Located at the edge of the Berkshire Mountains, Winsted was founded at the junction of the Mad and Still Rivers, and its moniker combines the names of the neighboring towns of Winchester and Barkhamsted. In fact, it’s part of the town of Winchester, and the two share a town meeting form of government. “Winchester is a big town with a small city as the downtown. That’s Winsted. It’s got a community college, and students commute from around the area up and down Route 8. There’s also Highland Lake. It has small beaches you can access and a marina where you can launch a boat,” says David Sartirana, a real estate broker with over 20 years of experience and the owner of Northwest CT Realty. Situated 24 miles from Hartford and 97 from New York City, Winsted was one of Connecticut’s earliest industrial centers, with numerous mills and factories. Today, it’s home to 7,200 residents, according to the 2020 Census.
Businesses operate in historic buildings in Winsted.
Downtown Winsted corridors support community living near local homes.
1/2
Shopping and dining in town or nearby cities
Downtown began a revitalization through an enhancement plan in the early 2000s, and the plan has worked to bring in new businesses. In 2023, the Friends of Main Street organization began hanging flower baskets from lampposts to beautify the area. The two-mile commercial corridor is home to diverse shops, eateries and entertainment venues housed in turn-of-the-century buildings. Locals can shop for antiques, go duck pin bowling or take a spin on the Go-Kart course. For groceries, the Shops at Ledgebrook contains the Stop & Shop grocery store. The one-stop-shop sells produce, pantry items, pet supplies and alcohol. Winsted eateries offer everything from boba teas to Vietnamese fare to Italian ristorantes. The majority of them are clustered along U.S. Route 44. For even more shopping and dining options, residents travel ten miles to nearby Torrington Commons Shopping Center or Torrington Plaza.
Norbrook Farm Brewery serves customers near Winsted.
Northwest Soup and Sandwich Co. is located in Winsted.
1/2
Local lakes, summer camps and a bandstand
At 444 acres, Highland Lake is one of Connecticut’s largest waterways and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming and boating. Filled with maple and oak trees, East End Park can be found in Winsted’s historic downtown. The park’s walking path takes guests past several soldier’s memorials, an 1800s fountain and a bandstand. The parks department also oversees recreational programs like children’s basketball camps, adult tennis lessons and summer camps. The Winsted Senior Center caters to the needs of those aged 55 and over. It operates a daily lunch program, a paratransit service for local medical trips and free exercise classes. Seniors can also play Bingo and card games on certain days of the week.
Highland Lake offers boating access near Winsted.
Highland Lake’s boat launch expands recreation options for Winsted residents.
Lakeside homes on Highland Lake enhance Winsted’s waterfront real estate.
1/3
Memorials, murals and memorabilia
Winsted is home to the American Mural Project. This 120-foot-long artwork is one of the largest collaborative indoor pieces in the world. It’s next to Whiting Mills, a collection of art galleries and retail spaces. The Soldier’s Monument and Memorial Park is one of the city’s most notable features. The castle-like tower is a striking memorial to the more than 300 local soldiers who served in the Civil War. Closed for much of the year, it opens for tours on national holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The Winchester Historical Society occupies an 1813 Colonial Revival mansion and doubles as a museum. It has an impressive collection of Civil War memorabilia and military items, a historic dollhouse and other Victorian artifacts.
Winsted functions as the downtown district for Winchester.
Downtown Winsted features antique shops and local boutiques.
1/2
Turn-of-the-century housing in Litchfield County
Winsted has more than 3,650 places to live, including detached single-family dwellings, apartments and townhouses. Being close to several colleges means Winsted has a fair number of renters. In fact, 37% of people rent here, while 63% own their homes. Most were built before 1970, with a substantial number being older than the 1940s. From March 2023 to March 2024, 54 homes were sold in Winsted after 49 days on the market. The town has less than one month of available housing supply, selling for an average price of $327,000. “Single-family houses across Connecticut are in short supply, and Winsted inventory is wicked low, making it competitive for buyers. A lot of houses go for more than asking after multiple bids,” says Mr. Sartirana.
Turn‑of‑the‑century homes reinforce Winsted’s historic residential character.
Historic multifamily homes in Winsted add variety to local real estate.
Apartment buildings in Winsted expand housing options for local residents.
