Pomfret is one of the oldest towns in Connecticut, incorporated in 1713. About 40 miles east of Hartford and 30 miles west of Providence, this land was known for its agricultural and milling industries, and its natural environment attracted farmers from all over the East Coast. Today, many of its buildings have landed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its 4000 residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in the “Quiet Corner.” While this region of Northern Connecticut includes 35 other small towns, Pomfret is the only one that has an Audubon bird sanctuary and a portion of a 50-mile trail — not to mention a legendary tale about a wolf. In autumn, colorful leaves light up scenic Route 169, and residents can drive north to family-owned wineries. The town’s handful of food spots have become more popular in recent years, too. “Maybe 20 years ago, you’d go into a restaurant, and you’d know everybody,” says Realtor Dick Loomis, who’s sold in the area for 40-plus years. “It’s still tight-knit, but now you don’t know as many people. People come in from other towns to visit, so you could say it’s getting discovered.”
Mashamoquet Brook State Park and Natchaug State Forest
Characteristic of Pomfret’s natural landscape, Mashamoquet Brook State Park provides 1000-plus acres of hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities. Its Wolf Den is allegedly where Israel Putnam crawled to slay the state’s last wolf in 1742, and the cave made it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The Mashamoquet Brook intersects with the Air Line State Park Trail, a former rail that runs 50 miles from Thompson to Portland. Going west down this path reveals Natchaug State Forest, and visitors can enjoy horse trails and riverside picnic sites locally. They might also campgrounds farther south, as this park has over 13,000 acres along the Natchaug River. For a day on the farm, Sharpe Hill Vineyard has an old-timey tasting room and offers dinner appointments. More wine is waiting in Woodstock, about 4 miles north, and these orchards are open for tours as well.
Downtown Putnam’s shops, restaurants and events
Pomfret hosts a few restaurants along Route 44, but foodies have more options in nearby Putnam. About 4 miles east of town, this Main Street houses everything from microbreweries to cafés, and shoppers can browse pottery and antique stores. This area has the closest grocery stores, too, and its downtown events bring the Quiet Corner together. “The Memorial Day Parade has about 150 floats,” says Loomis. “We get 10,000 people that come, and it supports the local businesses. On International Day in April, the restaurants cater to all different types of food, and we have a huge car show in August with 2,500 cars.” Making the best of the cold weather, the town hosts the Fire and Ice Festival in February, and it’s the largest ice block competition in New England. While this district has a couple of galleries and museums, culture vultures can explore Providence for more.
RI and MA buyers want colonial homes, open land
Pomfret properties have a three-month supply as of March 2024, and most sell in 39 days. “There’s a shortage of listings right now and a lot of demand,” says Loomis. “A good number of our buyers are from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and they’re attracted by the lower prices.” Compared to these neighboring states, Pomfret’s median sold price is a respective 13 and 43% lower, and it’s around $400,000 in this first quarter of the year. Buyers can expect a three-bed colonial for this price, and these southernmost homes are likely built after 2000. For a five-bed estate or some farmland, they could pay over a million; these properties are scattered throughout town, usually a mile or two from major thoroughfares.
Pomfret Community School, neighboring high schools
Pomfret Community School is the only school in the Pomfret School District, serving 400 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It’s rated a B-plus by Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. High schoolers can go 5 miles east to Killingly High School, rated a C-plus by Niche and serving 800 students. Or, 7 miles north of town, they might attend Putnam High School, as this B-rated school serves almost 300. Private elementary and high schools are close: The Rectory School and Pomfret School are both on Pomfret Street, and they’re rated an A by Niche. For college students, The University of Connecticut is 18 miles west, and it’s known for its research opportunities and Division 1 sports.
Crime reports in Pomfret
According to Connecticut State Police, Pomfret had 16 crimes reported in 2022. Property crimes made up 4 of these, while violent crimes made up 12. These totals are 50% lower than the previous year when 24 reports were filed.
Bringing a jacket: low temps and snowfall
Pomfret gets about 45 inches of snow and 145 days below freezing per year. This winter weather sticks around from October through April, and occasional ice storms can cause power outages and road closures. Additionally, these residents are about 50 miles inland of the Atlantic Ocean, so they avoid hurricane winds and flooding.
Access to Routes 44 and 169
Since Pomfret spreads across 40 square miles, cars are the most common mode of transport. Route 44 runs east to west and can take residents to neighboring towns, or they might drive to the big city: Hartford is 40 miles west, and Providence is 30 miles east. Designated as a National Scenic Byway, Route 169 runs 32 miles north and south, and it passes through historic homesteads and colonial landmarks. Interstate 395 is accessible in nearby Putnam, and a connection to Interstate 90 makes for a 70-mile trip to Boston.
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.
