The Town comprises 13.5 square miles in the approximate geographical center of the State. It is 14 miles south of Hartford and 28 miles northeast of New Haven. The Connecticut River forms the eastern boundary of the Town.

A major north/south highway, Interstate 91, with two Cromwell exits, runs through the Town. The Central Connecticut Expressway (Route 9), opened at the end of 1989, enhances the Town's location as it connects I-95 in Old Saybrook, I-91 in Cromwell and I-84, the State's major east/west highway in New Britain.

The Town's position as a residential community is illustrated by the fact that approximately 68% of the fiscal 1993-1994 grand list was residential. The 5.2% unemployment rate compares favorably with the area's rate of 5.7% and the State's unemployment rate of 5.4%. The Town's per capita income in 1989 was $20,518 as estimated by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

The Town provides a full range of municipal services including public safety Police Department, animal control, and civil defense), public works (roadways, building and grounds, solid waste management, engineering, motor pool and building inspections), health, sanitation, wetlands protection and zoning compliance, senior citizens, youth services, social services, recreation, library, education and schools and general government administrative services. The Cromwell Fire District provides fire, ambulance and water services.