Waterford

About Waterford

Tucked along the southeastern Connecticut shoreline where the Thames River meets Long Island Sound, Waterford is a coastal gem that balances quiet residential charm with genuine natural beauty. It's the kind of town where you can catch a world-class performance, walk a windswept bluff, and grab a lobster roll all in the same afternoon — a rare combination that keeps residents fiercely loyal.

What to Know

• Harkness Memorial State Park is a crown jewel of the Connecticut state park system — a stunning 230-acre estate with a Gilded Age mansion, formal gardens, and sweeping Sound views that draw visitors year-round.
• Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in nearby Waterford is a nationally renowned incubator for new American theater, launching countless Broadway-bound plays and the careers of major playwrights.
• Millstone Nuclear Power Station, situated on a rocky peninsula in town, is Connecticut's only operating nuclear power plant and a significant regional energy anchor.
• The town is home to Waterford High School, known for strong academics and athletics within the local school district.
• Waterford's coastline includes multiple beaches and boat launches, making it a favorite for kayakers, sailors, and anyone who simply wants to watch the sun set over the Sound.

History

Waterford was carved out of New London and incorporated as its own town in 1801, though European settlement of the area dates back to the mid-1600s. Its coastal position made it historically important for fishing and maritime trade, and the landscape still carries echoes of that seafaring heritage.

Community & Living

Waterford strikes a comfortable balance between suburban ease and coastal character — close enough to New London and Norwich for work and city amenities, yet distinctly its own place with open land, tidal inlets, and a strong sense of community pride. Residents tend to love the proximity to the water, the accessibility of open space, and the town's unpretentious, grounded personality.