$330,786Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
West River is near downtown, Yale University, parks and Route 1
West River rests between Yale’s campus in Downtown New Haven, which is less than 2 miles away, and the sandy banks of the waterway that gives the community its name. Known for historic homes, it’s a popular option for renters attending the university or working at the nearby hospital. The neighborhood has easy access to U.S. Route 1, and although the sound of barking Bulldogs supporters may travel down from the nearby Yale Bowl, it’s close to some of the city’s most significant green spaces.
Historic single- and multifamily homes are popular among renters
Most of West River’s homes are simple Victorians and colonial homes that were built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. While some homes are limited to street parking, Angela Araujo, a Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, says that others have shared driveways. Located along sidewalk-lined streets, many have been converted into duplexes or multifamily homes, and the majority of residents are renters. Araujo says that many residents rent in the area while looking to buy a home in their budget.
For those who buy in West River, single-family homes range from the mid $200,000s to the high $300,000s. Duplexes have similar starting prices and max out in the low $400,000s. Multifamily homes can climb to the upper $800,000s. “The buyers that buy the older houses, they love the character, they love all the woodwork and everything,” Araujo says. "They don’t even want to paint it." Other buyers, she says, are drawn to these older homes’ large rooms and tall ceilings. Some people keep the homes as authentic as possible, while others maintain the historic exterior but modernize the interior. Either way, many properties require renovations.
West River is a popular neighborhood for prospective buyers to call home.
Some West River homes have classic Victorian architecture and designs.
1/2
Residents enjoy nature and recreation at West River Memorial Park
The neighborhood’s namesake river runs through West River Memorial Park. “You’re touching the edge of the park,” says David Rossi, a Realtor with Seabury Hill Realtors who has lived in the area for 30 years. The park is a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and crabbing, and its osprey platforms make it a hot spot for bird-watchers. Barnard Nature Center offers educational programs on the local ecosystem and wildlife, highlighting its resident birds and reptiles. The park also has more developed amenities, including soccer and rugby fields and a basketball court. Araujo says the park is a major draw for many potential homebuyers. “They love being able to go walking, biking, and there’s a lot of green space for sports,” she says. Nearby, Kensington Playground has a splash pad during the summer, and those without space for a garden in their backyard can get a plot at Little Red Hen Community Garden.
West River Memorial Park was built after World War I as a monument to its fallen soldiers.
West River locals head to Barnard Nature Center for a chance to see some rare birds.
1/2
Football games at the Yale Bowl, concerts and plays nearby
Just a short walk away, the Yale Bowl hosts capacity crowds for Bulldogs home games. Araujo says she’s even had clients who moved to the area to be close to the stadium. Nearby, the Westville Music Bowl holds concerts, and Shubert Theatre on Yale’s main campus sometimes features touring Broadway shows.
The Yale Bowl in West River features an all-turf field for its players.
The Westville Music Bowl is great for local concerts and more events in West River.
1/2
West River is a short drive from groceries and New Haven’s downtown
West River has a small handful of local restaurants — most of them pizza joints like Casa Bianca Pizza and New Haven Pizza, though Caliente Deli sells Spanish cuisine like empanadas and plantains. Less than a mile away, Whalley Avenue has a Stop & Shop for groceries. Dwight and Downtown New Haven have more restaurants and shops less than 2 miles away.
Locals can purchase a pizza for takeout at Casa Bianca Pizza in the West River neighborhood.
West River's neighborhood corner delis are popular for breakfast and lunch.
1/2
Easy access to Route 1 and Downtown New Haven
West River’s location on the edge of New Haven benefits locals who drive to work. “It’s quicker to get to the highways,” Rossi says. “If people need to commute, it’s a little easier from West River than it is from downtown.” Route 1 is less than a mile south of the neighborhood, connecting residents directly to Interstate 95. Getting to Downtown New Haven doesn’t even require residents to hop on the highway; it’s just over a mile away, though Araujo says traffic can be heavy. At certain times of day, the six-minute commute can stretch to about 12 minutes. Tweed New Haven Airport is also nearby, less than 6 miles away across Q Bridge.
Downtown New Haven blends Yale landmarks with a lively arts and dining scene near West River.
Tweed New Haven Airport is a 7-mile drive from West River via Interstate 95.
1/2
Studying and practicing medicine in New Haven
Yale New Haven Hospital’s St. Raphael Campus takes up several blocks of West River, and the main campus is only a mile away, making the neighborhood an attractive option for medical students, nurses and doctors who are looking to avoid lengthy commutes. The St. Raphael Campus is the future home of New Haven’s state-of-the-art Neurosciences Center, set to complete construction in late 2026. In Downtown New Haven, Yale University also draws students and professors with its worldwide reputation as an Ivy League school.
Younger students in New Haven can benefit from school choice
The New Haven School District serves West River students, but the state’s school choice program also allows families to send children to schools they aren’t zoned for, including charter and magnet options, as well as schools outside of their district. Seats are limited, so applicants are accepted through a lottery system.
The Barnard Environmental Magnet School in West River prepares students for high school.
James Hillhouse High School is a popular option for older students in West River.
Hill Regional Career High School has an enrollment of roughly 700 students in West River.
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
Are you familiar with the West River neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West River
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West River Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West River, New Haven sell after 94 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in West River, New Haven over the last 12 months is $268,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Awesome 4/5 Bedroom Home steps to Downtown New Haven- Prime Location! Welcome to this charming and spacious 4/5 bedroom, 2-bathroom home located just minutes from Yale University, downtown New Haven, and fabolous restaurants! Featuring sun-filled living room, large windows, laminate wood floors, eat in kitchen, 1st floor full bath, upstairs there's 4 bedrooms and 1 full bath, fully fenced
Discover 122 Derby Avenue, a classic five-unit multi-family in New Haven's West River neighborhood. The unit mix includes two 2-bedrooms, two 1-bedrooms, and one large studio-ideal for a range of tenant types. Once fully leased, the building is projected to operate at a conservative 9 cap. One unit is currently leased and four are empty, making it a great opportunity for investors or
A well maintained 3 family investment with all 3 bedroom units in the Dwight neighborhood of New Haven! Very close to Yale University, Yale Hospital, and the downtown shops and restaurants. The rental premiums in the area amount to nearly double the current rents in place. Pursue a lease up strategy and achieve over a 15% percent return on investment. Three families in this neighborhood do not
Amazing Room, 1 bathroom house in New Haven. Amenities included: wall air(mini splits), wall heat (mini splits), dishwasher, stainless steel appliance, updated kitchen, updated bathroom, and washer and dryer. Utilities included: cable, electricity, heat, internet, air conditioning and water. Is pet friendly.
Welcome to 706 George st unit 2! This unit has been remodeled and well maintained, offering close proximity to Downtown New Haven, highways, St Raphael's Hospital, and steps away from the new Adams Neuroscience Center. Enjoy 2 abundantly sized bedrooms, remodeled bathroom, ample eat in Kitchen and welcoming living room with plenty of natural light.
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.
