Quiet, outdoorsy living in northwestern Connecticut
Surrounded by forest, New Hartford is characterized by its peace and quiet. This small city has “a very scenic, pastoral setting where the Litchfield Hills start,” says Mary New, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway New England Properties. New has lived in New Hartford for 50 years and has been New Hartford’s top-selling real estate agent for over 25 years. Hartford, the closest major city, is 19 miles away from New Hartford.
“There is no town as far as I’m aware that has more recreational facilities per square foot,” New says. Ski Sundown, a local mountain for skiing and snowboarding, is just 2 miles from New Hartford’s main intersection between Reservoir Road and Main Street. Nepaug State Forest makes up much of the eastern section of the city. The population has been relatively stable for the past several years, totaling 6,685 in 2024. Between its forests, farmland and year-round outdoor recreation, New Hartford is a good option for the homebuyer who seeks a serene living environment in northwestern Connecticut.
Go skiing or explore the state forest
In Nepaug State Forest, locals can hunt, bike, fish, hike, cross-country ski and camp. Anglers and boaters head to West Hill Lake in the northwest portion of the city, which is right by 200-acre Brodie Park. Downhill skiers and snowboarders can spend their winters at Ski Sundown, a local mountain that offers 16 trails, night skiing and ski lessons. And in warm weather, Farmington River invites locals to go paddleboarding and tubing. Plus, “A lot of fishermen fish on the Farmington River,” New says.
Shopping and dining along Main Street
To get groceries in town, locals head to Brigido’s or Barden Farm Market. Small markets are common in the area, but for more well-known grocery chains, shoppers can go to ALDI in neighboring Canton or to Whole Foods Market in Avon. Some shopping and dining options line Main Street; the variety increases as Main Street turns into Route 202 toward Canton and Avon. The Shops at Farmington Valley contain hair salons, clothing stores and restaurant franchises such as Panera Bread.
Relaxing on the weekends
Much of the entertainment in New Hartford revolves around the great outdoors. But the town offers some alternatives, such as the concert series at Beekley Community Library featuring local musicians. Jerram Winery, part of the Connecticut Wine Trail, hosts celebrations and invites painters and photographers to capture the surrounding landscape through their art. Finally, movie buffs can attend the closest theater, The Apple Cinemas Simsbury 8, less than 9 miles away. Locals can also drive to Hartford for other attractions, such as the Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
Homes increasing in value, yet still under county average
Homes stay on the market for an average of 42 days, which is right on target for the national average. As of March 2024, the average sale price is about $422,500, up 13% from the average home sale price over the past year. Homes here are about $70,000 under the national average and about $46,500 under the county average. Throughout New Hartford, undeveloped lots and ranch-style homes are available for under $350,000. Alternatively, historic homes with up to five bedrooms on multiple acres and plenty of privacy sell for up to $1 million.
Most commute via car in this spread-out community
Much of New Hartford is too spaced out to be walkable; however, this car-dependent community has minimal traffic. Major roads include Main Street, which stretches north to south, and the Litchfield Turnpike, which runs east to west towards Torrington. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is about 9 miles away in Torrington. Many of the narrow roads through the woods don’t have shoulders or bike lanes, so cyclists should stick to Main Street. Bus route 926 via the Hartford Express makes several stops along Main Street as well. Bradley International Airport, offering nonstop flights to over 35 destinations, is 21 miles away.
City invests heavily in public schools
Students may attend the New Hartford School District, a district rated B-plus on Niche. Its student-teacher ratio is 12:1, which is below the national average. According to the city’s website, New Hartford devotes 71% of the city’s budget to education. For a private education, prekindergarten through Grade 12 students may attend Torrington Christian Academy in Torrington.
Very low crime risk
New Hartford is a low-crime area. Local news articles point to a 2023 murder and instance of retail theft; however, crime is not a common daily occurrence in New Hartford. According to the CAP Index, the city experiences the lowest possible crime score – a 1 out of 10 – across all major categories. Connecticut State Police and some local officers cover the area. Although, when it comes to environmental concerns, homes around the area’s brooks and rivers are at risk for flooding. And even though Connecticut can get cold and snowy, “Road maintenance is superb in the winter,” New says.
Since 2011, Global Real Estate Advisor Jennifer Roller has been delivering outstanding results for buyers and sellers throughout Connecticut's Hartford and Litchfield counties. As an area native and lifelong resident, she possesses a superior understanding of local neighborhoods and market trends and an extensive network of fellow agents, industry professionals and tradespeople.
Jennifer is an attentive, proactive communicator, an expert stager, and a creative marketer with a specialty in promoting listings through social media. Her empathetic, patient approach and genuine advocacy make all the difference to the satisfied clients she's served over the years. With tireless hard work, boundless enthusiasm and total professionalism, she makes every home search and sale as successful and stress-free as possible.
Before real estate, Jennifer formed her exceptional attention to detail, elite client service and masterful multitasking abilities in the demanding wedding planning industry. In that role, she learned to quickly avoid obstacles and overcome challenges with strategic, out-of-the-box thinking and unflappable grace under pressure. Jennifer brings those same qualities to her real estate work, where clients commend her diligence, adaptability and willingness to fight for their goals.
Jennifer grew up in Litchfield County and lived there for 45 years before relocating to Simsbury, where she resides with her children and husband, John, the talented chef and owner of Crystal Peak Wedding & Events. She loves spending time with friends and family, exploring local restaurants, golfing, hiking, and walking with her beloved golden retriever.
Give Jenn a call today to discuss your real estate needs/questions. 860-459-0805 or email JenniferRoller@bhhsne.com
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.
