Access to major thoroughfares set this waterfront neighborhood apart
The Thames River’s brackish waters hug the appropriately named Riverside neighborhood of New London. Drifting sailboats are a typical view for residents whose homes sit on the hills that rise above the water’s edge, and the rows of charming 20th-century houses create a dense suburban feel. However, the Connecticut enclave’s draw is its location; though Riverside sits just north of Interstate 95 and less than a mile from Downtown New London, the neighborhood offers isolation from the hubbub of the seaport city’s heart. “When the Gold Star Bridge was built, it became the gateway for New London,” says local Broker Associate Geoff Smith of Re/Max On The Bay, who grew up in New London. “The bridge created a barrier, and now the neighborhood feels separated from Downtown. It’s nice and peaceful.” Smith adds that Riverside's accessibility and proximity to I-95 are also shining features. “You can get to New York and Boston within 2 hours,” he says. “This makes it desirable as far as conveniences.”
Enjoy proximity to the bay and attractions from Riverside neighborhood, CT.
Take in stunning bay views with friends and family near Eastern Point Beach, CT.
Welcome to New London, which is depicted as an iconic boat sail sign in Riverside, CT.
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Established homes from the 20th century
Old-style colonial homes line Riverside’s gentle hills, creating a dense suburban feel just minutes from Downtown New London. Though most were built in the early half of the 20th century, few date back to the late 1800s, but all reflect the architectural stylings of the era – at least outwardly. “Unlike other neighborhoods, the uniqueness about Riverside is that it’s been established for so long,” Smith says. “Houses have been updated and renovated over time, so homes have a lot of character.” Some feature Dutch-inspired gambrel roofs and front porches, while others have an essence of Victorian style. Bungalows and foursquare homes complete the housing mix here. Framed by fenced-in front lawns and sidewalks, single-family homes sit clustered on lots that average around 5,000 square feet. Prices for real estate typically range from $195,000 to $340,000.
Riverside, CT features beautiful single Colonial style homes with timeless appeal.
Admire elegant and petite colonial home designs in Riverside, CT’s picturesque neighborhood.
Riverside, CT offers a range of beautiful Dutch style homes to admire.
Find classic four square homes with character in Riverside, CT’s quaint streets.
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Recreation along the Thames at Riverside Park
Riverside’s crowning jewel is Riverside Park, an 18-acre wooded open space bound by the Thames River and the Northeast New London neighborhood. Created in 1893, the popular recreation spot is a go-to for picnicking and swimming. Folks can take to the short trails for a walk along the river or play a game of basketball on the park’s courts, while kids can enjoy the playground. The annual Yale-Harvard Regatta occurs here between the two universities’ men’s rowing teams. The Riverside Community Garden blooms on the park's southern edge, brimming with organic tomatoes, green beans, herbs and more.
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge Bike Route starts in the neighborhood and hugs Interstate 95 across the Thames River. The multi-use bridge will undergo construction to widen paths to 8 feet across, allowing bikers and pedestrians to cross with ample room.
More riverside views are available at the New London Waterfront Park, just over a mile south of the neighborhood. Locals take in sweeping harbor vistas and watch boats float into the cove from the walking paths and piers.
Play, picnic, and unwind at Riverside Park’s family friendly playground in Riverside.
Spend a perfect day at Riverside Park, featuring a playground in and picnic area, Riverside, CT.
Enjoy outdoor fun at Riverside Park’s playground and green spaces in Riverside.
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Three magnet pathways at New London School District
Students are part of the New London School District, Connecticut’s first and only all-magnet school district. The district offers three pathways: International Education, STEM, and Visual and Performing Arts. Pupils in the STEM pathway may start their education at the Winthrop STEM Elementary Magnet School, which receives a C from Niche. Sixth through eighth graders can continue their STEM studies at the C-minus-rated Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School before matriculating to the New London High School multi-magnet campus. Serving just over 500 students, the C-plus-rated high school prepares students for higher education and careers in all three pathways.
The Williams School is an A-plus-rated private high school serving less than 200 students in grades six through twelve. Riverside students are also close to postsecondary institutions, including Connecticut College and the Coast Guard Academy, which sit just north of the neighborhood.
Winthrop STEM Elementary is dedicated to enhancing your child's learning in Riverside, CT.
Bennie Dover Middle School is focused on advancing your child's learning in Riverside, CT.
New London High School is one of dozens of other magnet schools throughout the state.
