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Voluntown

Voluntown

Rural Neighborhood in Preston, Connecticut

New London County 06384

$409,413 Average Value
$280 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Connecticut’s largest state forest envelopes this rural town

Hugging the Connecticut and Rhode Island border, Voluntown embraces a rural lifestyle in the thick of Connecticut’s largest state forest – which makes up two-thirds of the hamlet. The Pachaug State Forest’s sugar maples and densely packed conifers create a mosaic of colors in the fall, reflecting off the many ponds and streaked rivers that fleck Voluntown’s terrain. Broker-agent Jack Wesa of Wesa Real Estate, who grew up in Voluntown, says it’s the unique location amidst the brimming forest that attracts folks to this rustic town outside of Norwich. “Many residents are surrounded and in direct contact with the state forest,” says Wesa, who has been selling real estate in the area since 1973. And due to the forest’s status as protected public land, Voluntown is able to maintain its bucolic and peaceful feel. “We’re a quiet, rural town with a small population,” Wesa says. “If people are looking for that kind of life, that’s what we have here.”

Paddle into adventure at Beachdale Pond, Vountown’s kayaking paradise, CT.
Paddle into adventure at Beachdale Pond, Vountown’s kayaking paradise, CT.
Enjoy serene living surrounded by forest in Vountown, CT's unique homes.
Enjoy serene living surrounded by forest in Vountown, CT's unique homes.
Voluntown’s streets are adorned with American flags and a charming white steeple church.
Voluntown’s streets are adorned with American flags and a charming white steeple church.
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Outdoor recreation along the Pachaug River and state forest

With the Pachaug State Forest swallowing the majority of Voluntown, residents benefit from easy access to the abundance of recreation the forest provides. Spanning almost 27,000 acres, the forest boasts 6 major hiking trails, areas for hunting and a plethora of campsites. Voluntown’s opportunities for outdoor recreation reach past just the expansive Pachaug State Forest. Pachaug is the Native American word for “bends in the river,” of which the Pachaug River has many. Starting in neighboring Jewitt City, the river flows through the town’s center, taking many twists and turns through a handful of ponds that dapple the landscape before emptying into Beach Pond. Paddlers bring their vessels down the 2.2-mile out-and-back Pachaug River Paddle Route, while anglers take to the waterside to catch largemouth bass. The 372-acre Beach Pond straddles the Connecticut-Rhode Island state line and offers additional boating and fishing opportunities, though swimming is not permitted.

Beach Pond in Voluntown offers serene fishing and scenic hiking adventures.
Beach Pond in Voluntown offers serene fishing and scenic hiking adventures.
Enjoy a day at Shantok State Park with scenic pond views, just minutes from Voluntown.
Enjoy a day at Shantok State Park with scenic pond views, just minutes from Voluntown.
A family is making memories at a local park in Vountown, CT.
A family is making memories at a local park in Vountown, CT.
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Local vendors on display at the Voluntown Farmers Market

A few local organizations spearhead community events here. The Voluntown Recreation Commission hosts recreational events such as adult volleyball leagues in the winter and weekly Wednesday yoga sessions at the Voluntown Firehouse. The Voluntown Public Library hosts weekly community events for all ages, including a knit and crochet group, storytime for toddlers and a Friday book club. One of the town’s most beloved events is its seasonal farmers market, which takes place in front of the Voluntown Elementary School. Beginning after Independence Day and lasting until the beginning of October, the farmers market invites folks to browse the local vendors every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “There are around 10 vendors from vegetables to crafts,” Wesa says. “There’s a honey salesman, local meats, a lady who sells goat-milk soaps and a carpenter who is an author and sells his books.” Live music entertains shoppers for the last 2 hours of the event, and food trucks supply snacks and refreshments. “We have, on average, about 200 shoppers every Sunday,” Wesa adds.

Learning and laughter fill the halls of Voluntown Elementary School, Voluntown, CT.
Learning and laughter fill the halls of Voluntown Elementary School, Voluntown, CT.
Vountown, CT offers stunning views of picturesque farmland scenery.
Vountown, CT offers stunning views of picturesque farmland scenery.
Discover farm fresh produce and help local growers at Holmberg Orchards minutes from Voluntown.
Discover farm fresh produce and help local growers at Holmberg Orchards minutes from Voluntown.
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Small town center with nearby amenities

Main Street anchors Voluntown’s village center, which houses its Town Hall, Public Library and the Voluntown Elementary School. Dunkin’ is the only chain and Town Grill and Pizzeria is the sole local dining establishment in Voluntown. The longstanding mainstay serves an array of classic pies and American favorites within an elevated yet cozy atmosphere. Residents find most of what they need on the shelves of Sunny’s Supermarket, but additional stores and retailers in neighboring towns are close at hand. “Voluntown isn’t too far from Interstate 95, and there is good shopping in Lisbon and Griswold,” Wesa says, “so, it’s very convenient in that regard.” Lisbon Landing, a shopping mall containing Aldi, Walmart and Target, is less than an 8-mile drive east.

