Durham, CT

Small-town farm country in the heart of Central CT

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About Durham

Durham is a small, rural town in northern Middlesex County, roughly halfway between New Haven and Hartford. It’s known for working farms, open space, a historic Main Street lined with colonial-era homes, and the Durham Fair every fall.

Quick Facts

  • Population: 7,152 (2020 U.S. Census)

  • County: Middlesex

  • School district: Regional School District 13 (shared with Middlefield)

  • Getting around: Routes 17, 68 and 79, with quick access to I-91

  • Setting: rural and residential, with farms, historic homes and larger lots

Restaurants

  • Time Out Taverne: a longtime local favorite for casual American food

  • Hard Hat Tavern: laid-back pub fare and drinks

  • Carmine’s Pizza & Italian Take Out: pizza and Italian classics to go

Shops

  • The Durham Market: the hometown grocery on Main Street, with a deli, fresh-baked bread and local products

  • Durham Farmers’ Market: local produce, meats, cheeses, breads and flowers, with a craft market in peak season

  • Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel: pick-your-own fruit, pies and a farm store, just over the line in Middlefield

Things To Do

  • The Durham Fair: the largest volunteer-run agricultural fair in New England, held every fall

  • Hike the Mattabesett Trail, part of the New England National Scenic Trail

  • Explore Coginchaug Cave, a local hiking landmark

  • Stroll the Main Street Historic District

  • Golf and pick apples at Lyman Orchards in neighboring Middlefield

Thinking about buying or selling in Durham? Let’s talk.

For more town data, see the U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts and EdSight, the state’s school data site. Local business listings are my personal recommendations, not paid endorsements; please check hours before visiting.