Bethel

Known for its historic downtown which could be mistaken for the set of a classic movie, Bethel is a small New England town with a big personality. Bethel’s population is approximately 19,000. Sitting just between Danbury and Newtown, Bethel is close to I-84, providing convenient access to New York City, as well as Hartford and cities and states north of Connecticut. Bethel’s accessibility is even more enhanced by its centrally located train station on the Danbury Branch of Metro-North’s New Haven Line.

Bethel’s quaint shops and well-rated restaurants make the town a popular destination for visitors. One might enjoy a walk down Greenwood Avenue past the historic Opera House, library and town monuments, and stop to browse for used books or eat an ice cream under the big clock. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking Bethel’s Huntington State Park and the Tarrywile Park and Mansion. Several movies were actually filmed in Bethel, including both The Entrepreneurs and Revolutionary Road in 2008.

Bethel was first settled around 1700 as part of Danbury and its oldest historical houses were built in the 1730’s and 1740’s. Bethel’s Historic District on Greenwood Avenue and other historic homes are well maintained and quite impressive. Bethel is famous for being the birthplace of P.T. Barnum. From the late 1700’s until the early 20th century, Bethel hosted a thriving hat-making industry.

Homes in Bethel are reasonably priced for Fairfield County. Its train station and access to I-84 provide exceptional connectivity for those looking to live in a beautiful New England town, while commuting to Stamford, Greenwich, New York, or New Jersey.

Schools

The Bethel School System includes three elementary schools (R.M.T Johnson, Anna H. Rockwell and Frank A. Berry) as well as Bethel Middle School and Bethel High School.

Learn more about the town of Bethel:

• Town of Bethel
• Map
• Schools
• Bethel Public Library
• Bethel Chamber of Commerce
• Bethel Historical Society