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Kensington

Kensington

Suburban Neighborhood in Berlin, Connecticut

Hartford County 06037

$433,094 Average Value
$264 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Quiet living with city access

Kensington is the western half of Berlin, a small suburban town 15 miles outside Hartford. The neighborhood streets are quiet, but a main road forms a commercial corridor, which has seen an influx of businesses in recent years. And though the town of Berlin is relatively small, it's home to a train station along the Hartford Line, which connects locals with the nearby big cities. “The long-term goal is to create a community where people can park their car at the train station and just walk to all the town has to offer,” says Chris Edge, the Director of Economic Development in Berlin. “We have seen a lot of growth in the last couple of years, and there is tremendous community support for our local businesses.” In the coming years, the town is planning to add sidewalks and make Kensington more walkable to downtown.

Downtown Kensington is a charming place to explore.
Downtown Kensington is a charming place to explore.
Main Street in Kensington has many delicious restaurants and cute shops.
Main Street in Kensington has many delicious restaurants and cute shops.
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Community in Kensington

The community spirit here is often found at summer camps, little league games and the local library. An active Parks and Recreation Department makes sure there's always something to do. And the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library hosts a regular schedule of classes for all ages and has a lending system that goes beyond just books — visitors can also borrow lawn games, metal detectors and more. "It's a welcoming place to meet new friends, connect with old friends, learn a new skill, find a quiet study space, play in the children's area or just wander the stacks in search of a good book," says Carrie Tyszka, the library director. The largest event in Berlin is the annual Fair, which takes place in September for a weekend full of carnival rides, live music and country fun. "It's a very active community," Edge adds. "People tend to spend their whole lives here."

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library is located in the town of Berlin, CT.
Berlin-Peck Memorial Library is located in the town of Berlin, CT.
Kensington offers a community center with many activities for its residents in CT.
Kensington offers a community center with many activities for its residents in CT.
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Fishing and hiking spots

There are a few local parks and a public pool in Kensington. Locals also enjoy waterside views and fishing at Railroad Pond or Paper Goods Pond, both stocked regularly with fish. The Youth Museum at Hungerford Park is a popular spot to take the kids, with animals inside and out on the surrounding farm, as well as play areas and interactive exhibits. And for longer trips, locals enjoy heading a mile over to Ragged Mountain for hiking opportunities and sweeping views of the surrounding waterways.

Residents of Kensington and visitors can enjoy nature and fresh air at Paper Goods Pond Park.
Residents of Kensington and visitors can enjoy nature and fresh air at Paper Goods Pond Park.
Hungerford Nature Center offers experience with animals, nature, and more in Kensington, CT.
Hungerford Nature Center offers experience with animals, nature, and more in Kensington, CT.
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Suburban homes with a range of styles

Most homes in Kensington sit between $275,000 and $600,000. Styles include a classic suburban selection of smaller Cape Cods, midcentury ranchers and split-levels, and, on the larger side, some boxy colonials. Most homes sit on at least a quarter-acre. For those with a bigger budget, some luxury homes range from $600,000 to $900,000. Most of these properties sit on the neighborhood's edges and sport modern exteriors. The area has a strong history, so throughout all styles and prices, some homes date back to the late 1800s, with renovated interiors. Only about half of the streets have sidewalks, but that more rural feel comes with mature trees and a quiet atmosphere.

Beautiful Cape Cods homes in Kensington, CT.
Beautiful Cape Cods homes in Kensington, CT.
Midcentury Ranchers homes in Kensington, CT.
Midcentury Ranchers homes in Kensington, CT.
You will love the Larger Colonials homes in Kensington, CT.
You will love the Larger Colonials homes in Kensington, CT.
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Along Farmington Avenue

Though the residential streets feel sleepy, the commercial corridor along Farmington Avenue is surprisingly bustling. The Avenue is a much-beloved Italian restaurant and bar with a home-style feel. Switches is known for its donuts, and Praline's is the spot for ice cream, although it's tradition to visit the Dairy Queen for a sweet treat when it reopens in the spring. And Mimo Bistro is a locally owned hidden gem that consistently gets glowing reviews for its fusion cuisine. There are several other restaurants, as well as a local dive bar and brewery. But Kensington still has a small-town selection, so locals usually head up the Berlin Turnpike if they want more options. Shop & Stop is right off the main drag for groceries, but prices are often higher than at Stew Leonard's, about 3 miles away.

