Living in Old Lyme, CT
Artist Colony at the River's Mouth. The honest, lived-in read — schools, commute, cost, neighborhoods, and what locals actually say.
Old Lyme is a coastal town with deep American Impressionist roots — the Florence Griswold Museum was the heart of the Lyme Art Colony. Today the town combines historic charm, Connecticut River and Sound waterfront, and quiet shoreline neighborhoods like Sound View and Old Lyme Shores.
By the numbers
$535,000
Median Home
21.45
Mill Rate
A-
Schools
140 min
NYC Commute
What Old Lyme residents value
- Genuine artist-colony heritage and arts community
- Beautiful shoreline with multiple beach neighborhoods
- Lower mill rate than New Haven County shore towns
- Historic homes and active land trust preserves
- Strong sense of community and place
Old Lyme neighborhoods
Living in Old Lyme: questions we get
Is Old Lyme a good place to live in 2026?
Old Lyme — artist colony at the river's mouth. Commute to NYC is 140 min. Schools rate A-. Median home price is around $535,000. For many buyers it's a strong fit if you want genuine artist-colony heritage and arts community.
What's the cost of living in Old Lyme, CT?
Median home prices in Old Lyme run around $535,000. Property taxes are calculated at 21.45 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 Old Lyme?
Old Lyme has well-defined neighborhoods including Old Lyme. Each has its own vibe — see our neighborhood pages for full breakdowns.
How long is the commute from Old Lyme to NYC?
140 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 Old Lyme residents.
What are the schools like in Old Lyme?
Old Lyme schools rate A-. Notable schools include Lyme-Old Lyme High School. School quality is one of the strongest drivers of home values in Old Lyme.
Who lives in Old Lyme?
Population around 7,500. Residents tend to value: Genuine artist-colony heritage and arts community; Beautiful shoreline with multiple beach neighborhoods; Lower mill rate than New Haven County shore towns.
Looking at Old Lyme homes?
See live MLS, get pre-MLS access, and talk to a Nomade agent who actually lives + sells in Old Lyme.
See Old Lyme listings