Wallingford's (dubious) claim to fame is that, in the 1690s, it held the last of the New England Witch Trials. Winifred King Benham and her daughter, also named Winifred, were tried three times for practicing witchcraft. Although they were found innocent each time, they were eventually forced to leave Wallingford and relocate to Staten Island, New York.
Wallingford is a charming New England town in New Haven County located at the mid-point of Connecticut state and convenient to both Connecticut Interstate-91 and Connecticut Route 15. It is also the half-way point between New York City and Boston. As such, it is a great commuter location. Metro North Railroad provides service to both New York and Boston and other points north and south. The train station was built in the late 1800s, during President Grant's administration. It is known for its architecture and is one of the few remaining train stations built during that period. New Haven, with its many museums, theaters, and concerts is only a 20 minute drive, and Hartford, the capital of Connecticut is only 30. You can get to Bradley International Airport in 40 minutes.
Moving to Wallingford
Studios and one bedroom apartments for rent are in good supply, as are condos and houses rentals. You should be prepared to pay your first month's rent and a security deposit in advance. Some properties will also require that you pay the last month's rent, too. You can also expect to be asked for a credit check and proof of employment. While there are apts and condos for rent in every section of Wallingford, when you move away from the town center, you will find fewer apartments and more single family homes for rent in Wallingford. The greatest number of studios and 1-bedroom apartments are located in the town center.
The Neighborhoods of Wallingford
A historic mainstay of New England gentility, this Yankee Nutmeg State is spread out to take advantage of Connecticut's gorgeous scenery and suburban leanings. Most of the main areas of town are oriented around its center, though potential movers should be open to searches beyond this as long as it is kept in mind that it will be more difficult to find apartments the further out one goes.
Wallingford Center: By far, Wallingford's busiest area is Wallingford Center. Home to banks, shops and restaurants, Center Street is Wallingford's bustling main thoroughfare. Apartments in this section of town are mainly studios and one and two bedroom apartments, although you can also find some larger apartments and house rentals here, too. Many of the apartments are located in renovated buildings, including several older Victorian homes that have been divided into apartments.
Church Street: This area is also located in Wallingford Center, but it is quieter, less commercial and has a mix of condos and single family homes.
Simpson Court: Covers several blocks along North and South Main Street. A major reconstruction plan has turned this area into a unique Victorian setting with lights, benches, shrubs and brick walkways. The Paul Mellon Art Center is home to Wallingford's very own symphony orchestra. The orchestra performs throughout the year and the building also houses a fine art collection.
Wallingford has several buildings and locations that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including the Nehemiah Royce House. George Washington visited here in 1775 and again in 1789. If you are a history buff, visit the Center Street Cemetery, final resting place of Lyman Hall, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Moses Hale Beach and founder of the Associated Press. Many of Wallingford's early settlers are buried there, starting as far back as 1673. The internationally known Choate Rosemary Hall School is also located in Wallingford Center. Famous grads include John F. Kennedy, Michael Douglas and Adlai Stevenson.
Archie Moore's Restaurant (which first introduced Buffalo Wings to Connecticut) is located on North Main Street. It has a great old-time ambiance and in good weather, you can dine at the sidewalk cafe. J. Christian's Restaurant is located nearby. Housed in a renovated 1920s bank, it is an elegant setting that offers southern fare, including grits and fried green tomatoes. The Half Moon Grille on Main Street is a casual restaurant offering Italian cuisine.
Life in Wallingford
Off Interstate-91, you will find several large corporate parks. High tech, medical, software development and biotechnology are well represented. Over 2,300 companies now call Wallingford home. In the areas surrounding the parks, you can many find condos and house rentals.
Also off I-91, is the Gouveia Vineyards. Located on 32 acres, the vineyard grounds provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding Connecticut countryside. You can have lunch by the pond or next to the winery's stone fireplace in the wine tasting room. Gouveia grows several types of grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. There is live entertainment on Saturday afternoons. You can also spend a quiet afternoon in nearby Wharton Brook State Park. This small, 96-acre park has swimming and picnic areas and is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
The Toyota Oakdale Theater is located a stone's throw from CT-15. It was originally built in 1954 as a summer-stock theater. In the '60's, it started hosting open-air concerts every summer featuring musical performers like Paul Anka and The Who. The present day 4,600-seat structure was completed in 1996, and since then, it has hosted concerts, Broadway musicals and children's entertainment programs. Everyone from Barney to Brittany has performed there, and in 2014, Hall and Oates, Ringo Starr and Gavin Degraw will be appearing.
Although the witches are no longer present in Wallingford, every October, Wallingford is home to the Trail of Terror, an outdoor experience featuring monsters, scary props and hundreds of costumed actors that provide a frighteningly-good time. The event is well known and the lines are long, so be prepared to wait.
Wallingford is a beautiful town with a near perfect location if you work in Connecticut or if your work frequently takes you to New York City and Boston. No matter what type of apartment, house or condo you are looking to rent, you will find that Wallingford has something for everyone.
