Farming, historic homes and community
The town of Suffield combines agriculture, historic homes and quality schools, all wrapped up in a spirit of community spirit and volunteerism. “We have a town hall-style of government in Suffield,” says Kathy Murphy, a Realtor with KW Legacy Partners who has been selling homes in the area for over a decade. “If you bring 300 people to a town meeting, you really get things done. We got a new high school built a few years ago.” This sense of community togetherness can also be seen in the town’s annual events like the summer fair and the farmers’ markets and stands that locals continue to support. Homes follow eclectic architectural styles like Queen Anne and Italianate, dating anywhere from the 1700s to the 2020s. Prices start around $230,000.
Historic homes and new constructions
Suffield hosts a plethora of historic homes as well as some recent constructions. Established homes can be found all over the neighborhood. “The houses are anywhere from 100 to 300 years old, and the architecture is completely different from house to house,” Murphy says. Architecture styles found in Suffield include Colonial, Colonial Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne and more. The number of renovations done can make prices of historic homes vary, typically between $230,000 and $600,000. Colonial Revival, Cape Cod, ranch-style and New Traditional homes from the ‘60s up to the present day are also common, mostly selling in the $350,000 to $700,000 range. Homes tend to be spacious, often with more than 2,000 square feet, and sit on large lots in quiet subdivisions.
High-rated schools with a great agriscience program
Suffield School District is highly rated, earning an A-minus from Niche. All four schools are centrally located within the neighborhood. Students can study at A. Ward Spaulding School up through second grade before graduating to McAlister Intermediate School. Both schools have received B-plus grades from Niche. They can then move on to Suffield Middle and High schools, both A-minus-rated. Suffield High’s agriscience program is highly acclaimed, attracting students from around the Hartford area. Students participate in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) to develop skills that will help them in the field of agriculture post-graduation. Sample SAEs include internships, agribusiness operation and service learning.
Suffield is car-centric
Driving a car is residents’ preferred way of getting around Suffield. A few Connecticut State Routes pass through Suffield, and the community is roughly equidistant between Interstate 81 and US Route 202. Bradley International Airport is just south of Suffield, within a 15-minute drive of many homes.
Shopping and eating local
National chains aren’t really a thing in this small town. Locals will get their shopping done at the family-owned Suffield Village Market or they’ll buy produce, meat, dairy and plants straight from farmers at farmers’ markets and farm stands. Most local eating options can be found in Suffield Depot. Three Figs serves up classic American dishes from steak to burgers in an elegant atmosphere which blends upscale and casual. Residents also love visiting Francesco’s Pizzeria & Restaurant which provides different types of pizza from shrimp scampi to Hawaiian. More eateries and bigger stores can be found in neighboring Thompsonville within a 15-minute drive of many homes.
Outdoor opportunities
Many parks in Suffield are free for residents only, requiring outsiders to pay for admission. Sunrise Park offers hiking trails, picnic tables and a playground for children. Much of the park surrounds a pond ideal for fishing, swimming and kayaking. More hiking and swimming spots can be found at Stony Brooke Park and Babbs Beach.
Summer and Halloween fun
Suffield has an explosive summer fair featuring carnival rides, games, food vendors and fireworks. The event is funded in part by the annual Halloween Drive-Thru at Sunrise Park at the end of October, a half-mile car ride through holograms, special effects and spooky sounds and projections.
Photography Contributed By
Ed Messenger
