Once an industrial town, now a thriving suburb on the Connecticut River
First populated by the Wangunk people before becoming an English settlement, Middletown served as Connecticut’s largest port through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, this town of nearly 50,000 people on the Connecticut River is both a Hartford suburb and a community with a strong identity. “You have Wesleyan University that brings a lot to the city, and there’s a fabulous downtown with restaurants and shops,” says Jody Bonaiuto, local Realtor at William Raveis Real Estate and longtime resident. “We have a very diverse city.” Locals enjoy rural and suburban housing options close to a thriving downtown – and the city has more plans for development and expanding access to the Connecticut Riverfront.
Middletown's riverfront offers stunning views, walking paths and plans for the future.
In the heart of Middletown, Wesleyan University fosters innovation, culture and athletic excellence.
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Hundreds of businesses downtown and waterfront development plans
Downtown Middletown only covers a few blocks, but it’s home to almost 200 locally owned businesses, shops and restaurants. Options include about a dozen bars, as well as boutiques, barbershops, jewelers and restaurants representing flavors from around the globe. “Wesleyan University pulls in a lot of people from outside the country, and it really does bring in a great crowd of people who really go down to Main Street. Whatever they plan on doing, they go downtown to do it,” Bonaiuto says.
Tate’s, overlooking the Connecticut River, serves specialty cocktails to pair with seafood and sandwiches next to Harbor Park. The town also plans to further develop the waterfront in the coming years. Strides have been made to decommission the sewer treatment plant on the development site, and the master plan includes a pedestrian bridge across Route 9, which has separated the waterfront from downtown since the ‘60s. The plan also includes mixed-use developments and expansive green spaces. The completion timeline was not yet determined as of January 2025.
Located near Harbor Park, Tate's has a relaxing dining experience with fresh seafood and great drinks.
The Wesleyan Bookstore on Main Street is a go-to spot for students and visitors in Middletown.
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Celebrations on the town green and Wesleyan’s campus
Middletown’s Union Green, between Main and Pleasant Streets, is the location of most town happenings. These include an annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, a weekly farmers market from June to October and a free summer concert series. Wesleyan’s campus has more entertainment options serving students and residents. On campus, the Center for the Arts Theater puts on productions, and the Corwin Football Field and Freeman Athletic Center host athletic events.
Experience the excitement of athletic events at the Freeman Athletic Center in Middletown, home to Wesleyan sports.
The Peach Festival at Lyman Orchards in Middletown brings families together for fresh fruit, crafts and fun filled activities.
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Natural water features at Wadsworth Falls and Harbor Park
Locals can launch their boat, throw out a fishing reel or catch a sunset at Harbor Park, Middletown’s green space on the Connecticut River. To get to the park from the parking lot, visitors walk under Route 9 through the Harbor Park Walking Tunnel. Wadsworth Falls State Park has year-round views of the falls, miles of hiking through the woods and fishing along the Coginchaug River. For more weekend fun, Crystal Lake has boating and swimming for town residents; Old Saybrook and other waterfront towns are a 25-minute drive south along Route 9.
Middletown's Wadsworth Falls State Park is home to a stunning waterfall and miles of hiking trails.
Spend a day on the water in Middletown, where the Connecticut River is perfect for boating and fishing.
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Wesleyan University and public schools in Middletown
Middletown School District has a B grade from Niche. Eight public elementary schools in the town funnel into the C-plus-rated Beman Middle School and B-rated Middletown High School. In addition to dozens of student clubs and athletic teams, Middletown High has an agricultural program that teaches animal science, aquaculture and agricultural business. Wesleyan University is private and has about 3,000 undergraduates, while Connecticut State Community College’s Middlesex campus is also in Middletown.
Middletown High School offers a sense of community and learning within Middletown.
Beman Middle School in Middletown prepares students with academic and extracurricular opportunities.
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Rural and suburban housing options throughout Middletown
The median home price in Middletown is $315,000. Single-bedroom condo units start in the $100,000s, while classic suburban styles like Cape Cods and split levels range from $200,000 to $500,000. Homes within walking distance of downtown sit on tight lots and feature historic details from the 19th century, though most Middletown properties are in more spacious 20th-century subdivisions. On the town’s outskirts, areas like South Farms and Westfield have a more rural feel. “You can be totally country in Middletown, or be in the city,” Bonaiuto says.