Kids can explore and learn at the Voluntown Public Library, a local gem.
Kids can explore and learn at the Voluntown Public Library, a local gem.
Town Grille and Pizzeria offers delicious pizza for takeout or dining in Voluntown.
Town Grille and Pizzeria offers delicious pizza for takeout or dining in Voluntown.
Grab gas and groceries all in one stop at Sunny's Supermarket in Voluntown.
Grab gas and groceries all in one stop at Sunny's Supermarket in Voluntown.
Drive up for BBQ chicken and support Voluntown’s fire fighters this weekend, CT.
Drive up for BBQ chicken and support Voluntown’s fire fighters this weekend, CT.
Locals head to Target for all their shopping needs, minutes from Voluntown.
Locals head to Target for all their shopping needs, minutes from Voluntown.
Discover great deals and fresh produce at Aldi, near Voluntown, CT.
Discover great deals and fresh produce at Aldi, near Voluntown, CT.
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Traditional housing styles with plenty of land

Homes in Voluntown feature a wide range of traditional architectural styles, spanning the town’s long history. “Typical to the town’s age, we have homes that are vintage 1700s all the way through to 2024 in a big subdivision on Brown Road,” Wesa says. Cape Cods and colonial styles sit on roomy lots, strewn between classic ranch-style homes. Properties can vary greatly, ranging from a quarter-acre to parcels over 5 acres, though most are situated on around 2 acres. Prices for real estate typically start at $255,000 and reach $560,000, though Wesa says outliers include waterside properties that list from $800,000 to up to $1.3 million.

Enjoy greenery and classic colonial homes in the serene setting of Voluntown.
Enjoy greenery and classic colonial homes in the serene setting of Voluntown.
Find a variety of raised ranch homes in Voluntown’s welcoming community.
Find a variety of raised ranch homes in Voluntown’s welcoming community.
Find charming colonial homes surrounded by lush greenery in Voluntown, CT.
Find charming colonial homes surrounded by lush greenery in Voluntown, CT.
Experience the charm of ranch style homes surrounded by nature in Voluntown, CT.
Experience the charm of ranch style homes surrounded by nature in Voluntown, CT.
Classic colonial waterfront homes grace the neighborhood in Voluntown, CT.
Classic colonial waterfront homes grace the neighborhood in Voluntown, CT.
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Centrally located elementary with a variety of high school options

Located in the town’s village center, Voluntown Elementary School, which earns a 4 from GreatSchools, serves just under 250 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Students may then choose to attend one of 8 high schools in the area. “Zoning has no play in where students end up,” Wesa says. “They make the decision with their parents, which is very interesting for families because they have a lot of options.” Neighboring high schools include Griswold High, which receives a 4 from GreatSchools and boasts award-winning STEM and Esports programs, and Norwich Free Academy, a private school that earns a 3 from GreatSchools.

Learning and laughter fill the halls of Voluntown Elementary School, Voluntown, CT.
Learning and laughter fill the halls of Voluntown Elementary School, Voluntown, CT.
Just minutes from Voluntown, Griswold Elementary School is a local favorite.
Just minutes from Voluntown, Griswold Elementary School is a local favorite.
Griswold Middle School serves local students from nearby Voluntown, CT.
Griswold Middle School serves local students from nearby Voluntown, CT.
Voluntown students thrive at Griswold High School, minutes from home.
Voluntown students thrive at Griswold High School, minutes from home.
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State Routes run through Voluntown

Route 138, Route 165, and the scenic Route 49 all converge in Voluntown, taking residents to neighboring communities like Griswold and Norwich, which sits 13 miles west. Residents also have access to major thoroughfares like Interstates 395 and 95, which link them to bigger metropolitan areas such as New Haven and Providence, Rhode Island. For further travel, the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is a 30-mile drive away.

To reach the scenic town of Voluntown, CT, take Rt 49, 165, or 164 for a smooth drive.
To reach the scenic town of Voluntown, CT, take Rt 49, 165, or 164 for a smooth drive.
Discover the beauty of Voluntown with its parks, greenery, and local fun.
Discover the beauty of Voluntown with its parks, greenery, and local fun.
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Christina von Claparede-Crola
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Anselm Molina
Photography Contributed By
Anselm Molina
Chris Norton
Video By
Chris Norton

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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 Mandy Gruslin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Rhode Island Tf Green International

48 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Voluntown US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$437,500
Median Single Family Price
$440,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$280
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$414,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
31%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
955
Median Year Built
1976
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,526
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,350
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
81,457

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mandy Gruslin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,479
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$91,170
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$104,076

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93%
College Graduates
24.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
% Population in Labor Force
72.4%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
30''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

26 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

1 / 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
Voluntown
Mandy Gruslin
Kazantzis Real Estate, LLC
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