Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East Lyme, CT
Considering a move to East Lyme, CT? Home to around 18,700 residents, this coastal town offers a relaxed pace, safe neighborhoods (violent crime just 98 per 100k), and a strong community feel. With median home prices near $415,000 and average rents about $1,450, the cost of living is moderate for Connecticut. Top-rated public schools, a high percentage of college grads, and quick 25-minute commutes make East Lyme especially attractive for families. Enjoy 56% sunny days and easy access to both nature and amenities.
Demographics - East Lyme, CT
Demographics - East Lyme, CT
East Lyme is a predominantly White community of approximately 18,700 residents, with a median age of 48.1 and a slightly higher female population. The area is moderately dense at 660 people per square mile, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The population reflects a mature, settled community with a strong local identity.
Population:
18,693
Density:
660 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.7%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East Lyme, CT?
East Lyme’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $415,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,450. Monthly homeowner expenses with a mortgage average $2,250, and utility costs and state taxes are moderate for the region. Overall, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with a cost of living index of 116.
Median House Value:
$415,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$790
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
116
Grocery:
110
Housing:
121
Utilities:
115
Transportation:
108
Health Care:
105
Miscellaneous:
104
Crime
Is East Lyme, CT a safe place to live?
East Lyme offers a safe living environment, with a low violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,050 per 100,000 residents. The odds of experiencing violent crime are just 1 in 1,020, making it an appealing choice for families and those seeking peace of mind. The community's overall crime index reflects a secure and well-maintained town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,148
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in East Lyme, CT year-round?
Residents of East Lyme enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 82°F and chilly winters dipping to 23°F. The town receives around 48 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine about 56% of the year. This coastal Connecticut location offers a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
East Lyme residents benefit from strong household and family incomes, with the median household income at $102,300 and a low poverty rate of 5.2%. Education levels are high, as 95.4% have completed high school or higher and nearly half hold a bachelor’s degree or more. The average commute time is about 25 minutes, and unemployment is relatively low at 3.8%.
Median Income:
$48,800
Household Income:
$102,300
Family Income:
$115,400
Per Capita Income:
$51,200
Income Male:
$54,900
Income Female:
$44,200
Poverty Rate:
5.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
25.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
47.8%
Education
How are the schools in East Lyme, CT?
East Lyme offers excellent educational opportunities, featuring well-regarded public schools with small class sizes, such as East Lyme High School and Middle School. Families also have access to private institutions and nearby colleges, including Mitchell College and Connecticut College just minutes away. The area’s strong emphasis on education is reflected in the high percentage of college-educated residents.

Public Schools
Name:
East Lyme High School
Street:
30 Chesterfield Rd
Phone:
860-739-6946
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
East Lyme Middle School
Street:
31 Society Rd
Phone:
860-739-8267
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8

Private Schools
Name:
The Williams School
Street:
182 Mohegan Ave, New London
Phone:
860-443-5333
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Mitchell College
City:
New London
State:
CT
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
550
Name:
Connecticut College
City:
New London
State:
CT
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is excellent in East Lyme, with two major hospitals nearby and 95.7% of residents covered by health insurance. The area boasts 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely care for most medical needs. Healthcare services are rated favorably, supporting the well-being of the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
Address:
365 Montauk Ave, New London, CT 06320
Phone:
(860) 442-0711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Backus Hospital
Address:
326 Washington St, Norwich, CT 06360
Phone:
(860) 889-8331
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East Lyme, CT?
The East Lyme housing market is robust, with a median home price of $415,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 80.1%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year, and the rental vacancy rate remains low at 4.1%. The combination of stable prices and strong demand makes this market attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 60 State Street in Wethersfield. Services and resources are easily accessible via the DMV’s website or by phone. This ensures convenient support for all driver and vehicle documentation in the state.
State:
Connecticut
Department:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone:
1-800-842-8222
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.