$444,705Average Value$264Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
A foliage-laden neighborhood between Ellington and Stafford
Crystal Lake radiates out from its eponymous body of water in northeast Connecticut, bookended by a pair of state forests with pockets of lush foliage weaving between the neighborhood’s homes. The lake itself bridges Ellington and Stafford and the neighborhood is a veritable midpoint between the two areas, drawing locals from around the region to its waters to boat, fish or simply bask in the sun during the summer months. “The lake is definitely beautiful,” says Matthew Egan, a broker associate with Regency Real Estate. “There is a sandy beach on the south shore. I think the draw to have a nice lake home, one that’s also close to Bradley International Airport, is a draw for some people.”
Though the lake is a hub of recreation for the area, the homes are built up around much of the water beside a small beach section. “There are a lot of residential homes built around the lake, but there is a public beach and a boat launch on the south side,” Egan says. “Ellington is pretty rural. There’s a lot of farms, a brewery over there and a couple of apple orchards.” That rural expanse is another part of the neighborhood’s draw, providing an escape from the more populated areas while retaining a sense of community thanks to events at the lake. Fans of the “Friday the 13th” franchise might also recognize the neighborhood’s name as similar to the camp from the films, though none of the installments were ever filmed at the real-life Crystal Lake.
Sandy Beach offers swimming and sunbathing in a freshwater lake.
Many Crystal Lake homes that line up by the lake are mostly year round lived in.
Sandy Beach is Crystal Lake's most visited spot during the summer.
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Expansive lakes and state forests
Crystal Lake itself spans almost 200 acres. Residents can enjoy the views of the water from Sandy Beach on its southern end, cast lines in the water or take boats out into the lake. Regulations are in place for all forms of recreation at the lake. “It’s a beautiful lake,” Egan says. “They have quiet time at the lake, where they don’t allow personal watercraft like jet skis. The nice part about that lake is people can feel free to cruise around on a paddleboard or kayak on the water without worrying about the bigger boats.” Quiet time takes place on Sundays during the summertime, when speeds for engine-powered watercraft are reduced for several hours.
Anglers have no shortage of fish to catch, either. “It’s a big trophy trout lake,” Egan says. “It’s stocked regularly with different species, mainly trout and some salmon. Trout is the draw there for fishermen.” The lake also serves as the site of various events throughout the year, including annual boat parades as tradition and for the 4th of July. Shenipsit State Forest – Soapstone Mountain sprawls just north of the neighborhood, spanning nearly 7,000 acres and topping out at just over 1,000 feet, while the Nye Holman State Forest sits east of Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake radiates out from its eponymous body of water in northeast Connecticut.
Soapstone Mountain sprawls just north of Crystal Lake, spanning nearly 7,000 acres
People love to sit and enjoy the view from atop Shenipsit State Forest in Somers.
Nye Holman State Forest is a great park for picnics and allows fly fishing.
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Homes sit around Crystal Lake
Single-family homes are scattered throughout Crystal Lake, with some concentrated around the water and the rest sprinkled across the landscape. Prices in the neighborhood can often range from $250,000 to around $700,000, but cost is largely dependent on location. “If you want lakefront, it’s minimum $400,000 to $500,000,” Egan says. “Over the past 100 years, there were little summer cottages on the lake. Some are still like that, but for the most part, they were rebuilt or expanded. It’s kind of a mix.” Many homes on the lake have docks extending into the water, and architecture includes colonials, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes.
Farther out from the lake, properties are fewer and farther between as thickets of trees separate them. “Headed towards 32, it gets more rural,” Egan says. “It’s definitely rural between Crystal Rock and the turnpike. There’s a lot of farms and private residences.” A few roads run throughout the neighborhood, but homes rarely sit immediately alongside one another and often come with the privacy of foliage between them. Crystal Lake also receives a CAP crime score of 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Cape Cod style homes can be found throughout Crystal Lake.
Beautiful homes near Sandy Beach in Crystal Lake, Ellington, Connecticut.
Ranch style homes are commonly found throughout Crystal Lake.
