Located along the western bank of the majestic Connecticut River, Middletown is located 15 miles south of the state capitol (Hartford) and is brimming with New England charm. The 42-square-mile city is a unique mix of rural estates, quaint suburban streets and a lively downtown. Located along scenic Route 9, it provides easy access to Interstate 91 and Interstate 95 and offers a 30-mile straight shoot up to Bradley International Airport. With a population of about 48,000, Middletown is home to Wesleyan University, which sits just up the hill from downtown.
With about 3,000 university students frequenting the downtown area, Middletown is seen as somewhat of a college town. More young and accomplished professionals are settling here and the education level of Middletown citizens is very high compared to the national average amongst cities. About 35 percent of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. Middletown is also part of the ‘knowledge corridor,’ known for its high concentration of colleges and universities. The corridor features the second-highest number of higher learning institutions (29) in New England (behind Greater Boston). Many people living in Middletown work in office and administrative support, as well as computers and math.
As part of the Connecticut River Valley, Middletown is full of history, culture and charm. Originally a sailing port and trading center in the 18th and 19th centuries, it then became an industrial and commercial center. Today it is largely residential with a historic downtown and lots of large city parks and open spaces. Wadsworth Falls State Park features a series of marked trails covering 285 acres and is bypassed by the Coginchaug River, a tributary of the Connecticut River. A hiking trail leads to a small brown bridge near the 30-foot high falls. Higby Mountain is also in town and at 892 feet high is known for its high cliff faces and rugged topography. A plaque embedded in Memorial Boulder beside Riverside Cemetery contains the names of the first 23 English settlers and the 13 Native Americans who granted the town land.
Downtown has a high concentration of popular shops, restaurants and entertainment. The Buttonwood Tree—a non-profit performing arts space on the north end of Main Street—is a popular hotspot and helped the town garner a reputation as a top small arts town in the country. Main Street is also lined with a mix of restaurants for varying culinary tastes, including Indian, Asian, Tibetan and Caribbean cuisine. If you have a taste for history, visit the Alsop House on High Street, which was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2009. The stately mansion, surrounded by a high iron fence, faces east towards the Connecticut River and characterizes the elegance and high-style of Middletown in the 19th century.