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Local shopping staples and dining mainstays
Several local businesses cluster between gas stations on Williams Street, and the Hodges Square Shopping Center houses neighborhood mainstays. “Hodges Square doesn’t cover a large footprint, but it's convenient for residents,” Smith says. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, the square comprises the local bike shop Bike New London, a gift shop, a liquor store and laidback eateries Rico Chow and DJ’s Campus Kitchen. With Puerto Rican influences, Rico Chow serves a diverse menu of Hispanic-Asian fusion dishes, while DJ’s Campus Kitchen offers full breakfast plates in classic diner fashion. Further down Williams Street, Mr. G’s restaurant has served New London-style pizzas since 1966. “You may have heard of New Haven-style thin-crust pizza, but New London pizza is like a Greek pan-style pizza,” Smith explains. “It’s not a deep dish like Chicago, but a little thicker and heavier on the cheese.”
Down Interstate 95, the New London Mall consists of ShopRite, Marshall’s, Guitar Center and HomeGoods – convenient for fulfilling clothing, retail, and grocery shopping needs. Additional stores, including Burlington and NSA Supermarkets, are across Interstate 95 in the New London Shopping Center.
Savor delicious Hispanic and Asian fusion dishes at Rico Chow in Riverside, CT.
Shop Rite in New London Mall is the go to for convenient supermarket trips close to Riverside.
Shop and explore the lively Hodges Square Shopping Center in Riverside, CT.
Bike New London offers new bikes and tire replacements close to Riverside.
Discover the best shopping at New London Shopping Mall, just minutes from Riverside.
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Attractions and events in New London
Proximity to Connecticut College allows Riverside residents to access the charming campus attractions within walking distance. Locals explore the college’s arboretum, browse the displays at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum or catch a live performance at the Athey Center at Palmer Auditorium.
Historic attractions and events are less than a mile away in Downtown New London. Statues, historical landmarks and museums, including the Custom House Maritime Museum, emphasize New London’s legacy as a significant seaport in the 18th century. Plans for the new Coast Guard Museum downtown are taking shape, and construction is slated to be complete by late 2026.
New London’s largest event is the annual Sailfest, a summertime celebration on the second weekend of July. Over 200 local and regional vendors line the waterfront park and nearby streets Downtown, while food and beverage tents keep festivalgoers satiated. The event is free to the public and is capped with a fireworks show.
Discover history and bay views at Fort Trumbull State Park near Riverside, CT.
Stroll the scenic bay walk at UCONN Avery Point minutes from Riverside, CT.
Explore Fort Trumbull State Park’s museum and canons with a bay view near Riverside.
General Dynamics Electric Boat is renowned for submarine assembly near Riverside, CT.
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Access to the East Coast’s main thoroughfare
Riverside residents have easy access to Interstate 95, which runs along the southern side of the neighborhood. Both Boston and New York City are within 130 miles of Riverside. Frequent flyers drive to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, 50 miles northeast.
The heart of Downtown New London is situated about a mile south, but Smith says the distance and terrain are more suited for cyclists. “It’s a little hilly, and the streets that connect it get pretty busy with traffic, so it’s better to bike,” he says. Commuters can take the Southeast Area Transit District buses from one of the stops along Williams Street or Crystal Avenue. Amtrak trains and the Shore Line East Trail come through the New London Train Station in Downtown New London.
Take the main highways near Hodges Square Shopping Center in Riverside, CT.
Downtown New London features one of the few Amtrak stops along the North East corridor line.
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
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Reach out to
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Parks in this Area
Ocean Beach Park
Riverside Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Riverside
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Riverside, New London sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Riverside, New London over the last 12 months is $289,000, up 19% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey investment opportunity! This well-kept 5-unit multifamily at 157 Crystal Ave, New London, CT 06320 brings in an impressive $10,000 in monthly rental income (with 3 units at $1,250, one at $2,500, and another at $3,750), delivering an annual NOI of $72,000. Recently appraised at $700,000 in June 2024, the property includes a newer furnace, a coin-operated laundry system for added income,
Tucked away in a quiet community one mile away from I-95, Courtview Square Apartments specializes in delightful, affordable 1-bedroom apartments for rent in New London, CT. The spacious and clean 1-bedroom apartments for rent at Courtview Square will ensure short commutes to the nearby Coast Guard Academy, local naval base, Groton, and Norwich, CT.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tracy O'Donnell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
406
Median Age
35
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,785
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,828
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
16.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
% Population in Labor Force
65.4%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
50/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 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.
