There are many amazing places to live in Connecticut. It doesn’t matter whether you are a family, a professional, or a young couple looking for their first home, Connecticut has many beautiful and vibrant towns and cities to explore. There are so many places in Connecticut, that it can be hard to narrow down your next location when looking for real estate.
Connecticut is located south of New England and is the third-smallest and fourth-densely populated state in the US. Connecticut borders Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Long Island, making it a great central location. Connecticut’s population is growing year on year, with 3.6 million residents calling it home in 2020. Benefits of living in Connecticut.
Whether you are an existing resident looking for a change or you are relocating to Connecticut for the first time, here are the best places to live in Connecticut.
#1 West Hartford
A blend of suburban and urban residence, West Hartford is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. It has a diverse population, with a great range of amenities to locate yourself and raise a family. It has also become a hotspot for millennials in recent years, which may be attributed to the good house prices and the general affordability in the area. The neighborhoods are safe, the community is engaging and caring, and there are excellent public schools for all ages. There are many things you can do as a resident in your spare time, including social clubs and beautiful hikes. Located in West Hartford are some popular entertainment and activities, such as the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, Wolcott Park, Mark Twain House & Museum, The Children’s Museum, and much more.
#2 Simsbury
Simsbury is an award-winning town that is home to historic residences, farms, and beautiful open space. As one of the most charming towns in Connecticut, it is great for individuals, professionals, and families to live. There are a plethora of things you can do in the area, with many bike paths, hiking trails, eateries, and outdoor recreation activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Simsbury is also known for Connecticut’s giant tree, the Pinchot Sycamore! The economy of this small town is thriving, and it offers a great place to raise a family with its excellent public school system and natural surroundings.
#3 New Canaan
New Canaan has been labeled one of the best places to live in Connecticut due to its charm, architecture, and vibrance. New Canaan is located along the Five Mile River, which is part of the beauty of this rural town. With modern homes and high-end commercial stores, there is never a dull moment in New Canaan. If you want a location with a great reputation, and somewhere that you can enjoy in style, then this is the place for you. There are residents from all kinds of industries, and you can enjoy its cast range of retail options, dining locations, home goods, the Annual Summer Village Fair, and Sidewalk Sales. There are also some wonderful outdoor and interesting activities to explore, such as Mead Memorial Park, New Canaan Historical Society, Silvermine Arts Center, Waveny Park, the Philip Johnson Glass House, and more.
#4 Old Greenwich
Old Greenwich is a much smaller town compared to the other popular places in Connecticut to live. It sits on the waterfront, providing residents with scenic coastlands to enjoy, in addition to its colorful streets and charming villages. Old Greenwich is a very community-centered place to live, which is perfect for individuals and families looking for tight-knit and friendly neighbors they can enjoy the company of. Winding and curvy roads will lead past the residents chatting together on their front porches, modern mansions, antique homes, and colonial homes, all the way to the alluring shoreline. Not only do you have the shoreline to explore, but there is also a range of entertainment and activities you can get involved in, such as Flinn Art Gallery, Greenwich Point Park, Mianus River State Park, Babcock Preserve, and the Bruce Museum.
#5 Avon
On the border of the Talcott Mountain range, Avon is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Avon is the perfect location if you are looking for a town that is friendly, peaceful, and has great amenities. You can find excellent schools, outdoor recreation, top-rated services, attractions, businesses, shops and restaurants. The big cities are only a two-hour drive away, and you can locate any point in the state within an hour. This makes it a great place if you want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of a city, but would still benefit from access. There are two great golf courses to enjoy, the Elephant Trail, Knit & Pearls, Horse Guard State Park, and more.
#6 Bristol
Known for its strong sense of community, old amusement parks, and stunning parks, Bristol is a great place in Connecticut to live. It is an affordable city that hosts a variety of opportunities for families and young professionals. It has a low crime rate and a high-quality school system. Bristol is located close to New Haven and Hartford, which is a great balance between suburban and urban living for those who wish to have both or perhaps cannot choose. Bristol offers many things to do, such as the New England Carousel Museum and Lake Compounce.
#7 Torrington
Torrington is an affordable place to live in Connecticut, which boasts a strong school system and a vibrant art scene. The community is a close-knit one, adding to the town’s charm. There is a well-known downtown area that hosts a variety of entertainment in its restored art deco venue, the Warner Theatre. It is an appealing town to live in for people from all walks of life. It is great for those who would like to lead a life on the quiet side and enjoy what nature has to offer.
#8 New Britain
Known for its rich culture, New Britain is a perfectly diverse and affordable location to live. With its revitalization in recent years, it has become one of the best places to reside in Connecticut. It has a thriving arts scene and attractions that will keep you busy, such as the Hole in the Wall Theater and the New Britain Museum of American Art. New Britain is great for families and young professionals alike, with its affordability, low cost of living, and variety of employment opportunities.
#9 Fairfield
Fairfield is a beautiful county filled with gorgeous parks, recreational activities, and quaint small towns that prioritize safety and community. The schools in the county are excellent, which makes it perfect if you are looking to live in a place with your family or start a family. The crime rate is low, and the quality of life is rated high.
#10 New Haven County
New Haven county is a popular place in Connecticut to live. It is known for its mix of suburban and urban lifestyles, as well as its intellectual enthusiasm as it is home to Yale University, a private Ivy league research institution. With renowned historical charm and low cost of living, New Haven county is the perfect place for families, young professionals, and individuals who want to lead a high quality of life. There are many things to do in New Haven, such as exploring its culinary variety, East Rock Park, Carousel at Lighthouse Park, Edgerton Park, Yale Art Gallery, and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
Connecticut has a variety of beautiful places to live. There are many to choose from, depending on your finances, needs, and future goals. Consider these top 10 places in Connecticut when searching for your new home or relocation!
