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Mystic Historic District

Mystic Historic District

Neighborhood in Groton, Connecticut

New London County 06355

$905,443 Average Value
$602 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A community’s homage to preserving its past

The Mystic Historic District sits along the west bank of the Mystic River, with its marinas, shipyard, riverfront shopping and drawbridge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 for the hundreds of 19th-century houses and buildings in good condition and still in use today. “West Main Street, Water Street and Pearl Street have some of the most beautiful 19th-century homes, amazing restaurants and exquisite shops you’ll find in the region or anywhere,” says Judi Caracausa. “I get a twinkle in my eye just thinking about it.” Caracausa, an associate broker with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, has been listing and selling for almost 40 years. She lives and works in the district and is convinced it’s magical. “Registering the neighborhood as a historic district helps preserve it,” says Ann Burgess, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England who has also been in the business for 40 years. “Owners must meet guidelines regarding renovating their homes. Keeping history alive isn’t an easy task.” Houses in the district require regular maintenance due to the salt air and changing climate. Yet, homeowners are dedicated to their homes’ historic value and do their part to ensure their property will always be a cherished part of Mystic. “The district is still precious, pure and vibrant,” Caracausa says. “People who could live anywhere in the world live here because we have something unique — you can walk to a restaurant and sit outside to enjoy the view or shop at high-quality clothing and gift shops. We’re so blessed.”

A vibrant colorful sign greets you as you enter Mystic Historic District.
A vibrant colorful sign greets you as you enter Mystic Historic District.
Rows of waterfront homes line the cost of Mystic Historic District.
Rows of waterfront homes line the cost of Mystic Historic District.
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Historic homes with charm and luxury

Many homes in the Mystic Historic District are beautifully maintained Greek revival, Italianate and Queen Ann-style homes built in the mid-1800s. Each has a history that sometimes involves sea captains or prominent citizens. “Most people know the history of their homes,” Burgess says. “A study done in the 1960s by the Mystic Junior Women’s Club researched the neighborhood. Each historic home studied received a plaque, and the owners were given the history of their property.” Large colonial-style homes, historic and new, are the most common type, with three or more bedrooms and abundant indoor and outdoor space. Most have been upgraded with professionally designed kitchens and patios. Some enjoy river views and are just a few steps away from downtown shops and restaurants. Homebuyers can expect to pay between $800 and $2 million for one. Smaller homes built after 1900 sell for between $500,000 and $1.1 million. Condominiums along the river, some newly built with distinctive, high-end interiors such as coffered ceilings, moldings and pocket doors list for $750,000 to $2 million.

Gorgeous pavers line the driveway of this home in Mystic Historic District.
Gorgeous pavers line the driveway of this home in Mystic Historic District.
Some homes in Mystic Historic District are built directly on the towns charming ledge.
Some homes in Mystic Historic District are built directly on the towns charming ledge.
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Riverfront recreation, a playground and nature trails

The Mystic Downtown Marina is a small, family-run business within walking distance of downtown. It features a patio dock, a picnic area with gas and fire pits, Wi-Fi and showers. Fort Rachel Marina is a few blocks south. Believed to be the site of a fort used to defend Mystic Harbor from the British during the War of 1812, Fort Rachel offers the same amenities as the downtown marina, dry and winter storage and yacht brokerage. High Street Playground, north of downtown, has jungle gyms, swings and an open grassy area. Peace Nature Sanctuary, also to the north, is a 30-acre preserve with a 1-mile walking trail and river views. The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center maintains the preserve. It also operates Coogan Farm, with over 10 miles of trails across the river where hikers can enjoy dozens of bird species. The riverfront has several coastal public access points where kayakers can launch their watercraft.

Try your hand at paddle boarding on the Mystic River in Mystic Historic District.
Try your hand at paddle boarding on the Mystic River in Mystic Historic District.
Mystic Historic District is a fantastic place to run by the woods.
Mystic Historic District is a fantastic place to run by the woods.
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Sweets and nostalgic treats in Downtown Mystic River

Restaurants and shops in the Mystic Historic District are concentrated along Water and Main Streets. Closest to the river, Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream is the latest in a series of ice cream makers operating out of the same building since the 1800s. Across the street, the Mariner offers local seafood, pasta, steaks, and early-evening happy hours during the week from Sunday to Friday. In addition, women’s and men’s clothing stores, gift shops, a music store and a bookstore create a charming downtown shopping experience. The Mystic Museum of Art, which faces the river, was established over 100 years ago and offers permanent and rotating exhibits, educational programs for youth and adults, and events throughout the year. Mystic Pizza, the 1988 Julia Roberts romantic comedy film's setting, still serves nostalgic pizza in its memorabilia-filled dining room. Mystic Market West, south of the district and close to the Mystic Shipyard, has served groceries and market-made meals to neighbors, boaters and workers alike since 1993.