The median home price in Middletown is $315,000, with options ranging from historic downtown homes to rural properties in South Farms.
Find charming Cape Cod style homes with easy access to downtown and nearby parks.
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Commuting all around Connecticut from Middletown
Middletown, located between New Haven and Hartford in Central Connecticut, experiences four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Average annual snowfall is 28 inches.
Interstate 91, which goes through Middletown, takes drivers 17 miles north to Hartford and 27 miles southwest to New Haven. River Valley Transit Authority buses run throughout town, while CTtransit buses service regional routes such as the 921 line, which goes to downtown Hartford from the Silver Street Park and Ride. Tweed New Haven Airport and Bradley International Airport are both about 30 miles from town.
Middletown is very commuter-friendly. “There is a very wide range of where people work,” Bonaiuto says. Healthcare employees may work at Middlesex Hospital, just outside Middletown’s downtown area, or commute to Hartford Hospital or Yale New Haven Hospital. “It’s a great location for anyone who works in medical care. You’re right in the middle of the state,” Bonaiuto says. Other employers include Wesleyan University and Pratt & Whitney’s jet engine manufacturing plant.
Violent crime rates below the national average
Between January 2021 and December 2023, the Middletown Police Department reported violent crime rates below the state and national averages. Property crime rates were slightly higher, largely on par with state and national averages.
Bridget Morrissey: From Fitness to Real Estate Excellence
Bridget Morrissey's journey to becoming a successful real estate broker is a testament to her unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit. After starting her career in the fitness industry with her own business, Bridget's Aerobics, she later ventured into cable and insurance sales, honing her skills in customer service and sales. However, Bridget's true passion lay in the dynamic world of real estate. She joined Weichert Realty, where she quickly rose through the ranks, managing the company's offices in Stonington and Westerly. Her exceptional performance and dedication earned her numerous awards, including recognition as an award-winning Realtor at RE/MAX and eXp Realty. Now, Bridget is embarking on a new chapter in her career, opening her own real estate brokerage, Bridget Morrissey Realty, LLC, located at 27 Broadway Avenue in Mystic, Connecticut. Bridget and her husband, Will Morrissey, who is also a licensed Realtor in Connecticut and Rhode Island, are poised to bring their combined expertise and passion for real estate to the local community. In addition to their real estate endeavors, Bridget and Will have co-authored a book called "Nautical Tales & Nature Trails, Recreation in Southeastern Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island," which is now a public access TV show on Southeastern Connecticut Television. The purpose of the book and the show is to inform the many new people moving into the area, as well as visitors, about the many attractions in the region, which was the fourth most desirable travel destination in the United States in 2023. Bridget's real estate clients, both buyers and sellers, greatly appreciate her sharing her extensive knowledge of the local area. As Bridget Morrissey continues to build her own real estate brokerage, her journey serves as an inspiration to others, showcasing the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of one's dreams. With her husband by her side and a team of talented Realtors, Bridget leaves an indelible mark on the southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island real estate landscape. Bridget Morrissey Embarks on a New Journey with Her Own Brokerage
Bridget Morrissey, the award-winning Realtor known for her exceptional customer service and extensive knowledge of the southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island real estate markets, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career. After years of success with renowned firms like Weichert Realty, RE/MAX, and eXp Realty, Bridget has taken the bold step of launching her own brokerage, Bridget Morrissey Realty, LLC.
Located at 27 Broadway Avenue in the charming town of Mystic, Connecticut, Bridget Morrissey Realty, LLC promises to be a game-changer in the local real estate landscape. Bridget's unwavering dedication to her clients, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit and deep roots in the community, sets the stage for a truly exceptional real estate experience.
Joining forces with her husband, Will Morrissey, who is also a licensed Realtor in Connecticut and Rhode Island, Bridget is poised to offer unparalleled expertise and personalized service to both buyers and sellers. Their combined knowledge, honed through years of experience and a genuine passion for the region, ensures that clients receive the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence.
Bridget's journey to this pivotal moment has been marked by a diverse range of experiences, each contributing to her well-rounded skill set.
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.