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Restaurants within driving distance
Two small restaurants sit within the neighborhood, though residents typically venture into Ellington or Stafford proper to shop or go out to eat. “Crystal Lake itself is all residential around there,” Egan says. “There’s a decent amount of bakeries, sports bars and gathering places farther out. There’s JRego’s Gathering Place, an Italian place and a little deli. All four are in Ellington, and then it starts going to the outskirts.”
Within Crystal Lake, 3-J’s Deli and Market serves up food ranging from grinders to ice cream, while the nearby Backroads Smokin’ BBQ stocks macaroni and cheese, brisket and more. Orchards in the area include Johnny Appleseed’s Farm. A Big Y location about 6 miles south in Tolland is the closest stop for grocery shoppers.
If you are a lover of smoked meals, come to Backroads Smokin' BBQ in Crystal Lake.
3-J’s Deli and Market serves sandwiches, wraps and more during lunch time.
Crystal Lake residents have access to major supermarkets just outside the neighborhood.
Delicious apples in Johnny Appleseed Farm in Ellington, Connecticut.
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Interstate runs near Crystal Lake giving residents access to major cities.
Heading west to Hartford or the airport
Access to Interstate 84 is about 6 miles south of Crystal Lake, and Hartford sits less than 25 miles southwest of the neighborhood. Bradley International Airport is about 20 miles west. “A lot of people like that,” Egan says. “It’s close to the airport, so the location is nice.” The airport serves numerous airlines, with travel ranging from stateside cities like Chicago and Detroit to international destinations Dublin and Cancun. Crystal Lake Road, within the neighborhood, links it with neighboring towns. Johnson Memorial Hospital is located less than 6 miles from Crystal Lake and offers oncology, pediatric care and more.
Schooling to the west in Ellington
Crystal Lake Elementary School, part of the Ellington School District, spans kindergarten through sixth grade and is the only educational institution situated within the neighborhood. Niche awards it an A-minus rating, and after graduating students can head less than 10 miles west for the rest of the district’s pipeline. Ellington Middle School and Ellington High School are both rated B-plus by Niche, and Ellington High offers programs in family and consumer science.
97 percent of eligible Ellington High School students take the SAT.
Ellington Middle School and Ellington High School are both rated B-plus by Niche.
Crystal Lake School is the only educational institution situated within the neighborhood.
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At Stafford Motor Speedway, motorsports fans attend races near Crystal Lake.
Engines roar at Stafford Motor Speedway
At Stafford Motor Speedway, motorsports fans attend modified and late-model races at the half-mile oval. Drivers who have competed there in the past include current NASCAR Cup Series racer Ryan Preece, as well as modified legends like Mike Stefanik and Ted Christopher.
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
Michael Kusy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Arbor Park
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Shenipsit State Forest
Trails
Hiking
Hyde Park
Palmer Kendall Mountain Conservation
Trails
Hiking
Somers Recreation Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Kimball Forest
Trails
Transit
Airport
Bradley International
46 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Crystal Lake
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Crystal Lake, Ellington sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Crystal Lake, Ellington over the last 12 months is $410,077, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
30 Acres 2 tracts totaling 30 acres. Surrounded by State Forest. Accessed by a Deeded Right of Way (No Road Frontage). Unimproved section of ROW is about 1500 ft. in length. Recreational property. Shown by Appointment only. Sale subject to Probate Court approval
This extraordinary property is a must see! Custom log home and 50'x30' post and beam workshop on over 19 acres of wooded privacy. Home has new windows & beautifully remodeled kitchen & baths. Dining rm open to entertainment sized living rm with masonry fireplace. 1st floor office could be a bedroom for one level living. Full bath on 1st floor. Large primary bedroom, 2 additional bedrooms, spa
Welcome to 75 W Shore Road, a charming 4-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom Cape with deeded lake rights to Crystal Lake. This delightful home in a picturesque setting, features a brand new full bath, an enclosed porch and a cozy living room with a fireplace. Step through the sliders onto your deck, where you can relax and enjoy views of the lake. The fenced, cleared yard is perfect for outdoor gatherings or
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Kusy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,230
Median Age
45
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$139,619
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$158,457
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
47%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.5%
% Population in Labor Force
75.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
41''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
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.
