South Windsor, CT

South Windsor began as a busy tobacco farming village in the 17th century. Today, various office and retail projects, including a 1.2 million square foot outdoor shopping village, now buoy the local economy and provide jobs for residents.

Single-family homes, historic architecture and charming condominium communities are separate from the business districts. There are also age-restricted housing complexes for adults.

Public school students attend one of five elementary schools then graduate to the middle and high schools. A national youth alliance named South Windsor one of the 100 best communities for young people in 2005, noting the community’s ability to provide the resources children need to become caring and productive adults. The town has an active youth and family services council and senior center.

The recreation department promotes many activities for all ages, including an annual fishing derby, summer concert series, before and after school programs and a family film series. It also maintains parks, picnic areas, tennis courts and playgrounds, and sponsors team sports leagues. Hiking trails wind through the Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve.

South Windsor offers easy access to Interstate 91 and business centers like Hartford and Springfield.