“First in Connecticut, First for its Citizens”
There’s a friendly rivalry in Connecticut over which town was the first in the state. Windsor’s claim is pretty solid, even appearing in the town motto; though technically, Windsor began as a trading post in 1633, residences not appearing until later. Windsor hasn’t stopped building homes since, new constructions continually entering the market. Just as when the community was first settled by traders, location is a huge part of Windsor’s appeal. “Windsor’s right off I-91. If you’re further down, you can jump on I-291, then I-84, and you’re over by a bunch of malls,” says Katrina Pratt, a Broker with Rabinow Realty who has sold homes in Windsor for 30 years. “You can pretty much easily go anywhere from Windsor, whether you’re going to New York or Hartford.” There’s still much to do within Windsor’s borders, such as eating at diverse restaurants or attending any of the neighborhood’s special events. Cape Cod, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes start around $250,000.
Restaurants that care about the community
Many shopping options can be found but north and south alongside Interstate 91, including big-box stores like Price Chopper and Price Rite. Several local eateries can be found in Windsor’s downtown. “Dom’s has really good breakfasts, and they’re one of the few places here that serves grits and eggs,” Pratt says. Windsor Asian Bistro serves up delectable dishes from hibachi to drunken noodles to sushi pizza while Likkle Patty Shop offers plant-based Jamaican dishes. Union Street Tavern is an old brick firehouse that was converted into the neighborhood pub. The owners host an annual Union Street Tavern Trot, a race where all proceeds go to support childhood cancer research.
Events for the whole family
“They’ll have summer concerts at the Town Green and things for kids like face-painting,” Pratt says. During Halloween, residents visit downtown for the Nightmare on Broad Street. Families get to watch an outdoor movie, go on tractor-drawn hayrides and, of course, trick or treat.
The houses of Windsor
Established homes feature prominently in Windsor’s market, many from the 1950s or even the 19th century and earlier. Since Windsor is still growing, homebuyers can expect to find builds from the 2020s as well. Established homes tend to follow Cape Cod, Colonial Revival and raised ranch-style designs, with the occasional Four Square. Most of these homes start at $250,000 and usually go up to $335,000, but houses in need of a little TLC can sell for lower while larger and newly renovated ones can sell above $400,000. Contemporary homes tend to follow New Traditional designs with Colonial Revival influences and start around $550,000. Townhouses and condos are also available, generally starting around $250,000 for 2 bedrooms and 1,200 square feet. Homes, whether new or established, sit on spacious lots, and most residential streets are unaccompanied by sidewalks. Established homes often have detached driveways.
Windsor Public Schools and career development
Students can attend Oliver Ellsworth School from pre-K through 2nd grade. For grades 3-5, they can go to John F. Kennedy School. They can then attend Sage Park Middle and Windsor High School. John F. Kennedy School and Sage Park Middle School have B-plus grades from Niche, while Windsor High School and Oliver Ellsworth School have a B-plus and A, respectively. Students at Windsor High can take courses in “career clusters” which prepare them for tertiary education and the workplace. Career cluster focuses include architecture and construction; business management and administration; and health science.
Parks and recreation in Windsor
Residents can tee off at the 18-hole Keney Park Golf Course or wander the trails or launch their boat into the Connecticut River at Windsor Meadows State Park. Northwest Park is about an 11-minute drive to the northwest. The 473-acre park offers farm animals, a nature center, museum, winter concerts and more.
Planes, trains and automobiles
Route 159 is Windsor’s main artery and is served by three CT Transit bus lines. They’re 32, 34 and 36, and all head south to downtown Hartford. But Windsor also has its own train station downtown, and residents can ride the Amtrak or take the CT Rail to Hartford or Springfield, Massachusetts. Interstate 91 runs right through Windsor, and most residents are within a 10-minute drive of an entrance ramp. Drivers can transfer to Interstate 291 to the south and access the many shopping centers of Manchester. Many residents are within a 15-minute drive of Bradley International Airport.
Photography Contributed By
Ed Messenger
