Ridgewood
From a Gatsby-era mansion to a kayak-worthy cove
Harkness Memorial State Park is a 237-acre complex of historic gardens, public beaches and a Gatsby-era mansion that faces the coast with panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Visitors can picnic on the vast lawns, fish or sunbathe on the beach, and birdwatch along the shoreline. The Eolia Mansion is the former summer home of philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness and a favorite spot for private gatherings and conferences. The adjacent Camp Harkness is one of the few state park facilities in the country created for people with disabilities. The camp’s programs and amenities include summer activities, horseback riding and an accessible playscape. Waterford Beach Park is next door with a quarter mile of unmodified natural beach and daily passes available for non-residents. “From the parking area, you take a sandy path through a marsh and over a dune. Then you’re on the beach,” says Greg Hanner, Realtor and broker-owner of Garden Realty, who’s sold homes in the New London area for 35 years. “Alewife Cove separates Waterford Breach from Ocean Beach, and the cove is a good kayaking spot.” For golfing enthusiasts, Great Neck Country Club is 3 miles west of Ridgewood and offers an 18-hole course with men’s and women’s leagues, junior camps and a restaurant.
Suburban and custom-built homes in Ridgewood
The most common home styles in Ridgewood are ranches and raised ranches that list for $375,000 to $450,000. Many were built in the 1950s, some on large multi-acre lots where homeowners have planted gardens and fruit trees, while others are just a few blocks walk to Alewife Cove and Waterford Beach. Cape Cods and cottages are available, too, with stunning water views or wood-burning fireplaces to enjoy in the winter months. They run between $440,000 and $625,000. Larger estates, such as custom-built colonial-style homes with private in-ground pools or multi-generation contemporary houses with guest/in-law suites and spacious rooms for family gatherings, sell from $650,000 to $880,000.
A brew bash at Ocean Beach Park in September
Brewfest at the Beach, sponsored by the Rotary Club of New London, takes place at Ocean Beach Park in September. Local breweries showcase their craft beers in an evening with live music and free beer-friendly food. Tickets are needed for the event, which covers the cost of tastings. Money raised supports local programs and organizations.
Casual and fine eateries, the O’Neill and Central Waterford shopping
A popular breakfast and lunch spot with a catchy name is When Pigs Fly on Rope Ferry Road. “If you like pumpkin-flavored things, you have to try their pumpkin pancakes,” Lucas says. “My favorite attorney’s office is near there. So I enjoy closings because I know I can have breakfast there afterward.” For date night, On the Waterfront Restaurant in New London is only 2 miles northeast. This upscale eatery features stunning views of the Thames River, a full bar and outdoor seating in warmer weather. The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is also nearby, just north of Waterford Beach Park. Scores of new plays have been produced at the O’Neill, and big names perform each year during the center’s summer season. “Famous actors and actresses have gotten their start here,” Hanner says. “It’s a summer camp for Broadway.” In Central Waterford, major grocery chains Stop and Shop and Aldi have stores about 4 miles north of Ridgewood.
Waterford schools that make the grade
Ridgewood is part of the Waterford School District, which receives an A-minus from Niche. The neighborhood’s youngest students can attend Great Neck Elementary, also A-minus-rated, which features creative writing, drama club, flag football and basketball as extracurriculars. Clark Lane Middle scores a B-plus. Students here can participate in seven sports over three seasons, including soccer, cross country, swimming and volleyball. At Waterford High School, an A-minus school, students can get real-world, hands-on experience through service learning opportunities.
Getting around in Ridgewood and beyond
Less than 1 square mile in size, Ridgewood is a community where people can walk to a neighbor’s house or ride their bikes to the state park. Route 213/Great Neck Road goes through the neighborhood, giving residents access to South New London and other shoreline communities to the west. Route 1/ Boston Post Road is 3 miles north, intersecting interstates 95 and 395, 4 miles west. I-95 connects with Boston, 110 miles away, and New York City, 125 miles away. Amtrak trains out of New London travel to both cities. The nearest medical center is Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, and the closest airport is Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, 55 miles east.
Flooding risk, winds and low noise in Ridgewood
Properties along Alewife Cove are the most susceptible to flooding in Ridgewood. Homes on Woodland Road and Forest Street are prone to light flooding, too. The Ridgewood Avenue/Shoreline Drive area closest to the shore can experience heavier wind gusts from coastal storms and hurricanes. Ridgewood also has less noise pollution than areas like Central Waterford, which has several shopping centers.
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Adam Lapallo
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Maddy Mattson
Maddy Mattson
Coldwell Banker Realty
(860) 718-4370
60 Total Sales
1 in Ridgewood
$216,000 Price
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Kristopher Tramont
Kristopher Tramont
Real Broker CT, LLC
(959) 949-1560
317 Total Sales
1 in Ridgewood
$305,000 Price
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Alexis John
Alexis John
RE/MAX One
(401) 214-1350
63 Total Sales
1 in Ridgewood
$295,000 Price
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Gregory Hanner
Gregory Hanner
Responds QuicklyGarden Realty
(860) 809-5064
292 Total Sales
1 in Ridgewood
$464,000 Price
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Marilyn Lusher
Marilyn Lusher
RE/MAX Legends
(860) 743-1317
355 Total Sales
3 in Ridgewood
$80K - $355K Price Range
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Thomas Switz
Thomas Switz
Responds QuicklySwitz Real Estate Associates
(959) 500-5201
279 Total Sales
1 in Ridgewood
$295,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
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Parks in this Area
Harkness Memorial State Park
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Ridgewood | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 2 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 4 |
| Larceny | 2 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 2 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Ridgewood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ridgewood, Waterford sell after 10 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Ridgewood, Waterford over the last 12 months is $283,000, down 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$299,995
Median Sale Price
$283,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$283,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
13
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-29%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$196
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
400
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1958
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,959
On par with the national average
1,924
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,050
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
19,602
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,044
Median Age
49
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$106,250
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,981
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
47.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.9%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
18
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
South New London
Classic homes, some with riverfront views, along the southern shores of New London
Willetts
Historic and suburban New London homes with marinas, parks and a hospital nearby
Coit
Historic homes and global eateries within walking distance of Downtown New London
Downtown New London
A dining and transportation hub with historic homes and condos on the Thames River
Jefferson
A largely Spanish-speaking community near New London city attractions and beaches
Williams
Victorians, parks and monuments populate this historic district next in New London
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