Plainfield dates to the 17th century, and today offers a slow-paced lifestyle
Long before the United States was born, there was Plainfield. The northeast Connecticut town, originally named Quinebaug, traces its pre-Revolutionary roots to 1699. So, by the time the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, Plainfield had been an established community for nearly eight decades. Perhaps that’s why the historic architecture and scenic landscape provide the perfect backdrop to a community in no hurry to catch up. “I’ve seen a lot of migration from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In fact, that’s what brought us here,” says Robbie Greene Santos of Brunet & Company Real Estate, who moved to this community of about 15,000 last year. “It’s a quiet town. It doesn’t have the same hustle and bustle. There seems to be more of a want for a slower pace of life. The people are very friendly and not rushing around.”
Colonial-style homes are prominent among the historic architecture
History lives in the community’s housing, which features an array of Colonial-style homes, some of which were built before the Revolutionary War. More contemporary options include traditional and raised ranch-style homes. Options can be found in neighborhood settings with contemporary features such as driveways and attached garages, while others occupy spacious lots in more rural areas. Prices range from the mid-$100,000s for fixer-uppers to the high $600,000s for the largest newly built homes. “The market has gone up in the last two years and is very healthy,” Santos says. “But this area is growing because of the cost-effective nature of living in Connecticut. My house, in Rhode Island you’d have to add $80 to $90,000 just based on location.” Condos, townhouses and duplexes can also be found. They range from the high $100,000s to the high $400,000s. “There are a lot of duplexes in this area, and you are seeing distressed properties bought up by investors and being renovated.” The high-end of the multi-family range features newer detached condos in the 55-plus community of Moosup River Estates. Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are typical of the Northeast location. “Cold and rainy, some snow, but nothing crazy,” Santos says. “Nothing unmanageable.”
Rivers, trails highlight the recreational options in an active community
Outdoor lovers can take advantage of the community’s natural setting, which features the Quinebaug and Moosup rivers. The Quinebaug is the larger of the two. It is a popular destination for canoers and kayakers. The Moosup is known for its trout fishing. Part of the Moosup Valley State Park Trail runs along the riverbank in Plainfield. Hikers and bike riders can take the nearly 6-mile path through the natural landscape to the Rhode Island state line. Moosup Pond is a 96-acre lake that offers additional outdoor recreation. Lion’s Park, located adjacent to Plainfield Town Hall, is the center of community activity. It hosts the annual Celebrate Plainfield Day, as well as a weekly summer concert series. Town Hall hosts the annual Plainfield Senior Chorus Christmas concert. It is also the site of the community pool, which requires a membership. The nearby Plainfield Recreation Department & Senior Center offers social and fitness activities for all ages. Plainfield is also one of the few places that still celebrates V-J Day, which marks the Allied Forces defeat of Japan in World War II. The annual parade began in 1961.
Restaurants are concentrated in villages of Plainfield, Moosup
Hank’s Dairy Bar is an old-school eatery that has been serving the community since 1957. It is a premier stop among the diverse dining destinations concentrated in the village of Plainfield and the village of Moosup around Connecticut Route 12, also known as Norwich Road. Big Y World Class Market is a popular grocery store that anchors the shopping options concentrated in the village of Plainfield. The closest big-box retailer, Walmart, is in Lisbon, less than 10 miles away via CR 12.
C-rated school district serves a growing demographic of families
Students attend the Plainfield School District, which earns a C from Niche. All five of its schools, which include four levels from kindergarten through 12th grade, are rated C or C-plus. Plainfield High School’s academic departments include world language, business and finance, and family and consumer science. “The demographics have been changing,” Santos says. “I’m seeing a lot more families.”
I-395 provides convenient access to regional commutes
Interstate 395, also known as the Connecticut Turnpike, runs through the community. “It’s more of a convenience than a benefit,” Santos says. “That kind of access allows someone in Plainfield who works in Providence to shoot straight up the highway and be there in 45 minutes.” An Amazon warehouse just off I-395 is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the community, although its opening has been delayed by supply chain issues. Providence’s T.F. Green International Airport is about 35 miles east. The highway also provides access to Hartford, the state capital, about 50 miles west. Closer to home, the Northeast Connecticut Transit District provides bus travel to local points of interest, including Hartford Healthcare medical facilities on Norwich Road. The community’s CAP Index score of 3-out-of-10 is lower than the national average.
Written By
Matt Pallister