1/3
Commuting to Connecticut’s capital city
Many workers in Winsted commute to the surrounding towns of Hartford, Springfield and Waterbury for healthcare, manufacturing and retail jobs. Typically, it’s a 28-minute one-way commute, with most workers driving alone over U.S. Route 44 and Connecticut Routes 8, 183 and 263. This is a car-dependent area, although the Northwestern Connecticut Transit District provides a fixed-route bus service and a demand-response service for residents aged 60 and older. Also, park-and-ride lots are located throughout town to help locals reach destinations like Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, 8 miles away or Bradley International Airport, 25 miles away.
Science and engineering programs in highly ranked schools
Winchester Public Schools holds a B from Niche, enrolls over 550 students and is known for its innovative science and engineering programs. It operates two schools for students from prekindergarten through sixth grade. Mary P. Hinsdale School serves prekindergarten through third grade and is unrated by Niche, while the B-rated Pearson School teaches third grade through sixth grade. The A-minus-rated Gilbert School is a private school that serves as the system's public-school option for grades 7 through 12. For higher-education options, Westfield State College, the University of Hartford and Naugatuck Valley Community College have campuses nearby and offer two- or four-year degrees and professional certificates.
Hinsdale Elementary School is in the heart of downtown Winsted.
Pearson Middle School serves grades 3 through 6 near Winsted.
The Gilbert School is a private high school in Winsted, CT.
1/3
Environmental factors
Its location near lakes and two rivers significantly increases the town’s chances of flooding. Historically, the worst flooding happened in the 1950s and destroyed much of Winsted. Since then, the town has built back stronger, partly thanks to the Winsted Local Protection Project. Spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers, the project built retaining walls along the riverbanks and widened Main Street. The Corps maintains two dams along the rivers to help control water levels during extreme weather events. The state of Connecticut also oversees the CT Alert program, which will email, text or call registered citizens with updates for a variety of emergencies.
Anglers fish in the waterways surrounding Winsted.
Highland Lake views highlight Winsted living near one of its key outdoor amenities.
1/2
Photography Contributed By
Francisco de la Vera
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Leonard,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Winsted, CT sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Winsted, CT over the last 12 months is $286,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
124 Rockwell St. - Versatile .44-Acre Lot Near Downtown This .44-acre lot offers a prime location close to downtown with city water and sewer available in the street. The previous home sat at street level, while the majority of the lot slopes below, creating a unique landscape with plenty of potential. With a little imagination and the right site contractor, this property presents endless
99 Hubbard St. - Private Lot Near Downtown & Highland Lake. Tucked away at the end of a quiet dead-end street, this .37-acre lot offers both privacy and convenience. While enjoying a peaceful setting, you're still just minutes from downtown with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plus, Highland Lake is just a short distance away, providing endless opportunities for boating,
Timeless Victorian with Endless Possibilities.Step into a piece of history with this stunning Victorian property, a landmark in the community and home to The Maloney Funeral Home since the early 1900's. Nestled in the TCR Zone, this versatile building offers a wealth of potential. The TCR Zone allows for accessory residential uses, community centers, family day care homes, single-family
Tucked away on a private road in the sought-after Highland Lake district, this impeccably maintained Ranch offers the perfect blend of privacy, simplicity, and natural beauty. Built in 1995 and set on a .59-acre lot, the home is surrounded by over 500 acres of preserved land, creating a peaceful, nature-filled setting that is increasingly hard to find. Inside, the home features 975 square feet of
Spacious and full of potential, this 10-room home offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with plenty of room for everyone. Priced below current market value, this property presents a fantastic opportunity for buyers willing to make some cosmetic updates and build instant equity. Set in a quiet country location within a private development known for its large lots and peaceful surroundings, the home
Step into luxury in this nicely updated 3-bedroom raised ranch, perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac. The interior shines with hardwood floors and a designer kitchen boasting new custom cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Lower level is completely finished featuring a large family room with natural gas stove. Enjoy maintenance-free living with a newer roof (less
