Groton, Connecticut

What It Is Like to Retire in Groton

Groton, Connecticut, is located midway between New York and Boston, on the shore of the Long Island Sound and is framed by both the Thames River and the Mystic River.  With a population of about 40,155 (2010 census), it is home of the US Naval Submarine Base and became known as the “Submarine Capital of the World” during World War II.  Today, Groton is the home of the Electic Boat Corportion, which is the major contractor for submarine work for the United States Navy.  The Global Research and Development campus of Pfizer is also located in Groton, as is the University of Connecticut's branch campus and Marine Sciences Center at Avery Point, making it a college town.  

Groton's role in American history is found throughout the town with several museums and landmarks including Fort Griswold, a Revolutionary War base built to defend the port of New London, and most infamously known as the site of the betrayal of American forces by Benedict Arnold. Photo of the Lower batter at Fort Griswold courtesy of Wikipedia and Staxringold, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Groton and Home Prices

According to Zillow, the median home value in Groton was about $247,738 in early 2020, and is a "Very Hot" market at this time..

What Is Special about Groton

Groton is a shoreline town on the Long Island Sound with beaches, parks, and historical sites.  Its location offers easy access to both New York City and Boston. 

What Is Not Special about Groton

Winters are chilly and Groton does get snow; high taxes; not a walkable town

Who Will Like Retirement in Groton

Those who want to live in a mid-sized town on the water, with a low crime rate, and with many interesting historical sites both here and in surrounding towns, would enjoy living in Groton. 

Local Economy Is Driven by

Electric Boat, which designs and builds submarines, and Pfizer's research and development campus, are Groton's largest employers.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is about 30 degrees, the average July temperature is 70 degrees. Groton's annual snowfall is about 23 inches.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

As a historical town, Groton offers sites such as Fort Griswold, known for its role during the Revolutionary War, and is home to the Groton Submarine Base which is the US Navy's primary submarine base, and is a national landmark dating back to 1868.  The U.S. Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum is the only submarine museum managed exclusively by the U.S. Navy, which makes it a repository for many special submarine items of national significance, including USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine in the world. The town also has several parks and a beach, and is host to various annual events. Large cities are nearby for a varied and diverse cutural scene.

Crime

Groton has a low crime rate.

Medical facilities

Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London is about 5 miles away.

Transportation

Groton is located along the I95 corridor; Amtrak is two miles away in New London; The closet regional airport is in New Haven about 50 miles away, and the nearest international airport is about 60 miles away in Windsor Locks, near Hartford.

Valuable Links

Groton, Connecticut City of Groton Submarine Force Library and Museum