Life in Newtown, CT

Neighboring Towns of Newtown, CT

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:14:45 -0400

Neighboring Towns of Newtown, CT. We have blogged about the different sections of Newtown, CT and thought that some of you might want to know a little about the towns that border Newtown.

Newtown is the largest town in Fairfield County, CT and as such there are many neighboring towns of Newtown, CT. The Eastern border is Lake Zoar which is actually a part of the Housatonic River. On the other side of Lake Zoar is Southbury which is located in New Haven County.

To the West is Bethel. With its cobblestone sidewalks, antique street lamps and quaint storefronts and restaurants, Bethel's downtown is popular with window shoppers andm joggers alike. The newly renovated Bethel Public Library has comfortable chairs to curl up with a good book. P.T. Barnum Square honors the American showman who was born here in 1810.

Once a parish of Danbury, Bethel thrives with new construction and renovated homes in older neighborhoods on cul-de-sacs and intersecting streets. A renaissance is taking place in the village of Stony Hill with the opening of new shopping centers. The town has two industrial parks, which include headquarters for bicycle manufacturer Cannondale and battery manufacturer Duracell.

To the North is Brookfield. Wagon and stagecoach drivers used to pay tolls to travel the main roads in Brookfield, which were dotted with gristmills, sawmills, a paper mill and hat and knife factories in the 1700s. All that remains from that industrial age is the gristmill on the Still River, restored to a crafting co-op for area artisans. Nevertheless, Brookfield Center maintains its historic charm with spacious, historic homes and period architecture.

Tucked between Lake Lillinonah and Candlewood Lake, Brookfield offers the solitude of country living and the convenience of nearby major highways. Interstate 84 and Route 7 provide easy access to Stamford, Wilton and Norwalk, as well as White Plains, N.Y., and New York City. Train stations along the Metro North rail line are a 15-minute drive.

Reproduction and contemporary homes dot the countryside in Brookfield, one of the fastest growing communities in Fairfield County.

To the Southwest is Redding. The peaceful country town of Redding in the geographical center of Fairfield County has changed little in appearance since its incorporation in 1767. Residents' diligent efforts to preserve the town's New England charm and natural splendor have resulted in a choice spot for family living and picturesque surroundings.

The community carefully monitors new home construction to prevent over-development. Existing houses are set on roomy lots amidst rolling hills, open meadows and traditional New England stonewalls. A wide variety of designs and sizes meet the needs of residents, who enjoy a convenient down county or New York City commute on the Metro North Railroad, which has a station in Redding.

To the South are Easton & Monroe. Easton, one of Fairfield County's most rural towns, strives to maintain its original 18th century beauty and seclusion. The result is a completely private and tranquil setting, rich in nature and country charm.

Fruit orchards, dairy and Christmas tree farms, the historic Olde Blue Bird Inn and a classic New England village store make up Easton's limited commerce. Inn keeping, textiles, farming, milling and blacksmithing once flourished in town.

The community has limited development because Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut, the major water supplier in the area, owns large tracts of land. The water company maintains three vast reservoirs surrounded by 7,500 acres of forest. Picturesque farmhouses, early colonials and newer homes of contemporary and traditional design dot the scenic countryside.

Family neighborhoods and stately historical homes mix well in Monroe, once an entry in Forbes' "Best Places to Live" survey. A bedroom community of New York City, Monroe has a lively spirit where education, recreation and civic involvement are important to residents. It is one of the fastest growing towns in Fairfield County.

The community carefully plans its industrial districts to blend into the New England character of town, and there are a number of shopping destinations and restaurants on Route 25 in the Stepney section. The area around the Town Green on Route 111 is unspoiled, with a Town Hall and the new Edith Wheeler Memorial Library.

We hope that you have found the neighboring towns of Newtown, CT to be a helpful post. If you have any questions about Newtown's neighborhing towns, please email us.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
(203) 470-9818

New Year's Resolutions & the Spring Real Estate Market

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:20:07 -0500

Every year, prospective buyers and sellers ask us "When does the Spring real estate market begin?". Our answer is always January 2nd!

The term "Spring market" is a complete misnomer - a name that doesn't convey its true meaning. According to my calendar, Spring begins in March; however, the real estate "Spring market" begins in January.

