Jefferson sits just a few minutes drive from Downtown New London and all its amenities.
A working-class neighborhood close to city attractions
In Jefferson, a largely Spanish-speaking neighborhood 1 mile west of New London’s historic waterfront and 3 miles north of Ocean Beach, residents can get almost anywhere in the city quickly. “You’re close to restaurants, businesses and the beach,” says Realtor Mario Stephens with Re/Max Legends, who’s sold over a dozen homes in the neighborhood. “The city is within walking distance, but even down the street you have Latin American and other international restaurants and shops.” Multi-family homes, VFW and American Legion posts, churches and auto parts stores are common sights in Jefferson. “You can easily catch a local bus line to other parts of the city and beyond,” says Jacqueline Kapusta, a Realtor with Navick Properties LLC. “I’ve had employers buy multi-family homes to rent out to their workers. It’s one way to keep the neighborhood affordable for working adults.” Jefferson is also practical and comfortable for Spanish-speaking residents. “It’s a diverse community,” Stephens says. “Most businesses and many organizations in Jefferson cater to the Hispanic and Haitian populations.”
Colonial homes in Jefferson have largely been converted to multi-family homes over the years.
Multi-family and single-family homes for under $300,000
The homes in Jefferson range from turn-of-the-century Victorians converted into multi-family homes to single-family bungalows with covered front porches, small ranch-style houses with basements and 1920s colonial revival homes with hardwood floors and back decks. “The trouble is that inventory is low, and home prices keep climbing,” Stephens says, “like the rest of the country.” Multi-family homes start at $125,000 for a two-unit and can go as high as $925,000 for an eight-unit home. Colonial revival houses range from $150,000 for a fixer-upper to $300,000 for a newly renovated home. Ranch-style homes are similar in price point; they sell for between $190,000 and $300,000. The few bungalows on the market list for $250,000 to $275,000.
For public transportation, look no further than your local SEAT Bus stop.
Public transportation and other neighborhood resources
Less than a mile from Downtown New London with stores and restaurants nearby, Jefferson is walkable to many businesses and city attractions. “Colman Street has a lot of car dealerships, and if you’re a mechanic, you may only have a few blocks to get to work,” Kapusta says. Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) buses run along the three major roadways in the neighborhood: Jefferson Avenue, Colman Street and Bank Street. The New London Amtrak Station in the heart of downtown connects passengers with Providence, 60 miles north; Boston, over 100 miles north; and New York, 130 miles south. Interstate 95, which runs along the city's northern edge, connects to these cities, and Interstate 395, accessible from I-95, runs north to Norwich, 15 miles away, and is an alternative route to Boston. Jefferson is also home to Oasis of Restoration, the city’s oldest Hispanic congregation and the first Hispanic church in New London County. Other churches are within the neighborhood, and several are within walking distance.
Local eateries, markets and businesses in Jefferson
Restaurants in Jefferson are small and locally owned, like Sonny’s Market, a sandwich shop on Jefferson Avenue that also serves soups, salads and cold cuts by the pound. Oven-On Bakery down the street offers many baked goods and traditional Latin American meals. For steaks and a pint of Guinness, Birdseye Café is the place to enjoy both in a casual tavern setting.
Neighborhood grocers like Shiva Grocery on Waldon Avenue are just as small and community-oriented, where shoppers can stop in for fresh meat, dairy, a sandwich and lottery tickets. Pezzello Brothers Fruit and Produce is a wholesaler on Jefferson that is also a full-service supermarket. The Waterford Shopping Plaza on Boston Post Road is about 2 miles east with chain grocery stores like Stop & Shop and Aldi.
Bank Street, which turns into Boston Post Road, also features several businesses and restaurants, including The Spice Palette, specializing in Indian cuisine, and Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, a motorcycle dealership with over 55,000 square feet of inventory and other automobilia and collectibles in its showroom.
Come grab a fresh meal or a delicious Portuguese baked good at Oven-On.
