’s currently in operation by Barlett Cove. At one point, it was among the six most polluted power plants in the state.
