Living in Westbrook, CT

Westbrook is a coastal community in Middlesex County with just under 7,000 residents. Its housing stock, 85% of which is single family, is less expensive than some of the nearby towns, although waterfront property is always at a premium. The town contains more than a dozen private beach associations with marinas and both summer and year round housing. 

Westbrook sits on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Connecticut River and provides lots of recreational activities for residents. It is a popular boating community, and home to lobster shacks and seafood venues. Living in Westbrook means having almost unlimited access to Long Island Sound, since the town features 14 marinas that make it easy to spend a day on the water. It is only 27 miles to New Haven and 42 miles to Hartford, both of which are major cities that offer numerous employment opportunities. You can sit on the beach one day and take a train to New York City the next.

Westbrook students are served by the Westbrook Public School District for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, where students can participate in a full range of indoor and outdoor athletics. There are numerous private school options throughout the area.

I-95 and Route 1 (Boston Post Road) run through town. A local transit system, Estuary Transit District, takes you to area destinations in the center of town and to the neighboring towns of Old Saybrook, Clinton and Madison. Westbrook is just 6 miles from Route 9 and 54 minutes from Bradley International Airport. Amtrak provides service to New York and Boston in the adjoining town of Old Saybrook.

Westbrook is known for its beaches. The largest, West Beach offers seasonal supervised swimming and is fully equipped with changing rooms, concessions, a stone pier and ample parking. There are private charter boat companies based in Westbrook offering party cruises and fishing tours.

There are many town sponsored programs available, from archery to yoga, through the Westbrook Recreation Department. The Senior Center offers  social and wellness programs that cater to the town’s population of retirees.

Westbrook is also home to Water's Edge, a large waterfront resort and spa that offers fine waterside dining and a regular calendar of events including live music and standup comedy shows.

Freshwater fishing is available at both Chapmans and Messerschmidt Ponds. Closer to town you will find the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a 70 mile coastal preserve of salt marshes and islands that protect endangered species. Paddling on the Menunketesuck River provides a magnificent view of the Salt Meadow Unit, recognized for having some of the best bird watching in the region.

Westbrook is also a well known shopping destination. Westbrook Outlets is made up of 40 brand name stores and Clinton Premium Outlets, with 70 stores, is just 7 miles south.