Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Old Lyme, CT
Considering a move to Old Lyme, CT? This charming coastal town of 7,400 offers a tranquil lifestyle with a median home price of $520,000 and monthly rents averaging $1,520. Residents enjoy low crime rates, excellent public schools, and beautiful natural surroundings. With a short average commute of 28 minutes, a highly educated community, and easy access to quality healthcare, Old Lyme is perfect for those seeking New England charm and a high quality of life.
Demographics - Old Lyme, CT
Demographics - Old Lyme, CT
Old Lyme is a small coastal town with a population of about 7,400, characterized by a mature median age of 53.2 and a predominantly White demographic. The community is relatively low-density, with about 320 residents per square mile, and a balanced gender ratio. Around 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a primarily English-speaking population.
Population:
7,400
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Old Lyme, CT?
Living in Old Lyme comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $520,000 and rents typically around $1,520 per month. The cost of essentials like groceries, housing, and utilities is above the national average, making it an upscale choice for those seeking New England living. Residents should also factor in Connecticut's state income tax rates ranging from 3% to nearly 7%.
Median House Value:
$520,000
Gross Rent:
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.5
Grocery:
110.4
Housing:
140.2
Utilities:
117.7
Transportation:
124.5
Health Care:
112.2
Miscellaneous:
108.9
Crime
Is Old Lyme, CT a safe place to live?
Old Lyme is considered a very safe community, with a low violent crime rate of just 55 incidents per 100,000 people and a low chance of property crime. Residents enjoy peace of mind, as the chance of experiencing any violent crime is just 1 in 1,818. The overall crime index remains well below national averages, making it an attractive place for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
55
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
905
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,818
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 117
Weather
What is the weather like in Old Lyme, CT year-round?
Residents of Old Lyme experience all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 82°F and winters that dip to 22°F. The town receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of its days. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate both beach weather and the beauty of changing seasons.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Old Lyme is home to a well-educated and affluent community, with median household incomes around $102,700 and a poverty rate of just over 4%. Nearly 98% of adults have completed high school, and almost 60% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area is family-friendly, with a low unemployment rate and a typical commute of under 28 minutes.
Median Income:
$51,200
Household Income:
$102,700
Family Income:
$121,300
Per Capita Income:
$58,600
Income Male:
$63,100
Income Female:
$44,700
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$1,520
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.9%
Bachelors or More:
59.8%
Education
How are the schools in Old Lyme, CT?
Old Lyme offers excellent educational opportunities, featuring public schools with low student-teacher ratios and high graduation rates. Nearby private schools and colleges, such as Connecticut College and Mitchell College, provide further options within a short drive. The town's commitment to education supports a family-friendly environment and lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Lyme-Old Lyme High School
Street:
69 Lyme St
Phone:
860-434-1651
Students:
465
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Name:
Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School
Street:
53 Lyme St
Phone:
860-434-2568
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.8

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

Colleges
Name:
Connecticut College
City:
New London
State:
CT
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Mitchell College
City:
New London
State:
CT
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
700
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with nearby hospitals such as Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center offering emergency services. The town boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 96% and a strong physician-to-population ratio. This ensures that quality medical care is readily available for Old Lyme locals.

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:
Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center
Address:
250 Flat Rock Pl, Westbrook, CT 06498
Phone:
(860) 358-3700
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Old Lyme, CT?
Old Lyme's housing market is strong, with a median home price of $520,000 and high owner occupancy at over 85%. Rental options are limited but stable, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,520 and a low vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, indicating a robust and desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Old Lyme residents are served by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Wethersfield. Services such as licensing, registration, and vehicle titling can be accessed online or in person. The DMV ensures convenient access to all standard motor vehicle services for the community.
State:
Connecticut
Department:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone:
1-860-263-5700
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.