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West River

West River

Neighborhood in New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven County 06511, 06519

$313,484 Average Value
$175 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

The western edge of New Haven

Located 2 miles west of Yale’s campus, the community of West River rests comfortably between the storied town of New Haven and the sandy banks of the river from which it takes its name. Constructed largely in the wake of the War of 1812, the neighborhood is a popular option for renters attending the university or working at the nearby hospital. Commuters enjoy West River’s closer access to major highways than the rest of New Haven while also enjoying strolls along the sidewalk-lined streets to the events centers at Yale. Although the sound of barking Bulldogs supporters may travel down from the nearby Yale Bowl, West River’s proximity to some of the most significant green space in New Haven keeps it a quiet community close to all the best of Connecticut.

The Yale Bowl in West River features an all-turf field for its players.
The Yale Bowl in West River features an all-turf field for its players.
The Yale Bowl is where many games are held.
The Yale Bowl is where many games are held.
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Homes on the banks of West River

Most homes in West River were constructed between the 19th and 20th centuries, with Victorian architecture reigning supreme. Colonial-style houses are also commonplace, with many of the buildings having been converted into duplexes and multi-tenant units. A two-bedroom single-family home built in 1910 prices around $200,000, while a five-bedroom multifamily house with a single-car garage from 1900 starts around $550,000. Sidewalks line nearly every street in the neighborhood, so locals can enjoy the shade from broad-leaved trees while strolling to bus stops or to the Yale Bowl.

Twin-gabled Cape Cod-style homes are common throughout the West River neighborhood.
Twin-gabled Cape Cod-style homes are common throughout the West River neighborhood.
Shotgun-style homes dot the landscape of West River.
Shotgun-style homes dot the landscape of West River.
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The Yale Bowl

Yale University’s presence is ubiquitous in New Haven, and West River residents feel it daily due to the neighborhood’s proximity to the Yale Bowl. This outdoor football stadium was the first bowl-shaped arena in the country, and to this day it hosts capacity crowds for Bulldogs home games routinely. When sports seasons are not active, locals can head to the Westville Music Bowl to catch a concert. Yale’s main campus is just over 1 mile east of the neighborhood, so on summer afternoons neighbors can walk to Shubert Theatre for touring Broadway shows.

Constructed in 1914, the Yale Bowl has seats for over 60,000 spectators.
Constructed in 1914, the Yale Bowl has seats for over 60,000 spectators.
The track at Yale is popular for students and locals of West River.
The track at Yale is popular for students and locals of West River.
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West River Memorial Park

The neighborhood’s namesake river runs through the West River Memorial Park, which features small sand banks and an island in its center. “You’re touching the edge of the park,” says David Rossi, Realtor with Seabury Hill and area resident of 30 years. The park is a popular spot for birdwatching, and neighbors can cross the river to go for a jog around the Dwyer Outdoor Track. Barnard Nature Center, the newest addition to the New Haven Parks System, is right around the corner from West River. Residents can visit the classroom and green roof to learn about the local ecosystem or can visit the reptiles kept to instruct children about animal care.

Two fields and plenty of parking at the Ella T. Grasso Ave soccer fields.
Two fields and plenty of parking at the Ella T. Grasso Ave soccer fields.
The Rugby Pitch, home to the New Haven Rugby Club in West River.
The Rugby Pitch, home to the New Haven Rugby Club in West River.
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Famous New Haven pizza

Locals head to the Stop and Shop on Whalley Avenue when they need groceries and to the Walgreens on Whalley for necessities. One mile from West River on Chapel Street, Pistachio Café caters to coffee lovers with their Syrian-style coffee with fresh baklava. Pizza is a point of local pride in New Haven, and Casa Bianca Pizza on Derby Avenue is a neighborhood go-to for a night in with one of Connecticut’s famous white clam pizzas.

Stop into the Casa Bianca Pizza place to get a delicious slice of your favorite classics.
Stop into the Casa Bianca Pizza place to get a delicious slice of your favorite classics.
Buy a full pizza pie or get one slice at Casa Bianca Pizza in the West River neighborhood.
Buy a full pizza pie or get one slice at Casa Bianca Pizza in the West River neighborhood.
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Where to study in West River

Students in West River begin at Barnard Environmental Magnet School. Barnard scores a C-minus from Niche teaching kindergarten through eighth-grade and features an environmental S.T.E.M. program that allows students to spend time outdoors tending to gardens and growing their own food. They finish at James Hillhouse High School, which also earns a C-minus. There are several AP courses available at Hillhouse High, including courses in US History and Psychology.

James Hillhouse High School's entrance.
James Hillhouse High School's entrance.
Hill Regional Career High School has an enrollment of roughly 700 students in West River.
Hill Regional Career High School has an enrollment of roughly 700 students in West River.
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Crossing the Q Bridge

West River’s location on the edge of New Haven benefits locals who drive to work. “Living in West River, it’s quicker to get to the highways,” Rossi says. “If people need to commute, it’s a little easier from West River than it is from downtown.” Route 1 is less than a mile south of the neighborhood, connecting residents directly to Interstate 95. From here, Tweed New Haven Airport is less than 6 miles away across Q Bridge.

Catch a bus for convenient public transportation all around the West River neighborhood.
Catch a bus for convenient public transportation all around the West River neighborhood.
West River residents can bike through the streets safely.
West River residents can bike through the streets safely.
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Neuroscience in New Haven

Yale New Haven Hospital’s St. Raphael Campus takes up several blocks of West River, making the neighborhood an attractive option for medical students, nurses and doctors who are looking to avoid lengthy commutes. The St. Raphael Campus is the future home of New Haven’s state-of-the-art Neurosciences Center, set to complete construction in late 2026.

Hugh Taylor
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Stephen Mihalchik
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Mihalchik
Christine Tranchina
Video By
Christine Tranchina

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 Marie Matta-Isona, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Tweed/New Haven

16 min drive

Bus

George St & Greenwood St

Bus

Derby Ave & Ella T Grasso Blvd

Bus

Ella T Grasso Blvd & Orange Av

Bus

Orange Ave & Ella T Grasso Blv

Bus

Orange Ave & Ella Grasso Blvd

Bus

Derby Ave & Mead St

Bus

George St & Winthrop Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West River US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$250,000
Median Single Family Price
$259,950
Median Townhouse Price
$255,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$195,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$175
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Months of Supply
2.00
Median List Price
$250,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
309
Median Year Built
1910
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,425
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,958
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
795
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

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 Marie Matta-Isona, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,587
Median Age
34
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$29,528
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,822

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
76%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
10.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

55 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

50 / 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
West River
Marie Matta-Isona
iVision Real Estate
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