Mystic Historic District is a fantastic place to flip through old vinyl.
Mystic Historic District is a fantastic place to flip through old vinyl.
Arguably on of the biggest hot spots in Mystic Historic District is Mystic Pizza.
Arguably on of the biggest hot spots in Mystic Historic District is Mystic Pizza.
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Groton schools with advanced learning programs

The schools that serve the Mystic Historic District are part of the Groton School System, which receives a B-plus from Niche. Northeast Academy Arts Magnet School, a K-5 elementary that receives a B from Niche, works with local organizations like the Mystic Museum of Art to support its focus on the arts. Groton Middle, a B-rated school, is an authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme/STEAM school that encourages students to connect their studies to real-world situations. Robert E. Fitch Senior High, which scores a B-plus, features advanced placement, international baccalaureate and career programs with the University of Connecticut that give students a head start on their college and career plans.

Northeast Academy Arts Magnet School has a varied curriculum with something for everyone.
Northeast Academy Arts Magnet School has a varied curriculum with something for everyone.
Robert E. Fitch Senior High is part of a limited but growing number of public schools in CT.
Robert E. Fitch Senior High is part of a limited but growing number of public schools in CT.
Groton Middle School is part of a limited but growing number of public schools in CT.
Groton Middle School is part of a limited but growing number of public schools in CT.
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The Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival and Santa’s tugboat arrival

Mystic hosts concerts and community events throughout the year, including the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in August. This two-day event is the oldest in the Northeast and attracts thousands of visitors to the Mystic waterfront. Over 100,000 art pieces are displayed, and area non-profit organizations sell food and drinks to raise money. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa arrives in Mystic aboard Cross Sound Ferry’s tugboat, the John Paul. Families wait along the riverfront to see Santa and line up in Mystic River Park to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. The park has a tree-lighting ceremony, and a lighted boat parade occurs on the river that evening. Boats are judged on creativity and team spirit.

Getting around the district and beyond

Homes in the district are within walking distance of the riverfront, which stretches long Water, Pearl and Gravel streets. While the district has no bus services, Route 1 (or West Main Street) connects with Interstate 95 on the way to New London, 9 miles west. Westerly, Rhode Island, is just 9 miles east. Interstate 95 runs parallel to Route 1, 2 miles north of Mystic, and takes drivers to Boston, 100 miles northeast, and New York City, 135 miles southwest. The Mystic Amtrak station is on the east side of the river, minutes away, and the closest airport is Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, a 40-mile drive.

Boating is one of many forms of transportation in Mystic Historic District.
Boating is one of many forms of transportation in Mystic Historic District.
A welcoming sign greets you to Mystic Amtrak Station in Mystic Historic District.
A welcoming sign greets you to Mystic Amtrak Station in Mystic Historic District.
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Flooding risk in the Mystic Historic District

Because they are so near the river, homes and businesses along Noank Road, the southern end of Water Street, parts of downtown and an area between Bank and Pearl Streets can see flooding during heavy rains and storms. To tackle flooding, the Town of Groton is taking a resiliency approach by gathering resources and information for businesses to prepare for potential flooding, such as where to locate sandbags if a threat exists and resources if a business floods.

Christopher Kopczynski
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Al Straggas
Photography Contributed By
Al Straggas
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

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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 Gregory Hanner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Mystic Historic District US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$840,000
Median Single Family Price
$800,000
Median Townhouse Price
$826,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,200,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$602
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Months of Supply
2.80
Median List Price
$897,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
318
Median Year Built
1905
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,067
Above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,194
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,558
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,503

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 Gregory Hanner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,132
Median Age
57
Population under 18
11.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
35.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$146,093
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$137,982

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
70.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

33 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

62 / 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.

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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
Mystic Historic District
Gregory Hanner
Garden Realty
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