Many sellers contact a Realtor in January about listing their home for sale in the "Spring". When we meet with them, we always ask them why do they want to wait to put their home on the market. 9 times out of 10, they respond "for the Spring market", because they believe the "Spring market" begins in March or April.

Buyers view January as the beginning of the Spring market. They want to get out there and find the right home to purchase - right away. It's a New Year - lets find our new home! In the past, we've had many buyers who want to start their new home search right after the New Year - on January 2nd!

Real estate over the holiday season is typically a slow time for real estate. In years past, January 2nd rolls around & it's been a like a BIG SWITCH was turned on. Buyers are ready to go find their new home.

Is buying or selling a home on your resolution list for the New Year? If so, email us right away to get your search underway.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com

Ride Your Horse into Newtown, CT

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:51:51 -0500

Horses are a part of life here in Newtown. It's not uncommon to see people in riding clothes (boots and all) or to see horses around town. There are many horse trails in town - some that cross privately owned land & some follow the old railroad beds. I am not a rider; however, I understand from those who do ride that the trails in Newtown are very extensive and connect into Monroe and Brookfield.

Newtown Bridle Land Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of equestrian and passive recreation trails so unique to rural character of Newtown, CT. They have been helpful when I've called seeking information about horse related "things" in town.

The Second Company Governor's Horse Guard is located in Newtown. They celebrating 200 years of history this year. Originally formed in 1808 to "attend upon and escort the Governor in times of peace and war, the 2CGHG now is part of the organized militia of the State of Connecticut, under the direction of the Governor and the National Guard. They often ride in ceremonies, but still do train. The public is always welcome to visit during regular drill hours or events.

Some of the horse facilities in town include:

Redgate Farms located at 50 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown
Astor Place Show Stables located at 50 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown
Fox Ridge Farm located at 39 Aunt Park Lane, Newtown
Rabbit Hill Farm at The Ridge Equestrian Center, 163 Papoose Hill Road, Newtown
Zoar Ridge Stables located at 5 Morgan Drive, Sandy Hook

There are many private horse properties in Newtown and Sandy Hook where one can board their horse(s). Horse riding lessons are given at different facilities and are even offered through the Parks and Recreation Program.

Email us for horse properties currently listed for sale.

The Fallacy of the Waiting Strategy to Sell Your Home

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:12:56 -0500

I recently overheard a homeowner say that his Realtor had told him to "hold off" on listing his home for sale. I really wanted to say something to this person about how wrong this was, but circumstances didn't allow. I've thought about this comment and feel that it is a really irresponsible thing for a Realtor to tell a homeowner. Think about it:

In Newtown, home prices have come down 22% off the "peak". If you purchased a home during the peak for $500,000, its value today is $390,000. Should the market continue to decline in 2009, this same home's value will be less a year from now. For example, if the real estate market declines another 6% in 2009, this same home would be worth $366,600 a year from now.

In a "normal" real estate market, home values appreciate between 2-5% a year (depending on the market). So if in 2010 and 2011 home prices increased 3% per year, the value of that home would be worth exactly what it is today!

Do I think this homeowner received good advice from his Realtor? No! What does this homeowner stand to gain by holding off on listing his home for sale? Nothing, but he will get to pay the carrying costs for the home each month in the hopes of improving his equity position in the home. It's a fallacy to hold off on listing your home for sale in this market. If you must sell your home, get it listed for sale with a good, honest Realtor at a realistic price. This will help to reduce your overall losses on the property.

Now keep in mind, the scenario above is hypothetical. Actuality could be a LOT worse.

Marriage, Divorce and Buying a Home

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:14:55 -0500

When Bob and I first started our real estate careers, older Realtors in our office gave us loads of advice. The one piece of advice that sticks in both our minds is about the three most stressful things in life:

Getting Married
Getting a Divorce
Buying a House

I've always thought there was quite a bit of truth to this as I have personally experienced #1 and #3. The stress of getting everything perfect and not forgetting someone or something when we got married just about put me over the edge. I remember when I had to order the flowers with my raging fever and ear infection, I started crying when I showed up to the florist and he wasn't there. I called my soon to be father-in-law and he helped me with selecting the flowers. It was awful.

