Just a few miles east of Bridgeport, in western Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, sits the town of Roxbury, a rural area spread over 27 square miles with a population just over 2,000. That low population density means that residents here can appear somewhat isolated from the creature comforts associated with urban living, but that’s exactly how they like it. “People move to Roxbury because it’s quiet,” says local Realtor Stephanie Blake of Realty ONE Group Connect. “The rural nature of the town is its real appeal. At the same time, though, it’s close to Woodbury and Bridgewater and other places that have a lot more going on.”
The great outdoors
The vast majority of land in Roxbury is undeveloped, so residents here don’t have to travel far to experience natural beauty. When they’re looking for a park, residents can head to Hurlburt Park, with a playground, covered picnic pavilion and plenty of open space. Hurlburt Park is also the site of the annual Roxbury Pickin’ and Fiddlin’ Contest, where musicians of all ages compete for cash prizes in different categories. Another favorite spot for outdoor activities is the River Road Preserve, a 57-acre parcel of hemlock forest bordering the Shepaug River. Visitors to the preserve can hike the 1.5-mile trail, stop for a picnic at one of the designated areas in the area or fly-fish the scenic river.
Locals can use exercise equipment at Hurlburt Park in Roxbury.
River Road Preserve is a beautiful place for a hike in Roxbury.
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History, culture and a few spirits, too
With a history dating back to Colonial times, Roxbury also offers plenty of opportunities for history buffs to learn more about the region, with historic sites that Realtor Vinnie Diana from William Raveis Real Estate describes as “really cool places to check out.” Mine Hill Preserve is the site of a 19th-century iron-making complex, and includes the remnants of the original roasting ovens and blast furnace used in the processing of iron ore. A self-guided tour includes signs detailing the iron processing procedure and the story of granite quarrying at the site, including the stone used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station in New York City. Visitors to the preserve can also take advantage of the extensive network of hiking trails that cover 6 miles through the preserve’s 360 acres.
Adjacent to Mine Hill Preserve is the Kelsey Museum and Sculpture Garden, featuring 165 original works by renowned sculptor Sterett-Gittings Kelsey, who was declared “the new master of movement” by Yale University Professor of Sculpture Erwin Hauer. Next door to the museum is the Mine Hill Distillery, with operations housed in various historic 19th-century buildings. Visitors can sample a variety of spirits distilled on the premises and tour the grounds to learn more about how spirits are made.
You will find old furnace equipment and great history at Mine Hill Preserve in Roxbury.
The Mine Hill Distillery in Roxbury produces its own bourbon, gin, and vodka.
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Homes from the 18th century to today
“Because most of the price points in Roxbury are a little higher, paired with the fact that it is a quiet town, the average buyer in the area tends to be older and more established,” says Blake. The median price of real estate in Roxbury is $1.15 million, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $490 per square foot. A three-bedroom/two-bathroom raised ranch-style home can sell for $500,000, and prices can go up to $3.25 million for a three-bedroom/four-bathroom Colonial home built in 1792 and formerly owned by legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim. Regardless of price, buyers can expect to find homes situated on typically larger lots with abundant mature trees.
You will find beautiful 18th century Colonial homes in Roxbury.
You will also find homes tucked away from the road on relaxing settings in Roxbury.
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School is in session
Roxbury is districted to Regional School District Number 12, which earns an overall rating of A from Niche. Students here can attend Booth Free School through fifth grade, then Shepaug Valley School for grades 6-12. Booth earns an A from Niche and Shepaug Valley earns an A-minus. High schoolers at Shapaug Valley School can participate in over 35 different school-sponsored clubs, and they have the opportunity to play more than 20 varsity-level sports. There are also several excellent private schools in the area, including nearby Kent School, which earns an A-plus rating from Niche.
Roxbury students can attend Booth Free School, rated A by Niche, through the fifth grade.
Students from Roxbury then go to Shepaug Valley School for sixth through twelfth grade.
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Eat here, shop there
Because of its rural setting, Roxbury does not lay claim to being a hub of commercial activity. As a result, residents do need to have to travel a little in order to do most of their shopping. That said, the Roxbury Market & Deli is located in town, providing a gathering spot for area residents to buy groceries and sit down for a meal. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – as well as ice cream from the Ferris Acres Creamery in Newtown, Connecticut – the Roxbury Market & Deli has hosted such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Dustin Hoffman and Daniel Day-Lewis.
More in-depth shopping requires residents to make the 20-mile trip to Waterbury, where multiple shopping centers provide access to a range of national retailers. Those seeking a more intimate shopping experience are in luck, too. Tucked into a small enclave off Highway 47 in Woodbury is The Hidden Acorn, an antique store selling vintage home goods, accessories and furniture, where shoppers can find unexpected treasures for bargain prices. And if the shopping bug hits extra hard, the glitz and glamour of New York City are two hours away by train from the Danbury station, less than 20 miles south of Roxbury.
Roxbury Market & Deli in Roxbury is the most popular option in town for lunch.
Bridgewater Market is a few minutes from Roxbury but always worth the trip.
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