A rural Connecticut neighborhood that stays connected
With hiking trails, working farms, a river for kayaking and state parks, Simsbury is a rural Connecticut neighborhood known for its spacious homes and sizeable lots. “People choose Simsbury for the privacy. They like that it’s not a busy area, and they feel like they’re immersed in nature,” says Realtor Katie French with Coldwell Banker, who grew up in Simsbury and has been selling real estate here for over 30 years. From small places to eat, drink and shop to local green spaces and festivals, Simsbury is where people can enjoy the quiet countryside but never lose touch with their community. “I’ve lived here since 2002, more than 20 years, and the community here is friendly and down to earth,” says Diane Conroy, a Realtor/home stager, who goes above and beyond to help her clients get results. “Homeowners stay because they have many outlets that keep them connected to each other.”
Remodeled traditional homes give Simsbury its character
Simsbury is home to residential properties, often on a third or more acres. Classic and raised ranch houses, most with their original hardwood floors, can be found here for $300,000 to $450,000. Meticulously maintained Capes, too, go on the market for $350,000 to $600,000. But colonials, from the 1880s through the 1980s, are the most popular, ranging in price from $400,000 to $1.3 million, depending on the number of updates, the scale of restoration, amenities and property size. “You won’t find as much new construction in Simsbury as traditional homes that have been remodeled,” Conroy says. “They give the town its character.” Condos in the neighborhood list for as low as $20,000 for a studio and as much as $300,000 for a three-bedroom. “People who grew up in Simsbury often move back to raise their children,” French says. “There’s a community feel here that allows you to get as involved as you want.”
Where to shop and eat along Hopmeadow Street
Necker’s Toyland on Hopmeadow is a family-owned business that opened in 1948 and has continued to delight children with toys, games and puzzles. Down the street, Bosco’s Garden Center is family-owned, too, in the same shopping center as Harvest Café and Bakery, an all-day breakfast and lunch spot that has been in business over 25 years. The Big Y World Class Market is across the street, and the Old Well Tavern is a little farther down and serves pub favorites like burgers and beer. The building was first constructed in 1730 and has operated as a tavern for over 150 years. For more dining and shopping options, Simsbury’s historic downtown shopping district is just 2 miles south.
Straight-A public and private schools in Simsbury
Niche gave all schools that serve Simsbury an A rating. Students at Squadron Line School, a PK-6 elementary, can learn from visiting musicians, entertainers and authors at the school. Henry James Memorial School, a 7-8 middle, has been nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. At Simsbury High, students are routinely inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society and National Honor Society. Westminster School, a 9-12 private boarding and day school that received an A-plus from Niche, sits on a 200-acre wooded campus overlooking Downtown Simsbury and the Farmington River.
From hiking trails to an Olympic ice-skating rink
Simsbury offers several hiking trails to the west, such as the West Mountain Trails or the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, part of the East Coast Greenway. The Great Pond, part of Massacoe State Park, features a large stand of rhododendrons on its northeast edge. The park offers trails and 370 acres of woodland. Nearby, the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex is an ideal spot for anyone interested in outdoor recreation. It has a public 18-hole golf course, a community swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, basketball courts and an ice rink. Next door, the Hop Meadow Country Club has similar amenities, including a golf course and resort-sized pool, but is a private club. For baseball fans, Memorial Park and its neighbors, War Memorial Park and Shultz Park, are loaded with baseball diamonds. The Farmington River is a favorite among canoers and kayakers who have water access along Tariffville Road. The International Skating Center of Connecticut on Hopmeadow Street features National Hockey League and Olympic ice rinks.
Septemberfest and Simsbury Celebrates
Septemberfest is Simsbury’s annual three-day festival that benefits the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. It features live music, bouncy houses, train rides, games and hot-air balloon rides. Simsbury Celebrates is a free, family-friendly holiday event held along Hopmeadow Street on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It features musical performances, food, a firetruck parade with Santa and a fireworks display.
Public transportation in and around Simsbury
Through Simsbury Free Bike, the local bike share program, riders can borrow a bike for up to 24 hours with a $10.00 deposit, which is refunded when the bike is returned. The city also offers several bike trails on- and off-road. The Granby Express CT Transit bus runs from Simsbury to Hartford, with stops along Hopmeadow Street/U.S. 202. This same highway runs along the eastern side of Simsbury and connects drivers to Granby (5 miles) and Avon (8 miles). Simsbury Airport is a small local airport that offers flight lessons and facilities for small planes in the neighborhood's northeast corner. Bradley International Airport is 7 miles to the east, serves both Hartford and Springfield and features passenger flights with 11 airlines. Downtown Hartford is a 20-mile drive south.
Simsbury’s low crime and flooding risk around the river and streams
According to the CAP Index, Simsbury has a crime score of 1, the lowest possible. By comparison, the national average is 4. Parts of the community, especially around the Farmington River or along streams like Bissell Brook or Grimes Brook, which run through the neighborhood, tend to flood during heavy or prolonged rains.
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Ed Messenger
