The Hammocks on Long Island Sound
Madison, Connecticut
Essex, Connecticut
What It Is Like to Retire in Essex
Essex, Connecticut, is small and quaint town in Middlesex County, and is actually made up of three separate villages which includes Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton, with a total population of about 6,600 residents. Located along the Connecticut River, it is one of the few American towns to be attacked by a foreign power which occurred during the War of 1812, when close to 20 vessels were destroyed. The three villages reflect its maritime history and affluence as a shipbuilding town, and later as a producer of ivory through the architecture of the homes built during this time, with several still standing. Essex
Where to Retire in Essex and Home Prices
The Villages of Essex, Ivoryton, and Centerbrook offer several neighborhoods, some historical, with Zillow reporting the median home value to be $446,700 in late mid-2021. Homes along the Connecticut River are priced much higher and can cost over a $million.
What Is Special about Essex
Essex is a pretty and historical town offering four seasons of natural beauty along the river with a waterfront district, a village green, and the only Steam Train and Riverboat connection in the country. The Long Island Sound is just a few miles away.
What Is Not Special about Essex
High real estate prices and taxes, cold winters.
Who Will Like Retirement in Essex
The median age of Essex is 53 years, proof that it is popular with retirees. The town offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, kayaking, or skating down the Falls River; The Ivoryton Playhouse built in 1910, is the first self supporting summer theater in the U.S.; there are two libraries, great restaurants, a tap room, shops, museums, a historical society and public transportation.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Professional services, retail and health care.
Climate and Physical Environment
January's average temperature is 32 degrees with July's average at 72 degrees. Essex gets about 27" of snow each winter.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Essex offers interesting dining choices including the Griswold Inn which is considered one of the oldest continuously run taverns in the United States and features its interesting history on the walls displaying historic artifacts; The Essex Clipper Dinner Train is also a popular choice offering a 2.5 hour scenic ride while dining. Essex's cultural scene consists of performances at the Ivoryton Playhouse, many festivals and town events, the Connecticut River Museum, and the Essex Historical Society. NYC and Boston are both about 100 miles away with easy access by train.
Crime
The crime rate in Essex is very low.
Medical facilities
There are medical facilities nearby and closest hospital is Middlesex Hospital located in Middletown.
Transportation
The Estuary Transit District provides transportation through 9 surrounding towns including the train station located in Old Saybrook, where you can catch an Amtrak or a Shoreline East train to NYC or Boston.
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