$327,291Average Value$494Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A renaissance in the heart of New London’s Historic Waterfront District
One of the busiest whaling ports of the 19th century and a bustling shopping and retail destination in the 1920s, New London’s downtown has undergone many transformations over the past 200 years, and the present day is no exception. “A renaissance is happening downtown,” says Greg Tanner, a Realtor and broker-owner of Garden Realty, who has been selling homes in the New London area for 35 years. “People are investing in older buildings and redeveloping them into new combination rental and commercial spaces.” Chaz Koch, a Realtor with William Raveis, remembers staying away from Bank Street, a main commercial corridor, as a kid because crime and vacant buildings were so rampant. Today, Bank Street is a vibrant commercial corridor with dozens of shops and restaurants. The street begins at Parade Plaza, where pedestrians can enjoy the Whale Tail Fountain and the New London Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The plaza faces the recently renovated Union Station, where Amtrak trains stop between New York and Boston. Ferry landings are below it, and the National Coast Guard Museum, undergoing its own renovation and expansion next door, is due to open in 2026. “New London has invested millions in its downtown revitalization,” Koch says. “New condos are going up and attracting young professionals back to the city. This is one of the hottest, up-and-coming markets in the country.”
Downtown New London from above, showcasing the Thames River and passing ferries.
Downtown New London is famed for its historic submarine industry and the U.S. Submarine Force.
The US Coast Guard Academy Museum, minutes from Downtown New London, offers a rich history.
The ferry ride provides a convenient connection between New London, CT, and Long Island.
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Reinvention rooted in New London creativity
Hygienic Art at the corner of Bank and Golden streets is a gallery, a public art park, a botanical garden and an outdoor theater space. Originally a whaling provisioning store, the building was saved from demolition in the late '90s by grassroots volunteers who purchased it and converted it to affordable live-in studios and public art galleries. The downtown also features 24 murals, and the arts organization offers a map of them all, New England’s largest mural walk, on its website. Muddy Waters Café, also on Bank Street, is a community coffeehouse and gathering spot saved after a fire closed it in 2023. It features a back deck that looks out to the Thames River. Trains passing on the tracks below often interrupt conversations as they blow their whistles on the approach to Union Station a few blocks away. Farther into town on Broad Street, Fiddleheads Food Co-op is a store where members can sell prepared foods on consignment and residents can buy groceries. “The food changes with the seasons,” Koch says, “and you’ll find something different every time you walk in.” Around the corner, The Garde Arts Center was originally built in the 1920s as a movie palace. Its Moroccan interior, giant screen and acoustics made it one of the region’s most stunning performance venues. Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett and Bob Dylan have sung there. Today, The Garde Arts Center hosts movies, concerts, comedians and dance productions.
Visit Muddy Waters Cafe in Downtown New London, CT, for coffee or a meal.
The Garde Arts Center in New London is a rare historic movie palace in Connecticut.
The Thames River Gallery in Downtown New London highlights New England’s artistic tradition.
Fiddlehead Coop Food offers fresh, local products in Downtown New London, CT.
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From historic homes to condos with a river view
Homes in Downtown New London are hard to come by because they rarely come onto the market. Modern midrise condominiums like New London Harbor Towers offer river views, a heated pool and secure parking. Two-bedroom units run from $200,000 to $325,000. Three-story colonials with high ceilings and original hardwood floors can be found throughout the neighborhood. They were built in the mid-1800s, when the whaling industry was at its height, and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of these have been turned into two- and three-unit multi-family homes that list for between $300,000 and $400,000. “Multi-family homes are a hot item for investors because there’s such a housing shortage with Electric Boat, the submarine maker, and Lawrence and Memorial Hospital hiring,” Koch says. “Also, more and more owners are fixing up units to charge higher rents because demand is so high.” Single-family houses, too, are available, some meticulously remodeled featuring Italianate details, priced from $250,000 to $400,000.
Experience the historic charm of Colonial homes in Downtown New London, CT.
The Colonial homes in Downtown New London, CT, showcase timeless beauty.
Marvel at the elegant Colonial homes scattered throughout Downtown New London, CT.
Discover charming ranch homes like this in Downtown New London, CT.
Harbor Tower Condominiums offer stunning views in Downtown New London, CT.
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Celebrating the city’s maritime history and Hispanic community
Thousands of people crowd onto Downtown New London streets during Sailfest each July. A parade of historic and military ships crowd the river. A major firework display over the water happens the first night, too. Amusement rides, live music and entertainment, and over 200 vendors line the streets during this premier summertime event. In September, the city celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of live music, food trucks, salsa lessons and dancing at Parade Plaza across from the train station. People out and about can also enjoy fireworks that evening.
Take a picture by the Whale Tale water fountain at Waterfront Park in Downtown New London, CT.
Check out the impressive sculptures at Parade Plaza, Downtown New London, CT.
