Old saybrook : Connecticut

What Old Saybrook is like for active adults

Old Saybrook, Connecticut is a potential retirement community that combines New England history, a vital downtown, pristine beaches, and a friendly, small town feel. Located where the Connecticut River empties into the Long Island Sound, this charming old town of just over 10,000 (founded in 1635 ) was one of the original 3 colonies in Connecticut. Strategically important, it has the ruins of a fort built during the French and Indian War.There is a plaque downtown commemorating a visit from the Marquis de Lafayette. Yale University was established here (it moved to New Haven in 1716. Old Saybrook’s most celebrated resident was Katherine Hepburn, who lived in a private community at the mouth of the river called Fenwick.

Old Saybrook is popular with active adults over 50. The downtown is bustling with good restaurants and interesting stores. In an unusually cohesive mix, the Wal-Mart and plenty of other big box shopping is just one block away from main street. There is a major Amtrak station downtown, which also connects to New York’s Metro North. Quiet residential neighborhoods with a mixture of cottages and year round homes lead to community beaches. Boating is very good in the area – you can cruise the River or easily coast to Long Island, Martha’s Vineyard, or Maine.

Retirement community housing choices for active adults 55+ are very good, ranging from private homes to condos. Some retirees live here for the summer, and then migrate to a warmer climate. A number of condominiums have sweeping river or bay views. Prices are high by Midwestern standards, but a relative bargain compared to other parts of Connecticut. There is a very good assisted living facility in nearby Essex (Essex Meadows). The median selling price in mid 2009 was just under $350,000.

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What is special about this retirement community

• Consistently chosen as a "Best" town • The majestic Connecticut River • Beautiful beaches and harbors • Fenwick – an unusual private community • Fort from the French and Indian War • Friendly atmosphere • Great library • Solid tax base due to several large companies and strong commercial base

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What is not special about this retirement community

• Traffic in season can be heavy • It is not inexpensive • It’s a small town

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Old Saybrook attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small and friendly town at the beach. Many are seasonal residents.

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is driven by retail, light manufacturing, and publishing. Business & Legal Reports, Inc. has its headquarters here. Also considered a desirable town by professionals who have offices in the New Haven area.

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Climate and Physical Environment

The area experiences a 4 season climate. Water is just about everywhere – Old Saybrook is surrounded on 3 sides by the river, bays, and Long Island Sound. The area is low with forested hills forming as it goes away from the Sound. Thanks to the moderating presence of Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook winters are several degrees warmer and summers cooler than just a few miles inland.

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Cultural environment

Antiquing is good in the area. Theatres include the Katherine Hepburn Center for the Cultural Arts, a new facility downtown which is also the home of the Salt Marsh Opera Company and their wonderful productions. Area theatres include the Bushnell in Hartford, the Goodspeed in East Haddam, and New Haven’s Shubert, Long Wharf and Yale Rep. The Old Saybrook public library was recently expanded and is first rate. Choral groups such as Con Brio add additional entertainment opportunities. Very close to the active Lyme and Old Lyme art scene, home to the American Impressionists.

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Medical facilities

Lawrence and Memorial Hospital is 20 miles away in New London. Middlesex Hospital is about 20 minutes away in Middletown. Middlesex Emergency Clinic is about 8 miles away in Essex.

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Transportation

Bradley Airport is about 50 miles in Hartford. Green Airport is 60 miles away in Providence. Amtrak and the Shoreline Express stop in Old Saybrook (railroad). There is also bus service along the shoreline to New Haven. Route 95, a major Northeast Highway, goes through Old Saybrook, but doesn't detract from it's beauty; only adds to its convenience.

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Facts about OLD SAYBROOK

State: CT
Environment: Coastal,Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 0-20,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: frank

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