$379,494Average Value$262Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Head down to the Gales Ferry landing site to launch your small watercraft.
A rural community with employment and recreational advantages
Gales Ferry, on the eastern bank of the Thames River and part of the Town of Ledyard, got its name from the ferry that took passengers across the river in the mid-1700s. The landing site and boathouse are named for Roger Gale, one of the owners of the ferry from 1759 to 1764. Today, historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand near the original ferry landing in the village, yet so much around this seaside community has changed. “Employers like Electric Boat and the Naval Submarine Base in New London have brought in military personnel,” says Greg Broadbent, an associate broker with Re/Max Coast and Country, who has been selling real estate in Southeastern Connecticut for over 18 years. “The Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino are within a 10-mile drive. Gales Ferry isn’t oceanfront, but it sits on the Thames River, which has ocean access. People have boats, and they kayak and canoe on the river. It’s a nice safe community for people of all ages who like to be active.”
With narrow roads, homes set back off the road behind a dense tree cover, and ponds and streams that break up the landscape, Gales Ferry has a rural, country feel. “The area isn’t commercialized; it’s more of a residential community,” says Realtor Jason Cioci, a 3-year real estate veteran who is also a full-time fireman in Groton. “I work with guys who live in Gales Ferry, and it’s a great spot to raise kids. The area used to be mostly farms like other parts of Ledyard.” With a historic ferry landing, positive economic indicators and a rustic setting, Gales Ferry offers a tranquil setting for those who don’t want to be too far from the action.
Gales Ferry sees many different styles of homes up for sale throughout the year.
Evolving home styles from village to countryside
From high-end waterfront houses to small ranch-style starter homes, Gales Ferry offers a range of housing options. “The village by the ferry landing is more historic and developed,” Broadbent says. “Once you leave the village, properties become more spread out and rural.” Victorians built around 1900 with wrap-around porches to take in the cool breezes and stunning river views grace the village area. They can sell from $400,00 and $850,000, depending on the view. Colonial-style homes sided with cedar shingles or constructed with exposed wood beams are priced between $350,000 and $500,000. In the long center of the neighborhood, midcentury ranches list for $175,000 to $400,000. “It’s an older neighborhood, and many homes are under 2,000 square feet,” Cioci says. “Because many have an acre or more of land, homeowners often build on if they want a bigger house.”
Grab yourself a hot meal with friends and family at Sunny Side Diner in Gales Ferry.
Restaurants and shopping along Route 12
Gale Ferry’s small downtown runs along Route 12. It features eateries like Fireside Brick Oven, an open-kitchen restaurant with a wood-fired brick oven, a newly remodeled dining room and an outdoor patio. Sunny Side Diner is next door and serves breakfast, lunch and brunch. Just down the street, Triple B: Best Burgers and Brews is an artisan burger and cocktails restaurant with live entertainment, happy hours and a dozen beers on tap. Farther south, customers can bring the four-legged members of their family to Barkin’ Barley. This craft brew taproom has a fenced-in, dog-friendly patio and an indoor/outdoor private dog park. For groceries, the Groton Square Shopping Center has a Walmart and a Stop and Shop south of Gales Ferry where Route 12 meets Interstate 95.
Above-average Ledyard schools
The schools that serve Gales Ferry are part of the Ledyard School District, which received a B from Niche. The Gales Ferry School, also B-rated, enrolls K-2 students. The Juliet W. Long School, a B-minus school, is next door and instructs grades three through five. Both elementary schools emphasize communication with parents through newsletters, teacher websites and email. Ledyard Middle School serves grades six through 10 and is part of the same building complex. It earned a 4 out of 10 on GreatSchools and has undergone a $40 million expansion over the past two years. Ledyard High School, which scored a B-plus from Niche, has a championship cheerleading team and offers nearly 50 clubs and activities that students can join.
Many families in Gales Ferry see their children begin in the district at Ledyard Middle School.
Ledyard Middle School, a public school, serves students 6th through 8th grade in Ledyard, CT.
Ledyard Middle School, a public school, serves students 6th through 8th grade in Ledyard, CT.
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Gales Ferry features several waterfront parks and landing sites, including Erickson Park.
