Slow-paced living and appreciation for the arts in Norfolk
Like any other town named Norfolk across America, it’s up for debate about how to pronounce it. Some say it differently here, but for many locals, it’s pronounced “Nor-Fork.” The local country store even sells merch that says “Nor” with a fork going through it. What’s not debated is Norfolk’s small-town appeal and the community’s appreciation for the arts, as it is home to Yale University Summer School of Music and Art. "If you're interested in arts, culture and music, it's for you. If you want a place where everything stays open past 9 p.m., it's not for you," says Alaina Hager, a longtime resident and a liaison for the Norfolk Hub, a coworking space in the town center. The town center is a small historic district with just a few businesses, but its 1800s buildings and churches showcase exquisite architecture. Adding to the beauty are the scenic Litchfield Hills, an area known for its forested mountains and vibrant fall foliage.
Wide-ranging homes that span multiple centuries
Norfolk has an extremely wide range of houses that spans from the late 1700s through the early 2000s. On the lower end, between $125,000 and $300,000, homebuyers can find small ranch-style homes from the mid-20th century and historic properties needing renovations. For $350,000 to $650,000, options include stately historic colonials and more midcentury ranch-style houses on 5 to 10 acres. Large upscale houses with luxurious amenities and scenic views of mountains and lakes can sell anywhere from $1 million to $8.7 million.
Known as the "Icebox of Connecticut"
Norfolk is famously known as the “Icebox of Connecticut” because of how cold it gets compared to other areas of the state. “You can drive 10 minutes away and it’ll be 5 to 10 degrees warmer,” Hager says. “Other towns nearby could be dead in the winter. But here, it’s dreamier and covered in snow.” The town’s high elevation, which is 1,230 feet above sea level, causes the frigid winters.
Summer concerts and art events put on by Yale University
The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival occurs every summer, hosted by Yale University Summer School of Music, with performances at the Music Shed concert hall. There’s also the Yale Norfolk School of Art Lecture Series, where rising seniors showcase their work. Infinity House, a local historic theater, hosts concerts every now and then, but the company opened another theater in Hartford where most shows are now held. Several events take place at Norfolk Village Green, a triangular green space in the historic district. Friday Nights on the Green brings the community together for art shows and live music.
Views of three states from two different peaks
The 1,673-foot-tall Haystack Mountain stands out in the community. “The view of Haystack Mountain is iconic here and the trails are wonderful,” Hager says. A road leads up the mountain to a hiking trail, which runs less than a mile to the peak. A 50-foot-tall historic stone observation tower stands at the top where visitors can walk up and see parts of Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. Similar views are available at Dennis Hill State Park. Locals can drive to the top, where a historic stone lodge stands. It was once the summer home of surgeon Frederic Dinnis and is now open to the public for picnics and lighting the fireplace.
Shops and restaurants in Norfolk's historic district
Of the few businesses in the town center, some have set up shop in beautiful century-old buildings, including The Norfolk Pub. The bar and grill is the one place locals can eat, drink and hang out until 9 p.m. Everything else closes midafternoon. Icebox Café sells breakfast and homemade baked goods. Berkshire Country Store serves as a deli and offers a limited selection of produce. The closest big-box retailers and grocery stores are in Canaan and Winsted. “When you live here, I feel like driving is just something you accept as a thing,” Hager says. “We don’t have big grocery stores or a hospital. Wherever you want to go, it can take 20 minutes or up to an hour if you want to go out to eat at a restaurant in the Berkshires in Massachusetts.”
Well-rated public schools and an educational library
Students attend Botelle Elementary School, which receives a C-plus grade from Niche. They’ll go on to Northwestern Regional Middle School and Northwestern Regional High School in Winchester. They’re both in the same building and receive a B-plus grade. The local library also provides educational opportunities for children. “Our library is incredible because they do so much for the kids in our community,” Hager says. “Recently, they brought in a llama and talked about llama farms, what they provide and what you can make with their fur.”
U.S. Route 44 links to local and regional areas
U.S. Route 44 is the main road that runs through town, leading to the nearby towns of Canaan and Winsted. Hartford is 35 miles or just over an hour's drive, and it takes a little less than an hour to get to Bradley International Airport, about 33 miles away.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