We've owned a few homes over the years and every time we've moved, I have thought that "we've done this before - it won't be too bad this time". Wishful thinking on my part! Some unforeseen event always happens. Like when we moved from New York to Newtown, CT, we decided NOT to use a moving company. Big mistake! After 7 moving trucks ... each moving truck was large enough to move a 4 bedroom home ... we were thoroughly stressed out and exhausted. One night, we had to sneak our Rottweiler, Auggie, into a motel room for the night. In the middle of the night, he started to bark because the people in the next room made noise! LOL

OK - Getting back to real estate: Over my career as a Realtor, the list of the three most stressful things in life comes to mind often. Getting married and getting divorced are both life changing events. Many times, people need to change their home because of a life changing event. Many first time homebuyers live at home with their parents or in an apartment. When they are planning on getting married, they want a place of their own to call home. With a divorce, it is usually the separation of marrital assets that causes a home to be sold and then both parties must find a new place to live. A life changing event is stressful enough, but add selling and/or buying a house to the list and it can create a very stressful time in one's life.

How can you keep your stress level down? Depending on who you speak with, you'll get different information on how to choose a Realtor. That could be a entire blog post in itself! I do suggest that prior to choosing a Realtor, think about what you're doing, think of how you want your Realtor to help you and decide not to get on the "real estate rollercoaster". The "real estate rollercoaster" is following the highs and lows of the transaction - elation: making an offer and negotiating - not coming to terms: complete and utter devastation on not getting the home of your dreams. It's tough not to get on the real estate rollercoaster, but you can do it if you set your mind to it!

Posted by: Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com

Absorption Rate - What is it & is it important?

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:44:53 -0500

The real estate market is made up of many parts or pieces - like a puzzle. To see the whole picture, you need to look at all the separate pieces. One of the pieces is called an absorption rate. Absorption rates have been around for a long time, but over the past few years was infrequently look at. I thought I'd write a short entry on my blog to explain what this is and why it's important.

What is an absorption rate? This is a hypothetical estimate of the number of months it would take to sell the inventory of houses on the market. An absorption rate can be by town, county, state or even a neighborhood. Obviously, inventory is replenished, so it would not happen in the real world. The absorption rate is based on sales and current deposit levels. It is generally broken out by price range.

What is an absorption rate used for? When looking at absorption rates, Realtors can see what price range is moving in the given market. For instance, there may be a 3 month supply of homes in the $450,000 to $499,999 price range and a 10 month supply of homes in the $500,000 to $549,999 range. If you were going to list a home for sale, do you think it would sell quicker if it was listed at $495,900 or $509,900? Given the aforementioned absorption rates, it would take 3 times longer to sell the home if priced over $500,000.

Absorption rates are a great tool for builders. When planning a new subdivision or building a new home, the absorption rate will tell a builder what price he should build in. If homes priced between $600,000 and $650,000 are selling with a 2 month inventory supply and homes priced $700,000 to $750,000 have an inventory supply of 8 months, what price range would suggest to the builder?

In conclusion, an absorption rate is a guideline used to assist in pricing homes for sale and to gage how the real estate market is doing.

Email us for absorption rates for Newtown, CT, Danbury, CT, Brookfield, CT and Bethel, CT. These are updated every each month.

Newtown, CT Halloween 2008

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:26:06 -0500

At 60 square miles, Newtown, CT is the largest town in Fairfield County. The town is spread out over a large area and so are the kids! Over the years, Main Street has become the central place to celebrate Halloween and for trick or treaters. This year, 3,000 trick or treaters were anticipated.

Many of the homes on Main Street are highly decorated for Halloween. There are lights, pumpkins, spiders and other assorted scary things all along Main Street. I think one the best decoration is at 74 Main Street (pictured above). The spider crawls along it's web all day and there is usually a crowd out front watching. It's rumored that 2008 is the last year of the spider

This year, Bob and I spent Halloween at a friend's house on Main Street. Like last year, our friend's husband purchased a large number of pumpkins and invited friends over to help carve them. There were over 60 carved pumpkins this year - all with lights in them and they were set along the rock wall and the steps coming down to the house. People talked about which was their favorite pumpkin, how they were arranged and how pretty they were.

