Living in Essex, CT
Connecticut's Best Small Town. The honest, lived-in read — schools, commute, cost, neighborhoods, and what locals actually say.
Essex is repeatedly ranked one of the best small towns in America. A perfectly preserved Main Street, the Connecticut River waterfront, Essex Steam Train, and the Griswold Inn (one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country) define this picture-postcard village.
By the numbers
$575,000
Median Home
21.50
Mill Rate
A
Schools
135 min
NYC Commute
What Essex residents value
- Quintessential New England village character
- Connecticut River waterfront
- Active arts and theater scene (Ivoryton Playhouse)
- Strong sense of community and town pride
- Beautiful historic homes
Essex neighborhoods
Living in Essex: questions we get
Is Essex a good place to live in 2026?
Essex — connecticut's best small town. Commute to NYC is 135 min. Schools rate A. Median home price is around $575,000. For many buyers it's a strong fit if you want quintessential new england village character.
What's the cost of living in Essex, CT?
Median home prices in Essex run around $575,000. Property taxes are calculated at 21.50 mills × 70% of assessed value ÷ 1,000. Day-to-day costs (groceries, gas, services) are typical Connecticut levels — above the US average but below Manhattan. The full cost picture varies by housing type and household size.
What are the best neighborhoods in Essex?
Essex has well-defined neighborhoods including Essex. Each has its own vibe — see our neighborhood pages for full breakdowns.
How long is the commute from Essex to NYC?
135 min to Grand Central by Metro-North. Local trains run a bit longer. Off-peak driving is similar but Metro-North is the dominant commute pattern for Essex residents.
What are the schools like in Essex?
Essex schools rate A. Notable schools include Valley Regional High School. School quality is one of the strongest drivers of home values in Essex.
Who lives in Essex?
Population around 6,700. Residents tend to value: Quintessential New England village character; Connecticut River waterfront; Active arts and theater scene (Ivoryton Playhouse).
Looking at Essex homes?
See live MLS, get pre-MLS access, and talk to a Nomade agent who actually lives + sells in Essex.
See Essex listings