Rural seclusion on the Connecticut-Massachusetts border
Set in the woodlands east of the Tunxis State Forest, North Granby is a rural community of secluded homes on sprawling stretches of gently rolling land. Far from the more urban and suburban atmosphere of greater Hartford County, North Granby residents enjoy bucolic scenery, low crime rates and access to highly-ranked public schools. This combination of factors has made the otherwise private community popular among families and retirees, with available homes selling quickly. "The market is tight around here," said Kathy Murphy, a real estate agent with KW Legacy Partners. "Houses that go up for sale are gone in a matter of days."
Public schools with excellent reputations
Students begin their education at Wells Road Intermediate School, which has an A-minus on Niche, before heading to Granby Memorial Middle School, which scores a B. Students will finish their public-school journey at Granby Memorial High School, which has an A-minus. "We have 21 AP courses and 9 ECE courses, along with a terrific athletics department," says Linda Powell, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Granby Public Schools. "It's a great program."
Colonial homes on wide stretches of land
Colonial, Cape Cod and farmhouse-style homes are popular in North Granby, though smaller ranch and bungalow homes also make appearances. Houses are often built on tracts of land ranging in size from 1 to 240 acres. Older homes can start in the low-200,000s, with more modern and renovated construction beginning in the low-400,000s. Extensive homes on larger parcels of land reach the high-600,000s, with the occasional palatial country estate hitting the $6 million mark.
Locally made wine and entertainment
With its focus on open land and residential areas, North Granby doesn't have much in the way of local retail and restaurants. One exception is Lost Acres Vineyard, a farm winery that hosts regular live performances and offers over a dozen different styles of locally made wine. Residents can find a broader selection of shopping at Granby Village, some 4 miles southeast, which includes a Starbucks, dry cleaner and several dinner options.
Forest foliage at Godard Preserve and Enders State Park
With 118 acres of woodland, the Godard Preserve is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. 2.5 miles of trails wind through hills and gently flowing streams, all surrounded by a dense canopy of Red Maple and Eastern Hemlock. Anglers and bird watchers can visit the wetlands and waterfalls of Enders State Forest, found 6 miles southwest.
Cheer for the Bears during football season
While North Granby and the surrounding area have a reputation for peace and quiet, pride in local athletics is deeply ingrained in the community. The Granby Memorial High School Bears make up several popular sports teams, and it's common to see signs of school spirit from locals all year round.
Travel out of town on Route 189
Those who have relied on public transportation in the past will want to invest in a car when moving to North Granby. Route 189 is the area's main thoroughfare and can connect residents to Hartford, some 22 miles southeast. New England's second-largest airport, Bradley International, can be found 11 miles east.
Photography Contributed By
Ed Messenger
