Stratford

Aviation history, legends of hidden treasure and plenty of sandy beaches all come together to make the Stratford Center Historic District an intriguing neighborhood. “Stratford is unique due to its historic charm and the proximity to the water. We tend to attract boating enthusiasts, fishermen and the like,” says Janet Lengel, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and a Stratford native. The Long Island Sound borders this coastal neighborhood to the south and the Housatonic River to the east. Wandering through the neighborhood, some with sidewalks, some without, a diverse range of single-family homes greet the eye, along with a few clusters of condominiums and townhouse communities. Cozy Cape Cods, bungalows and quintessential New England colonials dot every corner. Boasting modest green yards, the occasional front porch and attached garages, residents enjoy lot sizes around 6,970 square feet with enough room for the family pup to run around. With an average sales price of about $370,000, prospective homebuyers can score a condominium from the lower $100,000s to the $300,000s, or a townhouse from the $200,000s to the mid $400,000s, with a few brand new luxury waterfront townhouses selling in the mid $700,000s. Single-family homes also vastly range in price, from a classic three-bedroom colonial showcasing hardwood floors and an updated kitchen for $425,000 to a 2,450 square-foot waterfront Cape Cod with a guest suite for $1.5 million. Here, many homes are in a flood zone, so flood insurance is something buyers will have to consider. The Stratford School District serves the neighborhood, scoring average ratings on Niche. Students attend Lordship Elementary School and David Wooster Middle School, both scoring a C-plus rating. Boasting B, Stratford High School offers a range of after-school activities and athletics. In the spring, the hallways are filled with golf, tennis and lacrosse players getting ready for practice. There are also two magnet elementary schools in the area, Stratford Academy: Johnson House and Stratford Academy: Victoria Soto School. Proximity to outdoor spaces is a huge draw for locals, most notably the beaches. Some offer water access in addition to sports facilities, such as Short Beach Park, home to tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground and a golf course. In contrast, Long Beach stretches 1.5 miles along the Long Island Sound and consists of pure sand and waves. Pleasure Beach Park, once home to an amusement park, was abandoned after a fire. Today, it is only accessible by water taxi from nearby Bridgeport. Visitors can explore the beach or have a relaxing picnic. Those looking for a scenic stroll can also head to Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and take in the views while the soundtrack of songbirds rings out in the distance. In addition to the beaches, Stratford has multiple museums and annual events that add to its character. The National Helicopter Museum and the Connecticut Air and Space Center elaborate on the aviation history of the area, while every first and third Sunday throughout the year, residents can visit the Shakespeare Market on Elm Street, the former grounds of the Shakespeare Theatre. “The Shakespeare Theatre was what we were known for back in its heyday before it burnt down. However, there are plans to rebuild it and host various plays and shows,” Lengel says. Here, locals can delight in fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts and more while admiring the views of the Housatonic River. Outriggers and Riley’s by the Seawall are great options for seafood with waterfront views. At the same time, Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant and Big Jim’s Galley are popular spots for a laid-back ambiance. For a drink after work, Two Roads Brewing Company off Stratford Avenue is the largest brewery in the state, serving seasonal and limited-release brews, while Athletic Brewing Company is the largest brewer in the US to produce non-alcoholic beer exclusively. Stratford Crossing is the one-stop-shop for locals, home to ShopRite and Stop & Shop for groceries, The Home Depot, Petco and Walmart Supercenter. Just next door, residents can workout at Esporta Fitness or head to the nail salon for a self-care day. Commuters can easily hop on Interstate 95, which runs through the community. Locals can also hop on the Metro-North Railroad to head the 60 miles into New York City.