Located just 10 miles from Hartford, many expect Farmington to reflect the bustling metropolitan area nearby. However, what you’ll find instead is a peaceful natural oasis that combines the quiet charm of suburban living with easy access to the city. Today, this picture-perfect community is home to just over 26,000 residents and growing. As more homebuyers are looking to move out of the more densely populated cities and into the spacious suburbs, communities like Farmington are becoming the epicenter for a booming real estate market.
If you are intrigued by the Farmington, Connecticut, real estate scene, read on to learn more about buying in this charming town and how to make your transaction successful.
What makes Farmington unique
Farmington is a suburb of the Hartford metropolitan area. Considered one of the best towns in Connecticut, many homebuyers are setting their sights on Farmington as the perfect place to call their very own. With unmatched charm, beautiful parks, and easy proximity to the city, it comes as no surprise that Farmington has become a highly sought-after community.
Historic charm
Farmington comes with a rich history that stretches back to the 1640s. The area quickly became known for its fertile soil and ideal location on the Farmington River, leading settlers to flock to what is now Farmington. George Washington passed through the community multiple times during the Revolutionary War and referred to the area as “the village of pretty houses.” Committed to preserving the town’s past, some of those gorgeous old estates can still be seen today in Farmington’s maintained historic districts. Historic housing, landmarks, and museums give Farmington a unique charm that calls back to times long past.
Plentiful outdoor recreation
Those looking to get outside have plenty of options in Farmington. The leafy town features several well-maintained park spaces, hiking trails, and natural preserves that allow residents ample opportunities to get outside and experience Connecticut’s incredible natural environment.
Farmington features a landscape of magnificent wooded space, and there are numerous historic trails showcasing the town’s story and picturesque scenery, providing a great way to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the weather. Take a historic hike through Farmington Memorial Forest, the Shade Swamp Sanctuary Blue Trail, and the Power Dams Trail. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a popular adventure spot, thanks to its winding nature paths and impressive scenery. Don’t miss the New England Trail South, which leads to the highest point in town, promising gorgeous views at the top.
The exquisite Farmington River runs through town, giving swimmers and fishermen a great place to spend hours outside. Farmington’s natural beauty sits in stark contrast to the bustle of the Hartford metropolitan area, turning the quaint community into an oasis that allows locals to recharge and take life slowly.
The Farmington Land Trust is a non-profit organization that promotes the beauty of nature in this elegant town. Hosting numerous events, like tree identification programs, storybook nature walks, and bird-watching excursions, this incredible agency is committed to education, wildlife preservation, and conserving 300 acres of the natural landscape. Winding Trails is another influential non-profit that aims to protect the natural environment and promote outdoor recreation. They host day camps, special programs, and educational outreach centered around preserving the woodlands and waterways of the area.
The Farmington Polo Club is a top spot for community events, from polo camp to exciting polo matches. The club hosts competitions every Saturday from June through September. It’s a unique sport you don’t want to miss!
Check out Farmington’s farm stands for locally-grown produce, flowers, and unique gifts. You can explore the farm stands of fabulous local farms like Hein Farm, Eaton Farm, Mountain View Farm, Jillybeans Farmstand, and so much more.
If golf is the name of the game, don’t miss the Farmington Woods Golf Course, with its challenging Championship USGA course set amidst 375 acres of wooded landscape.
Mini-golf and ice cream
Speaking of golf, if mini-golf is more your speed, don’t miss the Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor. This mainstay of the community is a popular place to enjoy a fun-filled outing with friends and family. For more than 30 years, the Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor has served up delightful ice cream flavors and tons of fun.
Proximity to Hartford
With its top-tier location, the community is within easy distance from the Hartford metropolitan area. This gives residents the opportunity to commute to work and return to the peaceful suburbs in the evening. Farmington is located just 10 miles outside of Hartford, and it’s just a 15-minute drive away on I-84.
Top-rated schools
For those looking to raise a family, having access to a top-rated school system is paramount when looking to move. Farmington is home to a rigorous public school district that brings a world-class education, with several Blue-Ribbon awarded schools (East Farms, Noah Wallace, West District, and Union School) and a brand new, state-of-the-art Farmington High School nearing completion. Farmington students often rank well above the state average on reading and math proficiency, putting the town’s schools in the top 10 percent in the state.
Fantastic dining destinations
If it’s excellent food you’re after, look no further than The Wood-n-Tap along the Farmington River. Don’t miss the Reuben egg rolls, the veggie hummus wrap, bison bites, or the fish taco wrap. The popular “pastas n pizza” menu is a must-try, with options like blackened chicken pasta, mac-n-cheese flatbread, and so much more.
For exquisite Mexican Spanish tapas, don’t miss Toro Loco, where the hand-crafted tortillas are simply delightful. This is authentic Mexican and Spanish dishes at their finest, with only local ingredients and amazing flavors at the table.
Top shopping spots
As a bustling retail scene, Corbin’s Corner is a popular shopping destination featuring plenty of big-name stores and restaurants. The Westfarms Mall is another go-to place for a retail therapy excursion, with standout stores like Nordstrom, Coach, Swarovski, Louis Vuitton, and many more.
The Historic Village is home to several local shops and boutiques, including Vivid Hue Home + Gifts, Hartford Baking Company, Farmington Frame, Green Tails Market, and Walpole Outdoors.
Prestigious medical facilities
The UConn John Dempsey Hospital, associated with UConn Health, is a top-tier medical facility for exceptional patient care, education, and research. Found in the medical corridor, the area is also home to Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care & Infusion Center.
The Hill-Stead Museum
If you want to experience a piece of history and extraordinary works of art, head to the Hill-Stead Museum, a Colonial Revival house that beckons back to the past. Today, this famed museum boasts incredible Impressionist paintings, expansive print collections, and more. Each year, the 152-acre estate also hosts thousands of tours, lectures, workshops, and the hugely popular Sunken Garden Poetry Festival.
If all of this sounds appealing, let’s move on to some top tips for preparing to purchase a home in Farmington.
Saving money when buying a home in Farmington
Buying a home is a big commitment, especially in a hot housing market like Farmington. After looking at the price tags of homes for sale in Farmington, Connecticut, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. However, there are a few things home buyers can do before starting their search to help keep the costs of buying a home in Farmington down.
Improve your credit score
No one wants to pay more than they have to, and for those taking out a mortgage, that means getting the best interest rate possible. With interest rates high around the country, it can feel like you are at the mercy of the market when trying to secure a loan for your home. However, spending some time working on increasing your credit score before taking out a loan can help you get a lower interest rate so you can spend less over time.
Consider making a higher down payment
Most real estate professionals advise that homebuyers put at least 20% down when buying a home. However, going above and beyond 20% can help decrease your monthly payments.
Finding the right agent to represent you
Before starting your next home-buying journey, be sure to team up with an experienced professional who has the knowledge and skills to get the job done right. Your real estate agent will work diligently with you to find the right home and walk you through the process of buying in this gorgeous community. Contact the experts at the Marshall + Ostop Team to begin your home-buying journey in Farmington real estate today. Paula Fahy Ostop, Ellyn Marshall, and the team are always available to help you.