Come down to Birdseye Cafe and admire owner Todd Andersen's extensive memorabilia collection.
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Jefferson offers many public athletic parks and fields, such as Veterans Memorial Park.
Jefferson ballparks, gardens, playgrounds and trails
Jefferson is surrounded by city parks, such as the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Field, a full-sized baseball field used by New London High School, the American Legion and the Electric Boat Leagues. Many legends, including Yogi Berra and Ted Williams, have played there. McDonald Park at the corner of McDonald Street and Connecticut Avenue offers a community garden maintained by FRESH New London, a food justice non-profit dedicated to ensuring every community has access to locally grown food. For families with children, Bates Woods Park northwest of Jefferson features a sizable playground, picnic pavilions, walking trails and multiple sports fields. Parkgoers can also take the half-mile trail through Bates Woods from Ashcraft Road in the neighborhood to the park, an approximate 3-minute walk. Water lovers and those who love to fish might spend the day at Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum on the Thames River, 1.5 miles away. The century-and-a-half-old fort was in service from the American Revolutionary War to World War II and offers beautiful harbor views and a fishing pier.
C.B. Jennings Elementary is a multi-lingual early education location in the Jefferson area.
Connecticut’s all-magnet public school district
Schools that serve Jefferson are part of the New London School District, which received a C from Niche. The district is Connecticut’s first all-magnet school district with three distinct pathways. PK-5 students can attend C.B. Jennings International Elementary, which earned a C-minus and offers an international education magnet program focused on world languages, debate and empowering Latino youth. At Bernie Dover Jackson Middle, another 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 New London High School, a C-plus school, students can choose from all three pathways, including the visual and performing arts magnet program, which prepares them for dance, theater and the media arts, such as graphic design and film production.
Local festivals that celebrate Latino culture and community
In late July, Noche Latina is an evening of live music at Ocean Beach Park, about 3 miles south of Jefferson down Route 213/Ocean Avenue, also accessible by the SEAT bus. In 2022, New London’s mayor declared September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, and the celebration kicks off with Eat in the Street, a festival with food trucks, vendors and entertainment on Bank Street downtown. Later in the month, New London’s Hispanic community is honored with a Guatemalan flag raising at City Hall and an evening of live music, food, salsa lessons, cultural dancing and fireworks at Parade Plaza.
Crime and flooding in Jefferson
“Jefferson is often in the news for crime,” Kapusta says. Within the last year, local police found evidence of gunshots fired at one home and a vehicle, and a homicide occurred at a block party, the result of domestic violence. “The neighborhood has a rough reputation, but that doesn’t mean people don’t live and work in the area and enjoy life.” Homebuyers should also be aware that mild flooding can occur through the center of the neighborhood between Jefferson and Connecticut Avenues.
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
Kristopher Tramont,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Jefferson
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jefferson, New London sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Jefferson, New London over the last 12 months is $255,128, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with a park at the end of the street, this two-family home is a great opportunity for investors or owner-occupants. Both units are currently rented month-to-month, offering flexibility-tenants are willing to stay or move out ASAP if needed. The first-floor unit features 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, and basement access with washer/dryer hookups
This delightful two-bedroom apartment on the first floor could be just what you need, in a convenient location. The spacious and comfortable bedrooms make it ideal for anyone needing extra space. With the convenience of first-floor access and separate entrances, you can enjoy easy entry without the hassle of stairs. Additionally, the apartment features in-unit laundry facilities, eliminating the
One big bedroom with 2 closets. Brand new appliances, lighting and freshly painted. Shared laundry room. Off street parking. Located minutes to the train station, ferry and Electric Boat. 8 minutes to Mitchell College, 10 minutes to the Navy Base, 4 minutes to Connecticut College, 10 minutes to Pfizer, 6 minutes to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and 10 minutes to Ocean Beach.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristopher Tramont,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,801
Median Age
37
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,301
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,664
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.7%
College Graduates
14.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.2%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
38/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
