Need info on towns in SE CT (Hartford, Groton: new home, resort)

[Ourdreamhouse]

My wife and i recently retired and are thinking of moving to SouthEast Connecticut (between Pawcatuck and Old Saybrook). We plan to buy a modest plot of land in a small town, and build a compact, "French cottage" style home. I'd like to be within 10 miles of the Sound, both for the milder weather, the beaches and so i could do a little day sailing. I'm very familiar with other parts of CT: I grew up in Ridgefield, lived in Sherman for a dozen years, but i don't know the SE region very well. We lived in SE Florida for six years (weather was great, rude people not so great), now in central Jersey (rude people not so great here either). I really miss New England!

We plan to take many trips to the area to scout around. Any information on the following would save us some time:
(1) We'd prefer a town with a defined village center. Ideally, we could walk to the town center. Which towns would best meet that objective?
(2) Which towns offer a pretty harbor/marina?
(3) We don't shop much, but we like fancy restaurants, classical music, and pretty scenery.
(4) I hear lots of good things about Stonington. Is it overrated?

Any recommendations? Thanks very much for your help.

[Dragondog]

Stonington is most pleasant of a town and might be just what you are looking for-

close to ample shopping in Groton and New London, and the many things that Mystic has to offer- such as restaurants, art galleries (also in Stonington) The Sea life Aquarium and the center of charming Mystic itself. The scenery is classic New England. The wonderful Stonington winery is iconic- with a great shop, and fine wines.

Plus you are close to the golden beaches of Rhode Island and the late 19th century resort of Watch Hill (which is wonderful) The arts and amenities of Providence are less then hour away.

Marina's are in Stonington and Mystic.

A wee further inland lies Gales Ferry and North Stonington- a wee more rural- but very nice.

About 17 miles from the shore is very popular Colchester- charming town center, great library, ample shopping (no big box stores) antiques, a Starbucks, somewhat cheaper then the immediate shore towns- but 25 minutes away from the beach- yet only 35 minutes to Hartford.

[McDonaldjp]

If you don't mind broadening your search just a few miles either way, there are a couple of other very nice towns, with the culture that you are looking for along with the scenery. East Haddam, is in the middle to the shoreline both for CT and for Rhode Island. This town should have plenty of available lots also, you will find along the shoreline that it is going to come down to where you can find the right fit for the home you want to build. There is also Haddam, which offers the Goodspeed Opera House and some very nice restaurants in the area, here too you should be able to find land for your build. These 2 towns have not been over built yet like a good majority of the area that you are looking for, with these in mind you should be able to find the right spot for your new home and maybe even some decent privacy too. Both of these areas are also close to Rhode Island, and have some nice spots for eating and cultural arts also. I have included for your review a link for the Connecticut Towns which profile each one and provide you with information on available services, demographics, and the mill rate tax base.
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There are quite a few links located at this site which should give you a good idea of what you are interested in. Good Luck!

[glxyman21]

Have owned a home on the shore of Old Saybrook..its a very nice town...their main street has been done over...and they're converting the old town hall back into a theatre..Also Essex is a very nice town, yet more rural and expensive that Old Saybrook..Has a nice downtown with a marina in it! plus there is the Essex steam train and other nice restaurants/stores..Old Saybrook will have access to more restaurants and stores (including some retail chains like walmart and stop & shop) but good regulations and town plannning have still allowed it to retain its New England charm