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Waterfront parks and piers honor New London’s past
New London Waterfront Park is a popular place to stroll along the river, with piers for fishing and entertainment. Custom House Pier is closest to the park and features the City Dock Restaurant/Oyster Bar, which is open for lunch and dinner with pier-side docking and live music. Amistad Pier is next door. It features historical markers that tell the story of the Amistad, a 128-foot schooner commandeered by Sierra Leone captives who were being transported into slavery in 1839, as well as a remembrance of those who died during the Middle Passage to New London from Africa. Amistad Pier, along with 14 other sites in the downtown, are part of the Black Heritage Trail, which the city unveiled in 2022. A replica of the Amistad is owned by the Mystic Seaport Museum, and it visits the New London waterfront on occasion. Other replicas of historic sailing ships dock at Discover Pier and the City Pier near the Fishers Island Ferry Station. A statue of Eugene O’Neill, the Nobel Prize-winning playwright who spent his boyhood summers in New London, sits at the start of City Pier. Visitors to the waterfront may also see the large white columns being shipped and assembled. They will be used for offshore wind turbines, a joint project that will provide power to Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island.
Discover diverse activities, such as fishing, at City Pier in Downtown New London, CT.
Enjoy various activities at City Pier, including fishing in Downtown New London, CT.
Stroll along City Pier in Downtown New London, CT, for scenic waterfront views.
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Transportation hubs and other city resources
While homes downtown are only blocks from entertainment and transportation centers, heavier pedestrian traffic occurs along Bank, State and Water streets. Southeast Area Transit or SEAT buses run throughout the downtown, and Union Station connects Amtrak passengers to Boston, over 100 miles north, and New York City, 130 miles south. “The new high-speed rail bridge being built over the Connecticut River will support a maximum speed of 70 mph,” Koch says. “This will mean getting to New York in about 100 minutes.” Interstate 95 is also very close and connects drivers to both these cities. Interstate 395, accessible from I-95, runs north to Norwich and is an alternative route to Boston. Ferries along Water Street take passengers to Long Island, Fishers Island and Block Island. Lawrence and Memorial Hospital on Montauk Avenue is only 1.5 miles south of downtown.
Experience the vibrant activity of train travelers at Union Station, Downtown New London.
The ferry ride provides a convenient connection between New London, CT, and Long Island.
New London sign highlights colleges and the US Coast Guard Academy in
Downtown New London, CT.
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New London’s all-magnet school system
Schools that serve the downtown are part of the New London School District, Connecticut’s first all-magnet school system, which received a C from Niche. PK-5 students can attend the Regional Multicultural Magnet School, which earned a B-minus and is the first international baccalaureate-authorized school in Southeastern Connecticut. At Bernie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet Middle, a C-minus school, students can choose the international education pathway or study topics like oceanography, Lego robotics, coding and artificial intelligence as part of the STEM magnet program. At the New London Multi-Magnet High School Campus, a C-plus institution, students can choose from international education, STEM or visual and performing arts magnet pathways. New London is also home to Connecticut College, ranked among the top 50 best liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report; the United States Coast Guard Academy, which grants Bachelor of Science degrees in nine engineering and professional areas; and Mitchell College, which enrolls many first-generation students.
Discover Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, CT.
Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School provides education to the local community in New London.
New London High School has a celebrated athletics program that hosts several leagues on campus.
Discover Connecticut College, conveniently located minutes from Downtown New London.
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Aerial shot of New London, CT, featuring the Thames River in the distance.
Flood zones and noise pollution
The New London riverfront is most affected by flooding during heavy rains. Fortunately, most homes are above Water Street and unaffected by coastal flooding. The only area of concern is Coit Street Park, an open grassy area between Reed, Blinman and Coit streets, which can experience minor flooding. Because the downtown area has the highest density of homes, businesses and public transportation, city noise is higher here than in other New London neighborhoods.
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
Melissa DiPiazza,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
New London Waterfront
Soldiers-Sailors Monument
New London Waterfront Park
Discovery Pier
Transit
Train
New London
Bus
Eugene O'neill Dr & Governor Winthrop Blvd
Bus
State St & Eugene O'neill Dr
Bus
Bank St & Golden St
Bus
Winthrop Blvd & Union St
Bus
Bank St & Blinman St
Bus
Eugene O'neill Dr & State St
Bus
Governor Winthrop Blvd & Huntington St
Downtown New London Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown New London, New London sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown New London, New London over the last 12 months is $890,500.
Unlock the potential of this exceptional 3 condo investment opportunity (3 out or 4 condos in the building-the fourth unit is not for sale), featuring a 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom (with potential to convert to 2), and a 3-bedroom condo-all within the same well-maintained building! Each unit boasts modern updates, exposed brick charm, and spacious layouts, making them ideal for owner-occupants,
Located in the desirable Harbor Towers in the heart of New London, this well-maintained condominium offers a bright, open-concept living and kitchen space that flows effortlessly onto a private balcony with sweeping city views. Inside, enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, while the building's amenities-fitness center, movie theater, outdoor grilling and entertaining area, pool,
Can you picture the best thing you've never seen?Meet Vessel, the brand-new apartment building on Bank Street, designed for 21st century living. Packed with features you didn’t know existed, from self-cleaning bathrooms to built-in light therapy.Don't take our word for it. Schedule a tour and see why Vessel isn’t just where you live—it’s how you live.
Conveniently located just a short walk to the train station, this modern apartment offers easy access to local hotspots. Less than a 10-minute drive to Electric Boat, Mitchell College, the Navy Base, L&M Hospital, Connecticut College, and Pfizer. Pet Friendly.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa DiPiazza,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,285
Median Age
39
Population under 18
18.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,025
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,500
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
72.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
20.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
87/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
