$410,662Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Connecticut’s smallest town has swaths of nature commutable to larger cities
Tucked away in rural Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner,” Union has a population of just under 800 people on the northeastern side of the state. As Connecticut’s smallest town by population, Union only has about 300 homes spread out among vast forested areas and farmland. But while residents find only small-town amenities within Union’s boundaries, larger cities aren’t far away. “We’re in the middle of nowhere, but really we’re in the middle of everything,” says Andy Goodhall, lifelong town resident and Broker/Owner at Connecticut Crossroads Realty in Union. “It’s right on Interstate 84, and you’re half an hour from Hartford, half an hour from Worcester and an hour from Boston.”
Homes in Union are spread across large wooded lots, offering privacy and often no neighbors in view.
The city of Worcester is about 45 minutes north of Union, offering urban amenities and attractions.
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Properties off country roads sit on acres of land
Properties are tucked away along quiet roads among Union’s hilly terrain. “Every road through it is a country road. There are overhanging trees, and you’re always engulfed in nature,” says Sheena Ruggirello, local Realtor at Real Broker, LLC. A handful of properties overlook the scenic Mashapaug Lake. Many homes sit on several acres, and some abut state forest land, creating a rural and secluded atmosphere. Popular home styles include cabins, farmhouses, Colonial Revivals and some contemporary builds. Houses are typically priced between $200,000 and $500,000.
Rustic log cabins in Union can start near $185K and offer quiet living on generous lots.
Many Union homes are classic Colonials with prices typically ranging from $300K to $450K.
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Clean waters at Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow Pond
Much of Union’s space consists of forested land. “The two biggest landowners in town are in the state of Connecticut and Yale University,” Goodhall says. The Yale-Myers Forest spans nearly 8,000 acres across Union and surrounding towns. The Yale School of the Environment uses the land for educational and research purposes. Union is also home to Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest, which both offer hiking, fishing and camping. In Bigelow Hollow State Park, Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow Pond have swimming and boating in their clear blue water surrounded by forest. “They’re among the cleanest bodies of water in eastern Connecticut,” Goodhall says.
A wooden dock at Bigelow Pond in Union invites visitors to relax, fish or take in the peaceful water views.
Mashapaug Lake is a favorite spot in Union for boating fishing paddling and lakeside picnics.
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The town’s K-8 school and a choice of high schools
Students typically attend Union School, the town’s small K-8 school that has a B-plus grade from Niche. Union does not have a public high school; instead, students can choose between several local high schools. Among these options are Tolland High School, which has an A-minus grade from Niche, and The Woodstock Academy, which also has an A-minus. The Woodstock Academy is a private boarding school, but children living in Union can attend for free. “It’s an amazing education. There are students from other countries that go there; it’s a huge demographic of students,” Ruggirello says. The academy has a wide range of clubs, activities and sports; Woodstock’s three dozen athletic teams include ice hockey, bowling, gymnastics and golf. For higher education, the University of Connecticut enrolls over 33,000 students 15 miles south.
Union Elementary School in Union, CT serves about 60 students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
The Woodstock Academy, near Union, is a private high school serving about 1,000 students in grades 9 through 12.
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Town institutions along Buckley Highway and more in Sturbridge
Town institutions, including The Congregational Church of Union, Union Public Library and Union Volunteer Fire Department, line Buckley Highway. The Traveler Restaurant, on the northern side of town just off I-84, is the only restaurant in Union. This cozy, local spot serves comfort food like burgers and pizza, as well as breakfast classics like omelets and pancakes. The restaurant is also a bookshop, offering free used books to patrons. Sturbridge, 10 miles away across the Massachusetts border, has more shopping and dining options, including a Walmart and Shaw’s supermarket.
Union Congregational Church stands in the town center and hosts services and seasonal events.
Traveler Food and Books in Union serves classic meals and lets guests take home free books with lunch.
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Local vendors and live music at Old Home Day
The town’s largest event each year is Old Home Day in August. Locals come out to catch up and learn about the town’s history while partaking in festivities like a pie-eating contest and corn hole tournament. The day-long event also kicks off with local vendors and live music.
Interstate 84 connects Union to nearby cities
Union is car-dependent. Located in the northeastern side of Connecticut, the town is within an hour of several major cities. Hartford is 30 miles southwest, Springfield is 30 miles northwest, Worcester is 35 miles northeast and Boston is 70 miles northeast. Interstate 84, which goes through the town, connects drivers to most of these cities directly. “It’s the outskirts of the outskirts of any city or town,” Ruggirello says. “That 84 corridor is great because you can get anywhere.” Bradley International Airport is about 40 miles west, and Rockville General Hospital is 18 miles southwest.
You can find also the Bradley Airport in Windsor, CT.
Rockville Hospital provides comprehensive, high-quality, family-focused care in Rockville, CT.
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Written By
Faith Wakefield
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Rio,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Union, CT sell after 4 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Union, CT over the last 12 months is $229,000, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
9 acres of rolling, wooded land. Surveyed and Tested. Suitable for one single family home. Great recreational property. Right of Way and Utilities Easement in place. Views of, but no access to Buckley Pond.
3 acre wooded lot on Buckley Hwy. 429 feet of road frontage by min 210 deep. Seasonal Brook runs thru rear corner of property. Surveyed, Soil Testing and wetland flagging done (2025).
Brand New Two Story Farmhouse with Farmer's Porch and a Home Office to be built on 7.09 acre secluded lot in Union. It boasts 4 large bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a large open concept living area. It will have a large basement that can be finished for more livable space. Don't forget the two large front porches facing south for optimum sunlight. With low inventory, now is the time to make this your
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