A community of about 9,000 people in Fairfield County, Sandy Hook is a close-knit village with a growing downtown. “In a nutshell, Sandy Hook is classic Connecticut,” says Andy Sachs, managing broker of Around Town Real Estate, who’s served the area for over a decade. “It’s a village in Newtown, Connecticut, that’s been through revitalization in the past decade. More shops, restaurants and recreation have made it a gathering hub for the greater area.” The downtown area is also where locals gather for events, displaying a community cohesion that was partially borne from the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Today, the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise is headquartered in the area and advocates against gun violence.
Show your town pride at Newtown’s Labor Day Parade, a celebration for all ages.
The "Be Kind" mural in Sandy Hook is a powerful reminder of compassion, inspired by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation.
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Colonial Revivals and cottages throughout Sandy Hook
The village’s quiet, shaded streets are lined with classic New England-style homes. Bungalows and cottages from the early to mid-1900s are interspersed with newer builds, like split-levels and ranch-style homes from the late 20th century. Larger properties, like farmhouse-inspired homes and Colonial Revivals, were built in the later 1900s and early 2000s. The median sales price in Sandy Hook is about $560,000, which is above the national median.
Colonial Revival homes in Sandy Hook reflects the village’s classic New England architecture.
A cozy cottage style home in Sandy Hook highlights the area’s charming and historic character.
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Swimming spots, walking trails and boating on Lake Zoar
Public green spaces are scattered throughout the village. Community parks have sports fields and playgrounds, while nature preserves are popular places to go hiking or bird-watching. During the summer, locals go swimming at the public pool at Treadwell Memorial Park. Lake Zoar, a freshwater reservoir just south of Sandy Hook, is another swimming spot. “There’s a small beach there that’s never crowded,” says Lauren Auresto, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate who’s lived in the area for years. “There are boat slips out there, too, so it’s nice for people not to have to drive to the coast.”
Sunset at Lake Zoar in Sandy Hook paints the sky with stunning colors over the calm water.
Treadwell Memorial Park in Sandy Hook offers a public pool, sports fields, and green space for all ages.
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Popular eateries in downtown Sandy Hook
Downtown Sandy Hook has a collection of local restaurants, ranging from casual pubs to elevated eateries. “We’ve had a lot of new restaurants open in the area, which people have really loved,” Auresto says. Residents find supermarkets just outside the village in Newtown, but the closest big box stores are about 7 miles west, in Bethel. This area is also where residents find the nearest major medical services; Danbury Hospital is about 10 miles from Sandy Hook.
The Foundry Restaurant in Sandy Hook offers a cozy dining experience with a menu full of flavorful dishes.
The highly rated Danbury Hospital is just a short drive away from Sandy Hook.
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Students can attend top-rated Newtown Public Schools
Kids are zoned to Newtown Public Schools; the district earns an A rating from Niche and serves about 4,000 students. Many children attend Sandy Hook Elementary School, a new building that opened in 2016 following the 2012 mass shooting. The community chooses to spend the anniversary of the tragedy in solemn remembrance, and the village has a circular memorial park dedicated to the 26 victims.
Newtown High School serves Sandy Hook students in grades 9th through 12th.
Sandy Hook Elementary School is a modern, welcoming space for young students in the community.
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Seasonal events like Rocking the Hook at the center of town
The village gathers for seasonal events and holiday celebrations. “Rocking the Hook is a free concert at the bandstand in the middle of town, where they’ll have musical acts all throughout the day,” Auresto says. The September concert also has food trucks and local vendors. For Halloween, small businesses open their doors to trick-or-treaters. Residents can adopt a lamppost to decorate for the winter season and attend the village’s holiday tree lighting in December.
Rock the Hook brings the Sandy Hook community together every September for a full day of music and fun.
Find freshly baked goods and more at the Newtown Farmers Market in Newtown, CT.
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Commuting to New Haven, Hartford and even New York City
Though some who live near downtown may walk to its restaurants and shops, most residents depend on cars to get around. Interstate 84 crosses through the village, connecting to the greater Fairfield County area. Commuters often drive northeast to New Haven or Hartford, which are about 25 and 50 miles away, respectively. “Some people commute all the way to New York City,” Auresto says. “With the rise of hybrid schedules, living this far out has become much more palatable.” Midtown Manhattan is about 75 miles southwest of Sandy Hook. The closest international airport is Bradley International Airport, located about 56 miles northeast. Crime statistics for Sandy Hook are not readily available.
Written By
Amanda Boivin
Photography Contributed By
Augusto Abreu
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Rio,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Sandy Hook, CT sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sandy Hook, CT over the last 12 months is $597,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath lake house offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Fully move-in ready, this home features a brand-new well pump, filter, and tank, giving you lasting confidence in your investment. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan filled with natural light. The main level boasts gleaming hardwood floors, while the
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Welcome to Walnut Tree Village, Newtown's only active 55+ community, offering a peaceful lifestyle and a convenient location. This 4-room, 1.5-bath condo features 1,212 sq. ft. of comfortable living space with beautiful water views of the pond from your private patio. The attached garage provides easy access and added convenience, while the unfinished basement offers excellent potential to expand
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