Ledyard Real Estate Agent

Often referred to as the “Submarine Capital of the World,” Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE NLON) is the U.S. Navy’s first submarine base and remains the primary homeport for the East Coast’s fast-attack submarine fleet.

Located along the east bank of the Thames River, the base actually straddles the line between Groton and Ledyard. For someone living in Mystic or Ledyard, the base is a constant presence—not just as a military installation, but as a major economic and cultural driver for the region.

New Employees

Any new employees relocating to the area will enter a local housing market where the overall cost of living is approximately 17% higher than the national average, driven largely by elevated housing costs. Accordingly, in Groton, the median home price is $411,000, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for $1,748. In neighboring New London, the median home price is $314,000, with a one-bedroom renting for $1,661.

The Mission: “Home of the Submarine Force”

The base’s primary role is to “homeport and put submarines to sea.” It supports roughly 15 nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines (primarily Los Angeles-class and the newer Virginia-class).

• Training Excellence: Nearly every submariner in the U.S. Navy will pass through the Naval Submarine School here at some point in their career.

  Tenant Commands: It hosts over 70 tenant commands, including the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL), which studies the effects of the submarine environment on human health.

• Current Developments (April 2026)

So, the base is currently in the spotlight for a major milestone:

• USS Idaho (SSN 799) Commissioning: The future USS Idaho, a state-of-the-art Virginia-class submarine, is scheduled to be commissioned right here at the base on April 25, 2026.

  Infrastructure Upgrades: The Navy is in the midst of a significant project to replace Pier 31. This upgrade is essential to support the next generation of submarines and is slated for completion by late 2027.

  History & Local Landmarks

Originally established in 1868 as a naval yard and storage depot, it wasn’t until 1915 that the first submarines arrived.

• The “Dive Tower”: For decades, the 100-foot submarine escape training tank was a landmark of the Groton skyline. Though it was decommissioned in 1992, it remains an iconic part of local naval lore.

  USS Nautilus & The Submarine Force Museum: Located just outside the base’s main gate, this is the only submarine museum operated by the U.S. Navy. It houses the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world’s first nuclear-powered vessel.

  Community Impact

So, with over 9,500 active duty and civilian personnel, the base is one of the largest employers in Connecticut. Its presence is the reason for the strong “nautical” identity of the Mystic and Groton area, influencing everything from local businesses to the “nautical tales” shared in the community.

Given your interest in local nautical history, have you ever done a deep dive into the story of the USS Nautilus and its ties to the Electric Boat shipyard right down the river?