Coventry, Connecticut
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Coventry is a town located in Tolland County, Connecticut. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 11,504. The birthplace of Capt. Nathan Hale, Coventry is home to the Nathan Hale Homestead (http://ursamajor.hartnet.org/als/nathanhale/), which is now a museum open to the public.
Coventry was incorporated in May, 1712.
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Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 99.4 km² (38.4 mi²). 97.7 km² (37.7 mi²) of it is land and 1.7 km² (0.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.67% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 11,504 people, 4,261 households, and 3,191 families residing in the town. The population density is 117.8/km² (305.0/mi²). There are 4,486 housing units at an average density of 45.9/km² (118.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.95% White, 0.57% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.72% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 4,261 households out of which 37.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% are married couples living together, 7.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% are non-families. 18.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.69 and the average family size is 3.09.
In the town the population is spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 100.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $64,680, and the median income for a family is $72,674. Males have a median income of $48,164 versus $36,514 for females. The per capita income for the town is $27,143. 3.7% of the population and 2.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 2.9% of those under the age of 18 and 3.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Micellaneous Information
Geographically, the population of Coventry is centered around two areas: North Coventry and South Coventry. The residents of the town, most especially those in high school, are clearly divided and classified as being from either North or South Coventry. Residents from either area will never admit to the other part being better, so it would be wise not to claim such in opposite areas.
The old center of the town is in South Coventry, near the intersection of State Route 31 (Main Street) and State Route 275 (Stonehouse Road). In the 19th century, there was a small industrial center including mills powered by the water from Coventry Lake Brook as it flowed towards the Willimantic River. Only one factory, that of the American Thread Company, was still in business as of the turn of the 21st century. The center of South Coventry also includes several Victorian houses, a museum, the main branch of the public library, and the Bidwell Tavern, a restaurant that dates back to the time of the American Revolution.
North Coventry's settlement is less dense, and its housing and businesses are of more recent construction. In the 18th century, this section of the town was largely used for dairy and vegetable farming. As the United States expanded westward, many farming families left the rocky fields of Connecticut for the more fertile land of the Ohio River valley. Most of the farms in North Coventry were abandoned, and the land reclaimed by second-growth forest. In the 1960s and 1970s, tract housing developments were built on some of this land, mainly raised ranch houses on one acre (4,000 m²) lots. Development slowed from the mid-1970s through the 1990s, but several new developments were constructed in North Coventry after 1990. These tend to feature larger houses on two acre (8,000 m²) lots.
The center of North Coventry is at the intersection of Main Street and US Route 44 (officially Boston Turnpike, but usually referred to simply as "Route 44" by the residents). Near this intersection are two shopping plazas. The first one contains a large "Highland Park" market. One can buy most any types of common foodstuffs here, as well as freshly baked bread in the morning. This plaza also contains a package store, a coffee shop, a movie rental, and a bank. The second plaza also has a bank, as well as a CVS and a Dunkin' Doughnuts.
Further down the road the CVS is nearest to is a dangerous intersection at the top of a hill, proceed with caution.
- Coventry Lake (also known as Wangumbaug lake) is a fairly large lake with multiple beaches. The lake is fed by springs, and has one natural outlet, known as Coventry Lake Brook. The brook flows towards South Coventry center and ultimately into the Willimantic River. The lake tends to be on the dirtier side, dead fish on the shore every once in a while, as well as water-weed and other pieces of trash. It would be advisable not to swim here during the summer. Occasionally during the winter months the lake will freeze over and the residents on the lake will ice fish or skate around on the ice. This event is rare, however.
Snow can be extremely dangerous or debilitating during the winter months, as most roads other than the major routes are ploughed later on. It would be wise to have a vehicle that is good in the snow if you're planning on living/staying in Coventry during the winter months.
Once or twice a year is an event entitled 'Coventryfest' that occurs in the southern regions of coventry on the lake. Most agree this festival is overrated and better for younger kids than older.
External link
- Coventry, CT (http://www.coventryct.org/) - official websitede:Coventry (Connecticut)