Recreation on the Thames River
Erickson Park in the southern part of Gales Ferry is the site of a former general store. Today, this small park off Military Highway looks out to Mill Cove and the Thames River. It’s a good place to launch a kayak, take a walk or have a cookout. The park features a stone barbecue and picnic tables. On the northern end, Gales Ferry Marina lies in a naturally protected cove and provides summer dockage, winter storage, service and on-site fueling to members. The Gales Ferry landing site and boathouse, below the marina, are named for Roger Gale, who owned a ferry that took passengers across the Thames to Uncasville in the mid-1700s. Today, Yale University owns the complex of buildings and uses them as the training site for its heavyweight men’s crew that competes in the Harvard-Yale Regatta, which takes place on the Thames. The boat launch that is part of the site is for public use.
Summer festivals and fall fundraisers near Gales Ferry
Sweet Hill Farm hosts the Regatta Day Festival in June to celebrate and watch the Harvard-Yale Regatta, which is live-streamed at the festival. Attendees can also enjoy local food, beverages, a classic car show, yard games, vendors and appearances by the Ledyard Fire Company and Police Department. Speaking of which, the Mystic Firefest is held in September and benefits Mystic first responders. The event features live music, dancing, food and climbing at Tree Trails Adventures, the event space, about 8 miles southeast of Gales Ferry.
Gales Ferry has connections to New London through the SEAT bus system.
Public transportation and resources for Gales Ferry
Except for the small downtown, most of Gales Ferry is car-dependent. Southeast Area Transit (or SEAT) buses run north-south through Gales Ferry from Norwich to Groton and into New London on Route 12. The New London Amtrak station is located downtown, 8 miles away, along with ferry stations that take passengers to Long Island, Block Island and Fishers Island. Interstate 95 is south of Gales Ferry and connects drivers with Providence, 60 miles north; Boston, 110 miles north; and New York, 130 miles south.
Churches in Gales Ferry include Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bishop Seabury Anglican Church and United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry. The Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London is the closest medical center, 9 miles away.
Flooding risk in Gales Ferry
Properities susceptible to flooding durng heavy rains are along Smith Pond and Pine Swamp Brook. Low-lying backyards near Kings Highway, Meadow Drive, Barry Drive, Richard Road and Inchcliffe Drive in the southern portion of the neighborhood are also prone to flooding. The last hurricane that affected the neighborhood was Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Because Gales Ferry is protected from storm surge being over 7 miles from Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, only two properties were impacted by the store.
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
Marilyn Lusher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gales Ferry
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gales Ferry, Ledyard sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Gales Ferry, Ledyard over the last 12 months is $383,904, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Thames River waterfront Cape Cod that has been meticulously maintained inside and out. Private beach to enjoy kayaking and navigation to Long Island Sound. Updates include a new roof in 2024, new oil tank in 2018, and new septic system in 2015 (3 bedroom capacity). Brazilian hardwood deck with cable railing offers spectacular views and sunsets. Additional features include pea stone driveway,
This is your opportunity to own a charming meticulously maintained modernized 2600 sq. ft. New England Colonial style home that is historically significant set on 2.69 acre. Known as the Perkins-Bill house, built in 1781 and owned consecutively by two survivors of the battle of Groton Heights in the 1780's. There are 4 BRs, 2.5 BAs, primary bedroom with full bath and walk in closet. The list of
An incredible opportunity to build your dream home on this picturesque, approved 0.96-acre building lot, offering stunning water views of Mill Cove and the Thames River. Experience the beauty of New England's seasons year-round, with breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. The property is equipped with city water and electric at the street, with septic system required. Located in the desirable Torrey
Commercial Industrial Park District. It is compatible for commercial and industrial park uses. This property is 4.63 acres that sits directly between Groton and Gales Ferry on a busy state road. Just north of the property is McDonalds, Ocean State Job Lot, Dollar General, Dunkin Donuts, various restaurants, Orchard, winery and not to mention Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun casinos. Just south of the
Welcome to Gales Ferry's newest manufactured mobile home park. The brand new mobile home boasts 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with plenty of natural light flooding through the windows. There are stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Enjoy the comfort and ease of one level living! The home to view is not the home for sale. Home to be delivered in June. Subject to park approval. This is a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marilyn Lusher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,245
Median Age
42
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$77,365
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,499
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.3%
Advanced Degrees
10.8%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30/ 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.
