Town of Waterford

About Waterford

Offering the best of all worlds, Waterford boasts an idyllic and picturesque New England beach town atmosphere while still having close proximity to major cities.

Incorporated in 1801 along the southeastern Connecticut shoreline, Waterford comprises 33 square miles and is situated off I-95 and I-395 - halfway between Boston and New York (about two hours from each). Even closer are the cities of New Haven, Hartford and Providence. With a strong inventory of entry level homes and new apartment complexes from efficiencies to multi-family coupled with median housing costs lower than surrounding towns, Waterford provides a unique community to live, work, play and learn.

Waterford's town infrastructure is designed to support residents and visitors alike. And that's not just referring to the town water and sewer, natural gas services, regional bus lines, and internet access that covers 100% of town. It also means the wide range of senior and youth and family services available, aimed at increasing and diversifying the number of positive developmental programs available to residents. The community center provides open space for the use of games and social gatherings, as well as being a hub for senior citizens and pre-school children. The interface food locker assists in feeding those in the community who need help and is just one more example of how Waterford is designed to help all residents thrive.

In addition to its nearness to New York, Boston, Providence, Hartford and New Haven by I-95 and I-395, Waterford is also connected via the East Coast corridor train system (Amtrak or commuter) and is only an hour from two international airports. But you don't need to travel to be close to amazing employment opportunities. Waterford is within minutes of the two largest employers in Connecticut - Electric Boat and Naval Submarine Base New London. There are also two major hospitals (Yale-New Haven and Hartford Healthcare) and many assisted living, cancer centers and private practices around the area that offer robust healthcare opportunities. Waterford is home to Sonalyst Studios - one of the most elite film and commercial studios in the nation.

Waterford's school district is ranked among the best in the state. All schools were rebuilt from 2017 to 2019 with geothermal HVAC systems and have strong arts and sports programs, as well as a Pre-K program for young families. There are also private school options nearby, including Williams School and Saint Bernard School. Waterford Public Library, founded in 1923, is part of a greater co-op that includes five nearby towns. The duck pond and park on the library grounds provide the perfect place to sit and start a new book.

Boasting more than 23 miles of hiking trails throughout the town - along with five town beaches and two state parks - Waterford offers unique outdoor experiences. For a day on the water there are convenient boat launches and kayaking/paddle boarding spots from the state pier at Mago Point. Or get a bite to eat and watch the boats go by at one of the waterfront restaurants along the mouth of the Niantic River. Get lost in the colorful gardens and sprawling estate at Harkness Memorial State Park before a picnic and walk on the beach, all without paying for parking or a beach pass. Stroll over to Waterford beach for the Waterford Beach Summer Concert Series from June to August and enjoy concerts on the grounds of Waterford beach with food, fun, and games for the family.

Live theater is ingrained in Waterford's culture, being home to the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Founded in 1964, this American Theater has numerous awards including the National Merit Award for the Arts. Actors who started their careers have been Meryl Streep, John Krasinski, Brian Dennehy, and many more. Watch a performance there and catch the next rising star. The Waterford Community Band has 50-plus years of playing with local professional talent. Come enjoy the sounds or connect with local musicians and get involved. All are welcome to join in this fabulous group.

There are numerous opportunities to stay active and meet other local athletes in the intramural sports leagues that include lacrosse, softball, baseball, basketball, soccer and wrestling.

The Waterford Farmers Market is a local food and family market open on Saturday mornings at Town Hall with fresh produce and other locally sourced products from Scott's Farm, Huntsbrook Farm and Secchairoli Farm.

Fireman's Fairs at local firehouses with food fun and games in the summer and fall fill the air with the sounds of games and laughter and the smell of fried dough and cotton candy. The holidays are also special with Harvest Festival takes place in late October at Waterford Beach, Christmas Tree Lighting in Quaker Hill and at Town Hall and New Year's Celebration in the last weekend of December with fireworks, food, and games for the family so no matter the season Waterford has something special.