There were tons of different costumes this year with many repeats. I guess they these are what's popular:

Superheros: Batman, Spiderman, Superman and The Incredibles
Princesses (especially the little ones) and Pirates of all sorts
Harry Potter, Hermione and Luna Lovegood
Skeletons, hippies, Jason and Minnie Mouse

The house I spent Halloween at was heavily decorated. There was a spiderweb on the front porch, decorations on the second floor porch and many yard decorations (including the pumpkins). The photo shows the animated yard decorations. The witch was big hit with everyone. She is animated and has a wireless microphone that someone can talk through. Six different people were the witch's voice Halloween night.

The character dressed in the black and red shirt is a real person. He spent the night imitating an animated figure and then he would jump out at the people standing on the front yard and make noises at them. This set the kids off running in all directions! It was pretty funny!

Trick or treating began this year right after school with the heaviest concentration of kids being between 4:30 and 8:30 pm. The amount of candy given out at the house I was at was staggering. Homeowners are not solely responsible for providing all the candy for Halloween. People drop off bags of candy to the houses on Main Street and there are a few collection points - Town Hall being one of them.

Here are some photos of the trick or treaters - Enjoy!

Newtown, CT Holiday Festival 12/5/08 to 12/7/08

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:49:08 -0500

December 5th to December 7th is a BIG weekend in Newtown!

This year, Newtown's Holiday Festival will be held from Friday, December 5th to Sunday, December 7th! The Holiday Festival is an annual event that is the main fundraiser for Newtown Youth and Family Services (a joining of the Family Counseling Center and Newtown Youth Services). This is the Festival's 23rd year and there are many events over the weekend. Some of them include: a Festival of Trees (in the library) that are auctioned off, a Victorian Tea, performances of the Nutcracker and an original holiday play, an artisan's shop, children's activities including crafts and a gingerbread house contest (all at the town hall). On December 5th, Newtown's Christmas tree will be lit during a ceremony attended by many town residents. The roads leading to the Christmas tree will be lined with luminaries (decorative bags that candles in them).

There will be four homes on the Holiday Tour this year - all of which are located on Main Street. The Holiday Tour will be held on Sunday, December 7th. You will need to purchase tickets to see these beautiful antique homes. Below are descriptions and the addresses for each home on the tour. We will both be volunteer guides at 63 Main Street from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday.

74 Main Street, Newtown - "Hillbrow" - Home of Dorothy and Richard Mulligan:

A colonial Georgian house built about 1720. It is a fine example of pre-Revolutionary architecture that has been restored and well preserved by its current owners.

The house's deed calls it "Head of Main Street" because it is located at the top of Main Street where many of the original Newtown settlers lived. The early owners called the house "Hillbrow" because of its location on the brow of the hill. They had a granite marker engraved with "Hillbrow" included in the front steps by the rock wall.

The house has two very unusual features; the rare side-by-side beehive ovens at the rear of the huge kitchen fireplace which helps date the house, and the curved entry staircase that splits in two directions on the second level leading to the front and back halls and then continues to the third floor.

The land the house sits on was acquired by John Blackman in 1715 and was passed down through several generations of the Blackman family. In the mid 1700's the house was acquired by Ziba Blakeslee, the famous Newtown clockmaker, silversmith and bellfounder. Blakeslee is credited by some as the creator of the rooster that sits atop the original Congregational Church.

It is said that a ghost inhabits the house. He is the ghost of a main who lived in the house during the Revolutionary War when Rochambeau and his men were encamped in Newtown. After refusing to give some of the soldiers food (the owner was a British sympathizer) some of the men made the elderly owner run up and down Main Street. He died that night and has been haunting the house ever since.

63 Main Street, Newtown - Home of Chris and John Reed:

This beautiful Bungalow-style home was built in 1900 as the town library. The Beach family donated the land to the town. The cornerstone was laid on July 23, 1900 by John Francis Beach. Beach was seven generations removed from his lineal ancestor, the Reverend John Beach for whom the library was named and the first Episcopal Rector of Newtown. The library was dedicated and opened on December 11, 1900 and remained the town library until 1932 when the Cyrenius H. Booth library opened.

