Weekend Homes & Shoreline Living in Connecticut - with David Mayhew

Considering a Move to New Haven? Spotlight on Westville, East Rock, and Wooster Square New Haven isn’t just Yale University and world-famous pizza—though both are part of the city’s magic. For those looking to put down roots here, three neighborhoods consistently rise to the top of the list: Westville , East Rock , and Wooster Square . Each has its own personality, charm, and mix of amenities that make them appealing for renters, homeowners, and condo-seekers alike. Westville: Artsy and Village-Like If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels like its own small town within the city, Westville might be your match. Nestled near West Rock Ridge and Edgewood Park, it’s surrounded by natural beauty while still being connected to downtown by a short drive or bus ride. Westville’s beating heart is along Whalley Avenue, where you’ll find art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and a steady flow of community events. The Westville Village Renaissance Alliance often hosts seasonal fes...

If you’re thinking about moving to this area, you’re not alone—many of my buyers have asked for quick snapshots of the key towns I work in. Below, you’ll find short descriptions and handy links to explore some of the wonderful communities north of New Haven. INLAND TOWNS NORTH OF NEW HAVEN Hamden (I-91 exit 10, Wilbur Cross Parkway/Route 15 exits 60, 61, 62) Hamden, often called “The Land of the Sleeping Giant,” combines suburban convenience with abundant green space. It’s home to Sleeping Giant State Park (a two mile mountain range that many say looks like, yes, a sleeping giant), the Farmington Canal Trail, and several town parks. The community offers diverse neighborhoods and a lively mix of restaurants, shops, and cultural spots—helped by its connection to Quinnipiac University. Proximity to New Haven and major highways makes it a popular choice for commuters. Click here  for the Hamden town website. Click here  for the Hamden town profile from CT Data (pdf file). Click he...

A number of my friends—especially those living in New York City—and several of my residential real estate clients have been buzzing with the same question lately: How will Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela train, debuting August 28, affect travel between Manhattan and the Greater New Haven area? The short answer? Not much. The new Acela, officially called the Avelia Liberty , is sleek, modern, and capable of hitting speeds of 160 mph. That’s an impressive number and great for marketing—but here’s the catch: between New York City and New Haven, trains are still at the mercy of old-school infrastructure. Tight curves along the shoreline, century-old signaling systems, and track geometry all mean that, in practice, the average speed along this stretch will only see a modest bump. Connecticut is working on it. A major project—already underway—includes smoother track, upgraded bridges, and improved overhead power lines, with completion slated for the end of 2028. When it’s done, portions of ...

  If you’re thinking about moving to this area, you’re not alone—many of my buyers have asked for quick snapshots of the key towns I work in. Below, you’ll find short descriptions and handy links to explore some of the wonderful communities west of New Haven. SHORELINE TOWNS WITH BEACHES AND TRAIN STATION Milford (I-95 exits 34-40) Milford is a vibrant coastal town with a charming village, a scenic harbor, and more than 17 miles of shoreline along Long Island Sound. It offers a mix of beaches, parks, and recreational amenities including Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach. The historic Milford Village Green hosts events year-round, and the town center features boutique shopping, restaurants, and cafés. Milford also benefits from a Metro-North train station, making it a convenient spot for commuters and weekenders. Click here  for the Milford town website. Click here  for the Milford town profile from CT Data (pdf file). Click here  for the Niche Report Card for ...

  If you’re thinking about moving to this area, you’re not alone—many of my buyers have asked for quick snapshots of the key towns I work in. Below, you’ll find short descriptions and handy links to explore some of the wonderful communities east of New Haven. SHORELINE TOWNS WITH BEACHES East Haven (I-95 exits 50-51) East Haven is a coastal town just east of New Haven, offering a mix of suburban neighborhoods, shoreline access, and convenient proximity to city amenities. The town features beaches and marinas along Long Island Sound, with East Haven Town Beach and the adjacent splash pad popular in summer months. Its residential areas range from waterfront homes to quiet inland neighborhoods. East Haven also offers local dining, parks, and easy access to I-95 and Tweed-New Haven Airport, making it attractive for commuters and coastal living alike. Click here  for the East Haven town website. Click here  for the East Haven town profile from CT Data (pdf file). Click here ...

  If you’re thinking about moving to this area, you’re not alone—many of my buyers have asked for quick snapshots of the key towns I work in. Below, you’ll find short descriptions and handy links to explore some of the wonderful communities along the Connecticut River. TOWNS ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER Essex Essex is a postcard-perfect town on the Connecticut River, known for its historic charm, colonial architecture, and nautical heritage. Its Main Street leads down to a scenic harbor and is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Popular attractions include the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the Griswold Inn, and waterfront parks. With a strong cultural scene and timeless atmosphere, Essex is both a tourist favorite and a sought-after place to live. Click here for the Essex town website. Click here for the Essex town profile from CT Data (pdf file). Click here for the Niche Report Card for Essex. Click here for the Regional School District #4 websi...