Two weeks ago I had the privilege of being interviewed for the weekly Community Showcase section of our local newspaper The New Haven Register about the real estate market in Morris Cove.
The article appeared in yesterday's newspaper and I wanted to share it with all of you. It was a wonderful experience for me and I hope I will have the opportunity to do it again in the future.
Community Showcase - Morris Cove
Published December 6, 2008
By Bernadette Blaze
New Haven Register Staff Writer
Just over the Q-Bridge on the outskirts of the city, the area know as "The Cove" has been called one of the gems of New Haven. The curving strip of coastline extends along Long Island Sound and out to the seawall and Lighthouse Point Park. With fabulous parks, charming homes, tree-lined streets, the recreational opportunities along the beach and water, this close knit community has much to offer.
"Once people move here, they stay a lifetime," says Linda DeRosa of Prudential Connecticut Realty. Donna Bigda of Re/Max Alliance agrees. "Morris Cove is tucked away in a little corner of the city, so you're close to everything but it's quiet and with such beautiful surroundings," says Bigda. "It has so much to offer for the young and old."
During the summer months the area truly shines and residents and visitors alike take advantage of the bountiful water-oriented activities. "On Fourth of July practically everyone walks down to the beach and seawall to watch the fireworks across the harbor. It's like a big party," says Bigda.
The area is best known for Lighthouse Point Park, where thousands of people come to enjoy the long sandy beach, picnic areas, playground, fishing pier and boat launch. The Splashpad is one of the park's newest attractions, featuring a series of freshwater fountains that spray and spurt water for a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day. Lighthouse Park is named for the 70-foot high tower that overlooks New Haven Harbor and is also famous for its beautiful antique 1916 carousel that is still in operation today and is a rare example of American folk art. Located just up the shoreline, others parks and historic points of interest include Fort Nathan Hale Park and Black Rock Fort. For more recreational enjoyment, East Shore Park offers walking trails, ball fields, tennis, basketball courts and bocce courts, which Derosa says is very popular. There are also private beaches as well as the New Haven Yacht Club. There are plenty more recreational opportunities available with ball fields, bike paths, tennis courts and playgrounds, including the handicapped-accessible "Hannah's dream" playground. "There are many great facilities that residents enjoy taking advantage of, " says DeRosa.
All year long, one can find residents out walking. Pardee Park, along the seawall, is one of the most popular spots and walking destination. "The neighborhoods are great for walking and everyone is so friendly," says DeRosa. "You see people out walking and it is just so easy to make friends here," adds Bigda. "You just don't see that a lot these days." DeRosa agrees. "it's an old-fashioned neighborhood - it really hasn't changed much since the 1960's and people are attracted to that."
Bigda and DeRosa also agree that there is a great sense of community among residents, highlighted by numerous holiday events that seem to bring out the entire community. The annual Halloween parade is a huge event that draws hundreds of children." the kids parade along the seawall then have costumes and prizes and cider and doughnuts at the firehouse, then go trick or treating," says DeRosa.
"The parade has been an institution for years and is sponsored by the East Shore Neighborhood Association." Bigda explains. "We handed out over 500 bags of candy! The East Egg Hunt at Fort Hale Park is another big event where everyone gets involved," she adds.
Of course, the area is particularly festive this time of the year as Lighthouse Point Park hosts the Annual Fantasy of Lights. From now through December 31st, the park is transformed into an enchanting land of spectacular holiday light displays that will amuse children and adults of all ages. Admission is $10 per car with proceeds going towards the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries.
Those venturing out to see the light displays will have a chance to take in the charming residential neighborhoods along the way. The festive atmosphere is a perfect example of the pride of ownership that is evident throughout the area. Buyers can find a wide variety of home styles and price ranges with everything from Capes, Colonials, Arts & Crafts Bungalows, Tudors and multi-family homes to historic homes and condominiums. The majority of homes were built in the 1950's and 1960's, but older homes and historic homes are scattered throughout, with some grand homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s that are filled with Old World character and charm.
"It is a very pretty area," says DeRosa. "It's a little bedroom community of well kept homes on tree-lined streets," she continued. "And everything is five minutes away - downtown New Haven, highways, shopping, even Tweed-New Haven commuter airport."
Residents don't have to go far for any need with local markets, outstanding pizzerias and eateries as well as some of the most popular wedding and banquet facilities in the area. Nearby schools include the recently renovated Fort Hale Elementary and St. Bernadette's parochial elementary school.
DeRosa and Bigda both agree that one of the most appealing factors if the affordability of homes here, especially given their close proximity to the water. Bigda explains that the average sales price of homes in the Annex area over the last six months was in the $220,000s range and in the $240,000s range in Morris Cove. "Prices have also remained pretty steady over the past 12 months," says Bigda. DeRosa says that prices for single family homes range from under $100,000 to the mid $400,00s with waterfront properties going up to the $600,000s.
"Many homes have been in the sam family for generations," says Bigda. "It's a wonderful community with so many great homes to choose from that can fit just about any budget," she adds.
Written and Posted by: Donna Bigda - REALTOR®, ABR, SRES, e-PRO RE/MAX Alliance - Branford, CT 06405 Search Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Madison, New Haven and all New Haven County Homes for Sale