The house has a fieldstone foundation and upper story covered by a hip-roof with gables and an arched eave over the front door. A hearthstone in the house is said to have been original to the Caleb Baldwin house at 32 Main Street.

This home is currently owned by Chris and John Reed. Some may know John Reed from the twenty years he served as Newtown's Superintendent of Schools. The town named the Intermediate School in his honor.

51 Main Street, Newtown - Home of Lucy and Chris Sullivan:

This property was originally part of one of the 1709 home lots of Joseph Gray. The house was built in the latter part of the eighteenth century as a gable-roofed Colonial with a centered chimney. The front porch and exterior shingles probably date to the Colonial Revival period, 1900-1930.

In 1867 the house was one of two buildings, the second being 53 Main Street, owned by C. Fairman. It is believed that 53 Main was built to house the married daughter of this home's owner. The property just to the south of this one, 49 Main Street, was originally part of this homestead. The house that currently sits on that lot was moved from across the street. In the 1930's a Judge who was also a Justice of the Peace lived here. He kept his law books on the mantle in the home's dining room and there counseled residents on legal matters. The house was recently used as a two-family home until the current owners purchased it in 2000 and opened up some walls to create a single-family living space.

12 Main Street, Newtown - Home of Deborah Munday:

This beautiful seven-gabled home began its life with a holy obligation. In 1874, toward the end of its rector's lengthy tenure, the Trinity Church built the home for The Reverend Dr. Newton E. Marble. Pallister and Pallister of Bridgeport, respected architects of the era, designed this Eastlake gothic style house. The staircase is an impressive feature to the architecture. Built of Georgia pine with a newel which extends to the ceiling of the second floor, the staircase is a featured object of pride in the architects' writings.

There is a corner fireplace between the parlor and the dining room. Although many Pallister clients desired a fireplace in the center of a side wall, the architects spoke pragmatically to the infeasible economics of this idea. The architects won the debate.

The house originally had no "water closet" (i.e. lavatory facilities), but it did have a well-ventilated "earth closet" in the rear hall. Floorings boast Georgia pine also.

The current owner, Deborah Munday, purchased the house last year.

Why not visit Newtown during the Holiday Festival & get to see New England at its best?

Newtown, CT Real Estate Statistics - As of 11/20/08

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:10:03 -0500

I was going to blog about Prudential Connecticut Realty's Third Quarter Real Estate Report. The report is broken out into two sections: Single Family Homes and Condominiums. Under each section is every town along with a year over year comparison of the Days on Market, Median Sales Price, # of homes sold and the percentage change for each. It's a really informative report which you can view by clicking here.

I thought it would be fun to look at the Greater Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the town of Newtown as of today. The MLS changes contunually so this is a snapshot is time. Here goes:

As of this moment, there are 272 actively listed homes for sale in Newtown whose prices range from $49,900 for a mobile home to $1,999,000 for a Deck-Style home on 19.19 acres. Houses that are not mobile homes start at $154,900. There are seven homes that are marked as being under deposit. Ten homes are marked as pending sale - which means a contract of sale has been signed. Four homes have been sold in Newtown since November 1, 2008.

The homes that have sold so far this month are:

Property Address Sold Price Closed Date 55 Sugar Street $26,500 11/07/2008 12 Carol Ann Dr $300,000 11/19/2008 137 Great Quarter Rd $345,000 11/04/2008 12 New Lebbon Rd $440,000* 11/07/2008

*12 New Lebbon Road was a home that we had listed for sale.

Earlier today, I heard that a local attorney had three real estate closings scheduled for today. So, the numbers above will be changing.

Newtown, CT - # of Short Sales - as of 11/24/08

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:02:05 -0500

Back in September, I blogged about "Short Sale - What is It?". I think this is useful information as I frequently explain what a short sale is to both buyers and sellers. My intention at the time (although I did not mention it) was to update you from time to time about the number of short sales actively listed for sale in Newtown, CT.

There is a special code on our multiple listing service (MLS) that indicates a possible short sale. I did a search using this code and came up with the same seven houses that were listed for sale back in September. Price range is exactly the same - $299,000 to $1,355,000; however, many of the homes in the range have taken price reductions.

If you have any questions or if you'd like a list of possible short sale properties, Email us!

