Please tell me something about Washington Depot (New Haven, Hartford: real estate, house)

[Wanda Johnston]

I am traveling to Ct in one month and am very interested in the Washinton Depot area. I would like to buy something between one and two blocks from the town area. I am a very young 63 year old and like walking to town every day. I now live on the beach in a So Ca beach town, it would be great but for the constant skateboarders, and throngs of people outside my window all day. I want to be able to walk to the noise and walk away from it. I would greatly appreciate some pictures of the Washington Depot area. My son-in-laws mother lived there for many years and loved it. Thank you so much for all you help.

[skytrekker]

Washington Depot located in Litchfield county; it is a small village, part of the town of Washington.

See this link for additional information and some photos. About Washington, Connecticut
Washington, Connecticut

Population 2000, 3600.
The town is noted for its beauty, solitude and culture in the states northwest hills. It was supposedly the inspiration for the fictional town of Stars Hollow on the WB/CW TV series Gilmore Girls.

The town is also home to the famous and historic prep school, the GunneryMr. Gunn's School

Larger towns closest to Washington/Depot are New Milford to the southwest about 8 miles, and Watertown to the south east about 11 miles.

[JayCT]

Like Skytrekker says, Washington Depot is a beautiful small village tucked in the Litchfield County hills. In fact, from what I remember, it is very small so I doubt there are a lot of homes within it or within walking distance to it. Because of its charm and natural beauty, the area has a lot of second homes for wealthy New Yorkers and celebrities. It can also be a bit pricey, but coming from California, there should be little price shock. I think you will like it there as long as you don't expect a lot of activity. There are a few good restaurants in the area and a few small shops, but there is little other in the way of entertainment. You will have to travel for that. Jay

[Viralmd]

Very cute, but pricey. My nephew went to boarding school there. Loved it. Skiing not far, beautiful countryside.

[tom62]

I live 5 mi. from the Depot. Its an attractive, well settled small town. Not a whole lot to see and do! You have the Post office and IGA store on the Green, the Washington Supply Co. ( a hardware store and lumber yard) The G.W. Tavern for good eats but is a bit pricey. The MayFlower Inn is world renown and is just about 1 mile south of the Depot on Rt. 47. The Rolling Stones stayed there on a USA tour years back for rehearsals.
The downtown area, if you can call it that, is not exactly congested with homes. Most of the homes in the immediate downtown are very stately, large and older than 100 years. They are however quite the site, as someone correctly stated the people consist of celebs and wealthy part timers. They put on quite the show! The sidewalks roll up at 6pm, so unless your right on Rt. 109 or 47, its gonna be SHHHHHHHHHHHHH quiet!!
Local realtors you may check out---(I am NOT in the business) Todd Cole Realty is one and they have a website..Also Advanced Realty is very knowlegable of the area. Gooseboro realty is just up in Bantam and they list tons of Washington listings. best of luck!!

[Wanda Johnston]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Washington Depot located in Litchfield county; it is a small village, part of the town of Washington.

See this link for additional information and some photos. About Washington, Connecticut
Washington, Connecticut

Population 2000, 3600.
The town is noted for its beauty, solitude and culture in the states northwest hills. It was supposedly the inspiration for the fictional town of Stars Hollow on the WB/CW TV series Gilmore Girls.

The town is also home to the famous and historic prep school, the GunneryMr. Gunn's School

Larger towns closest to Washington/Depot are New Milford to the southwest about 8 miles, and Watertown to the south east about 11 miles.

Thank you so much Skytrekker, that was very informative. I enjoyed the newpaper very much.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by Wanda Johnston

Thank you so much Skytrekker, that was very informative. I enjoyed the newpaper very much.

Good luck in your decision making process. We welcome Californians here; we have many either returning to CT from the Golden State- and a fair number of newcomers. (I see a couple of cars with California plates each day here)

The Litchfield hills are beautiful. It will provide you with much peace.

[Bob The Builder]

Skytrekker

My situation is a bit different than the original poster. I have three little bots 1,3 and 5 to raise. I understand that Washington Depot has a bunch of private schools and washington elementary etc and a bunch of second home people. How is the place for families?

I checked out East Hadden and got in touch with a realtor there. How does it compare? Seem like WD is pricier. Is it worth the extra money? Mind you, we are an American born Chinese family so that unfortunately enters into the equation. Thanks.

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Washington Depot is a fine upscale artsy enclave- with a great deal of ambiance. The town tends to cater to wealthy folks from New York- and elsewhere wanting the quintessential New England setting.

For a young family with kids it would not be a choice I would make.
East Haddam is far less expensive, and while not have the 'marquee' appeal of Washington Depot, is far more family friendly- the schools are good- perhaps Jay here could fill you in more regarding that issue. The famous Goodspeed Opera house is nearby- it is a very beautiful part of the state along the lower Connecticut river.

I would also consider Marlborough just to the east a bit, as well as Hebron, these towns appeal to Younger families with small kids. East Hampton, Marlborough and Hebron have quick and easy access to Hartford and Middletown - that provide culture, more diversity and sophisticated venues within a short time frame. WD is rather remote.

The extra money IMHO is not worth it in WD- there are many other far superior family oriented places in CT- for much less money. With more shopping, restaurants, culture, great schools- without the remoteness, and dare I Say the attitude.

I respectfully disagree with some of your points, Sky.

Washington doesn't cater only to those with second homes, as you suggested - the town is home to many families who have roots going back more than a century. Soccer-moms are becoming the norm and, with VERY careful planning, the town is becoming more suburban (maybe not by CT standards, but national standards, absolutely). That being said, the town is still rural and will be for years to come. Residents here like their peace and quiet.

Schools there are excellent. As Washington is small, they share a school district with Bridgewater and Roxbury. The education in these communities is top notch and rivals that of the state's best schools. The kids attend Shepaug High.

Yes, it's a bit pricey, but if you like wine, horses, snow and foliage, you will love Washington. It is far out but not THAT far. New Milford is a 10 minute drive away, depending on where in town you live. There is shopping along Route 7 here. If you're feeling the mall, Danbury is a 25 minute drive where you have access to anything you desire (almost). Hartford and New Haven are about a 45-50 minute drive, and Southbury is close as well if you like upscale, small-town shopping. Along Main St in Southbury, you have Gap, Victoria's Secret, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Starbucks, Lindt if you have a sweet tooth, many fine, family owned restaurants (Sake for sushi, Leo's for a small, beautiful diner, and highly recommended is DiPalmas for excellent pizza). There is also Kmart in Southbury for more mainstream, and Mcdonalds (with NO drive thru and no lit, golden arch.)

As far as attitude goes, I think you are generalizing a bit too much when it comes to Connecticut geography. Washington residents are incredibly friendly. I was strolling along their 'main drag' in June and residents actually come up to you and say hello, or smile as they pass by. Washington, due to it's small population, has a 'togetherness' kind of mentality. Friendly, classy and conservative.

If you can afford Washington, I say go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Edit - Let me also say that I am in love with this area of CT, so I may be a bit biased.

[skytrekker]

Just a few comments more.

Washington Depot has extremely expensive real estate- and one extraordinarily expensive Inn- the Mayflower- where rooms cost in excess of $450 a night- at those prices it is not going to attract the more 'pedestrian' among us. To say that Washington Depot is primarily A family oriented 'regular place' may be a wee of a stretch. Vernon or Middletown it is not.

I frankly feel the towns smallness, rather limited services, and remote location makes it despite its wonderfully genteel qualities not the best place for young families with small kids. There are simply better choices.