With rolling farmlands, stone walls, and a population of just over 3,700 people, Sterling, Connecticut is the epitome of a quintessential small New England town.
"Located in Windham County, just a short drive from bigger cities, Sterling is the best of both worlds," said Kazantzis Real Estate Owner and Agent Andrea Kazantzis.
Incorporated in 1794, one of Sterling's most notable residents was Charles Dow - journalist and founder of the Dow Jones & Company.
The Farm Life
"Sterling is another quiet town located on the Connecticut/Rhode Island border. In the summer, it's the perfect time to go berry picking at BZ Berry Farm on Calvin French Road," said Kazantzis Real Estate Agent Val MacNeil. "It's pick-your-own blueberries!"
The family-owned farm also has red and black currants, gooseberries, and beach plums, depending on the season. Due to the pandemic, the owners are asking customers to wear face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines when vising the farm.
Another farm you may want to check out is the Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm.
This family-owned and operated farm is famous for its turkeys, giant seasonal corn maze, ice cream, and Thanksgiving Gobbler sundae.
"Delicious ice cream made on the premises and ridiculously good turkey sandwiches. Really friendly and fast service. They have lots of other locally sourced products to try too, like handmade soaps and cookies. Everything you would want in a country store," one Facebook review said.
History Preserved
History is also alive and well in Sterling.
The Sterling Hill Historic District encompasses a well-preserved early 19th-century rural village center on the western edge of the town of Sterling, Connecticut. Centered at the junction of Plainfield Pike and Sterling Hill Road, it consists of a cluster of 19th and early 19th-century houses, and a church. Unlike other period villages, it has largely been unaffected by later development. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The Great Outdoors
There's plenty to do for those who like the outdoors.
"You can hike on the Moosup Valley State Park Trail which starts in Plainfield and runs through Sterling and right into Rhode Island," MacNeil said.
According to the state website, "this 5.8-mile linear trail encompasses 62 acres as it stretches across two eastern Connecticut towns. Though it passes through predominantly woodlands, the eastern section parallels the Moosup River for approximately one mile. This level former rail bed has the Connecticut/Rhode Island (RI) boundary as its eastern State Park terminus but continues east from there as RI's Trestle Trail."
Pachaug State Forest - the largest forest in the Connecticut state forest system encompassing over 27,000 acres of land - is partially located in Sterling.
The forest was founded in 1928, but most of the land came from purchases made later during the Great Depression. It is named after the Pachaug River, which runs through the center of the forest. The forest is part of the Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion.
"Well marked trails are easy to follow and make you feel like you are all alone," one reviewer said.
- Population - 3,748
- Unemployment Rate - 4.6%
- Median Income- $71,696
- Median Home Price- $210,300
- Median Age- 40.1
Just 45 minutes from Providence and not far from other cities in Connecticut, Sterling is the perfect bedroom community for those looking for a rural lifestyle. If you'd like to look at some of our listings, we'd be glad to show you around.