Kensington is one of the quiet neighborhoods, ideal for families with kids.
Kensington is one of the quiet neighborhoods, ideal for families with kids.
The Avenue is a popular Italian restaurant in the neighborhood of Kensington you have to visit.
The Avenue is a popular Italian restaurant in the neighborhood of Kensington you have to visit.
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Renovations at the local high school

Students in Kensington are split between two elementary schools. Those on the west side attend Mary E. Griswold School, which gets a B-plus rating from Niche. Those on the east side attend Emma Hart Willard School, rated B. All students then move on to McGee Middle, rated B-plus, and Berlin High, rated A-minus. Berlin High ranked in the top 20% of all state high schools and was renovated in 2017 to include new STEM labs and, in 2024, a synthetic turf football field. The school also offers AP courses and Early College Experience classes with the University of Connecticut for college credit.

Welcome to the Mary E. Griswold School in Kensington.
Welcome to the Mary E. Griswold School in Kensington.
Welcome to the Emma Hart Willard School in Kensington.
Welcome to the Emma Hart Willard School in Kensington.
Welcome to Catherine M. Mcgee Middle School in Kensington.
Welcome to Catherine M. Mcgee Middle School in Kensington.
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Take the train to Hartford, Springfield, and New Haven

The Berlin Train Station sits at the center of Kensington, offering access to the Hartford Line, a high-speed train from New Haven to Springfield, MA, through Berlin and Hartford. Many locals take the train to work, but those looking to take a more extended trip can continue south to New York City after switching trains in New Haven. The line runs past the Bradley International Airport, which sits 30 miles north. And for those who prefer to drive, the Berlin Turnpike runs right through town, part of State Route 5 as it stretches across Connecticut.

The train is served by Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Hartford Line Commuter rail.
The train is served by Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Hartford Line Commuter rail.
Kensington has excellent transportation from Hartford and New Haven.
Kensington has excellent transportation from Hartford and New Haven.
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Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Carlos Medina-Santiago
Photography Contributed By
Carlos Medina-Santiago
Kevyn Harris
Video By
Kevyn Harris

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kathleen Maloney, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Bradley International

52 min drive

Bus

Farmington Ave & Kensington Bird & Animal Hospital

Bus

High Rd & M&M Liquors

Bus

Farmington Ave & Depot Rd

Bus

Farmington Ave & Massirio Dr

Bus

New Britain Rd & Langdon Ct

Bus

Farmington Ave & Harding St

Bus

Farmington Ave & Mary Pastry Shoppe

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Kensington US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$379,000
Median Single Family Price
$385,000
Median Townhouse Price
$490,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$301,006
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$178,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$264
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
107
Months of Supply
1.10
Median List Price
$375,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,893
Median Year Built
1969
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,716
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,107
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,218
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
854
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
18,295

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    120 Newton St, Berlin, CT 06037

    $429,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,866 Sq Ft
    • 120 Newton St
    • New 13 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home in the desirable Kensington neighborhood. Featuring a spacious and open floor plan, this home is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy freshly refinished hardwood floors and plenty of natural light throughout. The living room includes a cozy fireplace, while a separate family room with its own fireplace offers

    Kamil Andrukiewicz New Haus Group LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kathleen Maloney, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
10,279
Median Age
47
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$110,364
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,632

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.9%
College Graduates
44.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.1%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
31''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

14 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

14 / 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

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Kensington