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818

Newtown, CT Labor Day Parade

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:52:12 -0400

Newtown, like many other small towns in America, holds a Labor Day Parade every year and town residents turn out in droves. Newtown's parade is a big event and many of the town's residents are a part of it. I have been both a spectator and a participant in Newtown' Labor Day Parade.

As a spectator, I lined up on Main Street (one of the streets along the parade route) with the thousands of other town residents. The excitement of waiting for the parade to begin is almost intoxicating. Everyone is meandering toward their parade positions while happily greeting friends and neighbors along the way. As you hear the parade coming down Main Street, the excitement continues to build. All of a sudden, the first group is before you and it's followed by the next group and then the next. An assortment of local firemen, firetrucks, floats, dogs, horses, the high school band, Scout troops, Shriners in their funny cars, Knights of Columbus and others that I've forgotten to mention pass in front of you for a glorious 2+ hours.

While watching the parade, the majority of my time is spent searching for people I know. I watch the parade and wave and cheer for those who are walking in the parade and talk to friends who pass by where I'm seated. I see people that I haven't seen in months and we exchange snippets our lives and what has happened since we last saw one another.

As a parade participant, I have marched twice in the parade - both times with my dog, Riley. We marched in support of Canine Advocates, a local non-profit that is raising money for the town's new dog pound. Riley and I arrived to the line-up location and waited for the parade to begin. Once we begin walking down Main Street, people I know yell out my name and wave to me and I wave back. Riley walks along the roadside on his leash while people of all ages pet him. Some people offer him water and treats. Some people take Riley's photo. Just about everyone tells me how cute Riley his and ask what breed dog he is. The first time we marched in the parade, Riley didn't make it to the finish line - this year, he completed the entire parade route!

Whether I have been a parade spectator or a parade participant, I am always tired when the parade is over. This year, Riley and I went home and took a long nap when we were done.

The next day at the office, the parade is the BIG topic of conversation. We all talk about who we saw at the parade. Some talk of parades in the past and some are already planning for the next parade. Newtown's Labor Day Parade is an event that brings the town together for a few hours of enjoyment. I'm already looking forward to next year's parade.

The Different Sections of Newtown, CT

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:08:56 -0400

Are you thinking of moving to Newtown, CT and would like to know more about the different sections of town? In this blog entry, we'll give you a brief desciption of each section. Here we go:

The Borough - is basically the center of town in Newtown near the flagpole. Homes in the Borough pay an extra tax (the Borough Tax) and many residents have public water and sewers.
Dodgingtown - is located along Route 302 and borders Bethel. It is rumoured that Dodgingtown received its name way because the Bethel tax collector would come to collect taxes and the residents would say they were a part of Newtown. When the Newtown tax collector came to collect the taxes, the residents would say that they were a part of Bethel. Essentially, they were dodging the tax collector.
Hattertown - is located in the Southwest section of Newtown (Hattertown Road will bring you right there). Hattertown received it's name because hat manufacturing was a big industry in Danbury and Bethel. Some hatters from Danbury relocated to Hattertown and opend up shop. The hat business in Newtown didn't last too long, but the name remains.
Huntingtown - is located in southern Newtown close to Monroe and to the the west of Route 25. Huntingtown was where the Jewish population in Newtown lived.
Botsford - is located adjacent to Huntingtown, but on the east side of Route 25. Botsford is an old Newtown name & I assume it was named for the family.
Sandy Hook - is a large section of Newtown. Sandy Hook Center is the "downtown" of Sandy Hook. Sandy Hook is where the industrial part of town was approximately 100 years ago. People who lived in Newtown proper considered Sandy Hook to be more of a working class area, as many of the workers lived within walking distance of work. These two parts of town are now on par with one another. There are many newer homes in Sandy Hook than in other parts of Newtown.
Hawleyville - is located near Exit 9 off I-84. A lot of railway lines used to pass through Hawleyville, but not any more. There is still rail service through Hawleyville, but now 2-3 trains pass through. Hawleyville is where the "teaball" was invented. This later became the teabag.
Taunton - is located south of Hawleyville - also near Exit 9. Taunton Lake has non-motorized boats on it.

There were other sections of Newtown, but you rarely hear of them now. An example is Palestine. All that is left of Palestine is a road with its name and a schoolhouse. Cedarhurst is another example. Cedarhurst is a water community located along Lake Zoar.