Discover the perfect blend of small time charm with many conveniences close at hand! This well maintained, warm and inviting, 1 owner home offers it all! Having beautiful Highland Lake in this community is certainly one of many pluses! The renovated eat in kitchen offers granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and access to a beautiful new Trex deck! Along with new decking, new windows
Summer is just around the corner, and this is your opportunity to own a highly sought-after waterfront property on the beautiful Highland Lake! Located on Shore Drive in the 1st Bay, this private 5-bedroom home offers breathtaking western exposure, giving you the perfect view of every sunset. Enjoy direct waterfront access and make the most of the flat, easy-to-maintain lot - ideal for outdoor
Live the Highland Lake Dream - 431 W. Wakefield Blvd, Winchester, CT Summer is just around the corner - and in Winsted, resort living never ends. Recently named one of the most desirable towns to live in, with the breathtaking Highland Lake at its heart, Winchester offers the perfect blend of beauty and lifestyle. This waterfront estate at 431 W. Wakefield Blvd isn't just a home - it's your
Charming Riverview Townhouse with Patio Enjoy easy living in this well-located two-bedroom townhouse set on a slab and overlooking the river. The main level features a living room, dining room, and functional kitchen, perfect for everyday comfort and entertaining. Sliding glass doors lead to a private patio where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful water views. Upstairs offers two comfortable
Prime Mixed-Use Opportunity in Downtown Winsted! High-visibility two-story building located on bustling Main Street, most recently home to "JT's Cafe," and previously known as "The Winning Ticket Cafe." The first-floor commercial space includes features such as an existing kitchen area with oven range vents, fridge, bathroom, and open seating area. Great potential for a new restaurant, cafe,
One-of-a-Kind opportunity with 4 apartments plus a turnkey, award-winning restaurant in the heart of Litchfield County, perfectly situated in a high-traffic location. The well-established business offers 2,177 sq. ft. of warm, inviting atmosphere with 65 indoor seats and 35 outdoor seats-ideal for both casual dining and special occasions. Has a cafe license (liquor) but no bar. With a 10-year
Raised Ranch rental close to town on 1.33 wooded acres. The lower level features two large rooms with new vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and a spacious storage/utility room with laundry. The main floor includes a living room and an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Sliders lead to a large deck overlooking the private wooded yard. There is a large primary
3 bedroom apartment close to down town. This unit has the living space on the first floor and the bedrooms and full bath on the second floor. There are hardwood floors through most of the unit. A walk-up attic and basement can be used for storage.
Bright and sunny, first floor, 2 bedroom apartment. Washer/dryer in the unit. Large, private porch. Pets considered. Off street parking. Minimum credit score required. Credit and background check done by listing office. required. Two months security, if applicable.
Private 1bedroom apartment with its own porch and yard, plus in-unit washer/dryer. Pets considered. Conveniently located near the center of town and Highland Lake. First month's rent plus two months' security deposit required. Credit and background check performed by the listing office.
By far the best place to live in Winsted, Connecticut. Turn of the century construction, every unit overlooks the beautiful Still River, our 700-1000 square-foot one and two bedroom interiors are bright and charming and feature exposed wood beams, 10-foot ceilings, oversized industrial windows, and exposed brick walls. We deliver nature at your door. Our community amenities include same-floor
At Gilbert Clock Apartments , our designer-inspired amenities set us apart from the competition. We pride ourselves on providing top-quality apartments outfitted with the everyday amenities you expect as well as luxury amenities to delight your senses and enhance your modern life. Indulge your culinary instincts in your state-of-the-art kitchen, furnished with Beautiful and energy-efficient
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled and spacious 3-bedroom, 2 full bathroom home in the heart of Winchester. Featuring hardwood floors throughout both the first and second levels, this home offers a warm and inviting layout with an eat-in kitchen that has a center island perfect for everyday living. Enjoy the convenience of a separate laundry room-washer and dryer included, high-efficiency gas
Welcome to our beautiful lakeside apartment, perfect for professionals seeking a home away from home for long or short term rentals. Situated on the picturesque shores of Highland Lake, this fully renovated and furnished apartment offers stunning views and serenity that will make you never want to leave. The modern design and elegant decor create a welcoming and comfortable environment for our
Beautiful First-Floor Apartment with Classic Charm and Modern Updates! This spacious first-floor apartment features gleaming hardwood floors, fresh paint, and an updated kitchen. Enjoy the high ceilings and beautiful woodwork that add character and warmth throughout. Conveniently located close to downtown, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and commuting routes.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.