The serene community of Windham is just outside Willimantic in Connecticut
The rural community of Windham draws residents to northeastern Connecticut for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to the neighboring city of Willimantic. "Windham is a really small town," says Sharon Watson-Stokland, a Realtor with List N Show LLC and long-time resident of Windham. "It’s very quiet – it’s called the ‘Quiet Corner’ for a reason – and we have so few issues, to tell the truth. It’s kind of got that Mayberry vibe, but with an edge.” Homes are spaced out in the Windham landscape, with state and local parks mixed into the surroundings. Despite the seeming remoteness, locals are a short drive from shopping, dining and local events in Willimantic. “We call Windham the town and Willimantic the city,” Watson-Stokland says. “There is a bit of a renaissance happening right now; we have multicultural restaurants popping up with really good food."
Windham is lined with homes in a rural landscape
Some homes here date from the early 18th century, while others were built as recently as last year. Reflecting that range, housing stock in Windham also varies greatly in terms of size and layout. But despite that diversity, there is a common thread that weaves its way through most of the homes here. The town was established in the 17th century, and while most of the area’s earliest buildings are gone, the housing options here oftentimes reflect Windham’s historical roots. Colonial- and ranch-style homes are among the most popular architectural designs in the area. “There are all types and all sorts of homes,” Watson-Stokland says. The median sale price for traditional single-family homes here is around $280,000, but prices can range from as low as $75,000 for a fixer-upper to over $500,000. Manufactured homes in the Stonegate Manor community typically range from $50,000 to about $150,000.
Expansive recreational spaces in Connecticut
Within Windham, the Allanach-Wolf Woodlands span over 100 acres and offers several trails for hikers. Beaver Brook State Park encompasses more than 400 acres, and visitors can take non-motorized boats on Bibbins Pond and fish in its waters. Anglers can also cast lines in Beaver Brook or the Shetucket River, the latter of which is also popular with kayakers and canoers. Parts of the Air Line State Park Trail are in Windham. The Windham Golf Course is open to the public, and has a driving range, on-site pro shop and restaurant, as well as an 18-hole course.
Other town parks offer more opportunities to get outdoors. “Recreation Park has lots of soccer and baseball games,” Watson-Stokland says. “Soccer is very, very big here. Memorial Park has a nice playscape for children. We have quite a few parks and a really nice garden project with paths lined with plants and flowers.” In Willimantic, Jillson Square is home to a large stage, concerts during the year and open space for recreation. Phillip Lauter Park features a splash pad and a beach along the river.
Education in the Windham School District
Kids often start education at North Windham School, situated on the north side of the community. The school enrolls up through fifth grade and receives a C-minus from Niche. Windham Middle School and Windham High School are each located west of the community in Willimantic. Windham Middle receives a C-minus, while Windham High scores a C-plus. Students at Windham High School can participate in a variety of school athletic offerings, including soccer, basketball, and both indoor and outdoor track.
Dining out on Main Street in Willimantic
Locals typically head west into Willimantic proper to find restaurants. Most are located on Main Street, on the north side of the Willimantic River. One popular stop is the Willimantic Brewing Company. “It’s also known as ‘Willi Brew,’” Watson-Stokland says. “They have several of their own IPAs and make many different types of beers. It’s a very popular destination for people coming through town.” Just down Main Street, locals can stop at Grounded Coffee Company for a morning breakfast or beverage. “They are just a really cute, original coffee concept,” Watson-Stokland says. “It’s a very nice, homemade, home-style coffee shop.” Pho Delight Thai Restaurant and Gallo’s Restaurant both serve international fare, while Willi Scoops dishes out frozen treats. In northern Windham, diners can stop by the Aero Diner or Bagel One. Shoppers can also go to a Walmart Supercenter, located just across the same stretch of Route 6.
Annual festivals take place in neighboring Willimantic
From May to September, Willimantic’s 3rd Thursday Street Festivals shut down Main Street in the city. “It’s a huge event,” Watson-Stokland says. “They block Main Street off and basically have a large block party with thousands of people. There are vendors, activities for the kids and it’s just a way for the town to celebrate itself.” Other events include Romantic Willimantic around Valentine’s Day and an Easter egg hunt at the Windham Community Center.
December also brings other holiday-themed festivities to the area. During the Twinkle and Shine Lights Decorating Contest, residents deck out their homes in festive finery, and Winter Wonderland at Lauter Park features local arts and crafts, Santa visits and more. The Boom Box Parade has been the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration for 40 years. Billed as “Connecticut’s Unique People’s Parade,” the Boom Box Parade got its name in 1986, when no marching band was available, and participants instead opted to use portable radios to provide the music, a tradition that has stuck in the ensuing years. Throughout the year, the Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace shows movies less than 10 miles northwest of Windham.
Heading west to Hartford on Route 6
Windham is a heavily car-dependent area due to a lack of public transportation. Part of United States Route 6 runs through northern Windham, a portion of a nearly 3,200-mile span across the country. Hartford is around 30 miles west via Route 6. Bradley International Airport, 40 miles away, is served by over a dozen airlines, while Boston is a drive of more than 90 miles north. Windham Hospital is under 5 miles west of central Windham.