We hope this is helpful to you. If you have any questions about the sections of Newtown, please email us.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
(203) 470-9818

12 New Lebbon Road, Newtown, CT

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:05:13 -0400

BOB & RICHELLE WARD have this home listed for sale. SOLD 11/7/08 - $440,000

4 Bedrooms - 2.5 Bathroom - 6.41 Acres - 2,328 Square Feet - immaculate condition!

Move right in to this 4 BR, 2.5 BA Colonial on 6.41 acres. Updated EIK with granite counters & stainess steel appliances. Large Family Room with fireplace & slider to new bluestone patio. Formal Living Room & Dining Room with French Doors. Nice moldings and detailing. Master bedroom suite has dressing area and full bathroom. C/A & 2^nd floor laundry.

For more information email us!

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
(203) 470-9818

My Backyard in Newtown, CT

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:47:01 -0400

This is my backyard in Newtown, CT. Coming from Long Island, I find it fascinating! It's an odd shaped yard with wetlands at the end of it (it's a little swampy, but confined to the reeds). Beyond the reeds is open space that can never be built on. I think it's 20 acres, my husband thinks it's 50 acres. Some day, I'll go to Town Hall to find out.

My backyard has a life all its own. When my dog, Riley (the real estate dog), is outside, I see him in the backyard. He runs around and checks things out. What they are, I don't know, but he's very busy checking them out.

We have two feral cats that hang out in our yard. They look the same, but one is bigger than the other. Sometimes, they just sit in the yard - other times, they are stalking prey. They are usually in our yard together, but not close to one another. Then there is the orange cat. It used to be in our yard everyday in the later part of the afternoon. I haven't seen him in awhile. I hope he's okay.

We have deer in yard. One morning, I watched a momma deer with her two babies. The babies were frolicking in the yard. One went over near the momma who then chased it away. Ends up that momma was in the tall grasses to the right of my yard. The other deer was not the momma and she soon left my yard. The babies went over to their momma and I watched the one nurse. It was so cool. Many nights, I come home and there is a whole herd of deer in my yard. I frequently see them in the open space beyond my yard. I call them "my deer friends".

I have seen all sorts of birds in my backyard. In the morning, the crows are on the ground checking my yard for whatever they eat. I have seen many types of hawks in the air flying over my home. They circle and glide around in large circles. Every once in awhile, I see them swoop to the ground for their prey. One day, a hawk I was watching circle overhead grabbed its prey in its talons & flew to the top of neighbor's roof.

This summer, baby birds were sitting on the rail of my deck. I think they were chimney swifts (yes, I have those, too). The momma bird would fly in with food for her babies, feed one and then leave again. She did this a few times. The babies were there for hours. I didn't see them leave - I assume they flew on their own. I always wondered.

Just a few days ago, I looked out the kitchen window and saw a woodchuck back by the high reeds. He was rooting around in the yard back there looking for something to eat. I thought he was cute. This was my first sighting of a woodchuck in my yard (I've seen them near my office

I realize that blogging about my backyard might be conceived as being corny or silly, but it's a pretty amazing place. I love to watch the seasons change and the different animals who pass through it. My backyard has a life all of its own and I'm glad that it's mine.

18 Kelly Court, Newtown, CT - Just Listed

Bob and Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR (Prudential Connecticut Realty) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:46:23 -0400

BOB & RICHELLE WARD have recently sold 18 Kelly Court, Newtown, CT for $482,000

4 Bedrooms - 2.5 Bathroom - 2.17 Acres - cul de sac location

Spacious 10 room Colonial with a front porch located on 2+ acres in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown. End of cul-de-sac location. Living Room has moulding and built-ins. Eat-in-Kitchen with breakfast bar and French Door to private backyard and deck. Granite countertops. Large Family Room with fireplace, wet bar and vaulted ceiling. Master bedroom suite with tray ceiling and luxury bath with whirlpool tub. Enhanced stonework and landscaping complete the package.

Click here or go to http://www.18KellyCourt.com/ for more information on this home.

Bob & Richelle Ward, Realtors, ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
www.connecticuthomesforsale.com
Cell - (203) 470-9818