East Windsor, Connecticut – A Quaint New England Town with a Rich History

East Windsor is a cute little town in Hartford County, Connecticut. It’s got that quaint New England charm – white church steeples, colonial houses, stone walls winding through the woods. But there’s more to East Windsor than just its picture-perfect appearance. This town has a long and interesting history.

East Windsor was first settled way back in 1633 as part of the town of Windsor. The area was desirable land – fertile soil, fresh water, and plenty of timber. In 1768, the eastern part of Windsor separated to become its own town – East Windsor.

Back in the early days, folks made their living from the land – logging, farming, mills. The town was located right on the Connecticut River which made transport and trade easy. There were shipyards building boats and ferries, sawmills cutting timber, gristmills grinding grain. Agriculture was big – tobacco, potatoes, onions, livestock.

In the mid-1800s, things started to change. The new railroad came through town bringing passengers and freight. There were brickyards, a canned food factory, and the first automobile garage. Businesses set up shop on Main Street. As the 20th century arrived, East Windsor became a popular tourist destination.

People came from Hartford and Springfield to stay at boarding houses and enjoy the rural scenery. They took trolley rides out to the Riverside amusement park. There was boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking along the river. Quaint inns served homecooked meals. The town was promoted as a healthy, tranquil place for city-dwellers to relax and unwind.

Today, East Windsor retains a lot of that small town charm even as it continues to evolve. The historic homes and buildings still stand. Stroll down Main Street with its restaurants and shops, many located in older structures. The town green serves as a central gathering spot.

But there’s also been plenty of new development – subdivisions, retail plazas, industrial parks. The population has increased dramatically, quadrupling over the past 60 years. East Windsor is now part of the Hartford metropolitan area.

Yet despite all the growth, the community still values its history and agricultural roots. The town seal pictures a sack of onions, tobacco leaves, and a ship representing the Connecticut River trade. Each September, East Windsor celebrates its heritage with a weekend-long Agricultural Fair that hearkens back to the old days with livestock exhibits, craft demonstrations, contests, and entertainment.

The East Windsor of today has struck a nice balance between preserving its historic character while still moving forward. The old homes and buildings stand right alongside new ones. Winding country roads pass by cornfields before leading to busy shopping centers. Modern houses have sprung up all over but many are built with a nod to traditional New England architecture.

For visitors and residents alike, East Windsor offers the best of both worlds – a taste of historic small town life just minutes from the conveniences of suburbia. It’s a friendly community with good schools, parks, and a low crime rate. The town services and amenities have grown right along with the population.

So if you’re looking for a nice place to live that combines modern suburban convenience with traditional New England charm, East Windsor may be just the ticket. It’s got a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a picturesque quality. But it also has easy access to jobs, shopping, and other attractions in Hartford and Springfield.

East Windsor has a lot going for it. Here are some of the key features that make it an appealing place to live, work, and visit:

• Location – Conveniently situated between Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA near Interstates 91 and 84. Easy access to jobs and amenities in the larger metro region.
• Small Town Charm – Historic homes and buildings, town green, community events that celebrate East Windsor’s heritage. Retains that quintessential New England character.
• Affordability – Lower home prices than surrounding towns. Cost of living is 4% below the national average. Property taxes are reasonable.
• Good Schools – Part of the East Windsor School District which includes Broad Brook Elementary, East Windsor Middle School, and East Windsor High. Solid test scores and graduation rates.
• Parks & Recreation – Numerous parks, sports fields, walking trails. Easy access to the Connecticut River for boating, fishing, swimming. Senior center, youth programs, summer concerts on the green.
• Business Growth – Ongoing commercial development providing jobs and services. Warehouse/distribution centers, retail plazas, small businesses. Room for continued expansion.
• Low Crime – Safer than most of Connecticut. Violent and property crime rates below state and national averages.
• Community Events – Agricultural fairs, festivals, summer concerts, holiday celebrations. Brings residents together and preserves small town feel.
• Municipal Services – Full-time police and fire departments, town water and sewer service, public works department for road maintenance, recycling, and trash collection.

So in summary, East Windsor has a lot going for it. The town has managed to retain its quintessential New England charm and agricultural roots while also evolving to meet the needs of a growing population. It’s an appealing option whether you’re looking for a cozy historic home, a brand new house, or an affordable starter home. East Windsor offers convenience, safety, community, and amenities along with a glimpse into an earlier era. It’s the kind of place where you can chat with neighbors at the farmers market then take advantage of all the shopping and services right down the road. For anyone seeking that combination of nostalgic small town living coupled with modern suburban convenience, East Windsor may be just the right fit.