30 Best Places to Live in Connecticut

Best places to live in Connecticut. Connecticut is one of the oldest states in the United States, having been founded in 1788. The state has a rich past, and each city has its own historical significance. There’s a good chance you’ll enjoy all seasons there.

Connecticut Cities and Towns

Connecticut cities. There are a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, ranging from floral meadows and sandy beaches to ski slopes and foliage-covered pathways.

Connecticut is a small state, measuring over 70 miles north to south and 110 miles east to west. Downtown area.

It earns a reputation as one of the most attractive states in the US thanks to its flourishing arts and cultural scene, acres of densely forested hiking trails, and stunning Connecticut gold coast.

The only struggle you will have is choosing which of its many excellent towns, cities, and neighborhoods to live in.

Best Places to Live in Connecticut

Whether you are thinking of packing your weekend for a few days of suburban splendor or you’re ready to make a move, here is a list of the 17 very best places to see when you visit Connecticut.

1. Simsbury

One of the best places to live in Connecticut is Simsbury. It lies on the outskirts of Connecticut’s state capital, Hartford. Raising a family.

Simsbury is home to 23,844 people, and there are several neighborhoods in the area, most of which are classic New England-style homes.

It’s fairly expensive to live here as the median home value in Simsbury is $383,092. So, be prepared to invest should you choose to call Simsbury home.

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2. New Canaan

New Canaan is the second greatest town in Connecticut on our list of the top towns in Connecticut. Despite its being within Connecticut’s borders, New Canaan is considered a New York City suburb.

The only reason the city didn’t come in first is that practically every property comes with a seven-figure price tag the average home price in New Canaan is $1,332,000.

The city’s school system is valued, and most New Canaan citizens can find jobs that allow them to live comfortably.

3. Westport

Another one of the best places to live in Connecticut is the city of Westport.

If buying a 3-bedroom family house for a hefty price of around $1,152,100 brings a tear to your eye, you may need to think twice about buying a home in Westport. Real estate.

As with some of the other cities in Connecticut, Westport has a high cost of living.

Westport, like New Caanan, is considered a New York City suburb. The city has some of the best schools in the state, and it is also one of the cleanest.

You’ll also find that the neighbors are pleasant and that career options are plentiful. Indeed, the work market is so good that most people may expect to earn roughly $181,360 each year.

There is also a flourishing community art and theatre culture, not to mention the city’s closeness to New York City. Westport has all of the conveniences of New York City while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

4. Weatogue

Weatogue is one of the smallest towns in Connecticut with only 2,935 residents.  Weatogue also has some of Connecticut’s best schools and several beautiful parks. 

The town also has a very low crime rate. Weatogue’s streets are popular sites for festivals all year long, such as music festivals, fairs, and parades.

You’ll also find friendly neighbors in Weatogue, and it’s the epitome of a small-town vibe.

5. Southport

Southport is also a small town, with a population of only 1,687 people. But that doesn’t stop it from becoming one of Connecticut’s loveliest towns.

The job market in Southport is thriving. The median household income is actually $200,139.

The community prides itself on the quality of its public schools, which are among the best in the state. In addition, Southport develops a strong sense of community.

The town’s abundance of parks makes it an excellent place to live, with shops and restaurants conveniently positioned near neighborhoods.

6. Avon

Avon, near Simsbury, West Hartford, and Collinsville, is one of Connecticut’s most beautiful communities. Avon, with a population of 18,381, is not one of the state’s largest cities, but it is attractive all the same.

The average property price in Avon is $378,000, but when you consider all of the benefits that come with living in the city, it’s a steal. The crime rate is almost non-existent. The town of Avon also has a good school system.

7. West Hartford

The city of West Hartford has a vast population of 63,000 residents, and there’s something in the city for everyone to enjoy.

The city has some of the best schools, outstanding restaurants and bars, and affordable retail shops. The crime rate is low, and most households earn a median income of $90,000.

8. Old Greenwich

If you are looking to make a move to Old Greenwich, bear in  The median home value in Old Greenwich is $2,166,661.

The town is a very affluent area; the median monthly rent is $2,477.  The average household income is around $207,000 a year.

Old Greenwich is a perfect place to raise your family because it’s clean and safe. The town is also close to the es such as Fords Beach, Greenwich Point Beach. It is known for its serene and quiet ambiance, so it’s worth every penny.

9. Weston

Weston is only second to Weatogue in terms of affordability. It’s also a well-known NYC suburb.

If you work in New York City but can’t afford to live there, Weston is an excellent choice because it’s close to the city.

Weston has a population of 10,373 individuals, with the majority of them commuting to NYC on a regular basis.

Having said that, there is enough of work to be had in the city.

Weston is known for its low crime rate, making it one of Connecticut’s safest suburbs. A household’s average annual income is $217,171.

10. Riverside

When it comes to the best towns in Connecticut, Riverside is also on the list. It’s a safe place to raise children, and the schools are among some of the highest-rated in the country.

The average home value is $1,262,400, and the average median income is $193,194, which is one of the highest in the state.

11. Mansfield

The median home value in Mansfield is just $233,100, a bargain compared to other Connecticut homes.

In addition, Mansfield offers such as top-rated schools, family-orientated communities, a library, several parks, and outdoor green spaces.

12. Cos Cob

Cos Cob is located close to Connecticut’s coast. Though Cos Cob is a suburb of Greenwich, it’s a small town on its own. Almost 6,400 people live in this neighborhood, and it has a very cozy and welcoming vibe.

What makes it even more special is the affordability factor. Unlike other suburbs close to NYC, the median home value in Cos Cob is around $900,000.

The best thing is that there is enough supply to meet the housing demand. The schools in this suburb are also high quality.

13. Darien

Darien is home to 21,392 residents. It also lies on Connecticut’s coast, close to NYC.  As a result, residents can enjoy an easy 50-minute commute to the city by New York’s public transit system.

Despite being close, Darien is fairly removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it definitely has a small-town vibe. The biggest drawback lies in its hefty home price tags.

The median home price in Darien is $1,279,900. The homes in Darien are beautiful, and most are built in classic New England styles that include spacious gardens.

But the best part is, it is a kind of lifestyle which can materialize your American dream, so to speak.

14. Fairfield

The neighborhood of Fairfield gives a village-like vibe and is one of the most affordable and best places to live in Connecticut. The average home price here is $597,900. 

Fairfield has it all: shopping venues, a stunning array of parks, beaches, and music festivals.

All these features make living a treat for the residents and the thousands of tourists that flood the area year-round. The crime rate is very low. The town is perfect for millennials, retirees, and families.

15. Newfield

If you’re looking for neighborhoods in Connecticut areas, Newfield is one of the very best on the list. The population of Newfield is 24,755 residents.

There are plenty of entertainment venues and restaurants in Newfield to keep you entertained.

  It has everything that one might look for in a city, with the exception of high-ranking schools like in neighboring cities and towns. Newfield also has a very low crime rate.

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16. Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a city that has much to offer its residents the recreational opportunities of a big city, lots of amenities, attractions, and a friendly vibe.

In addition to all of this, the schools here rank as some of the best around. The median income is $111,645, and the crime rate is very low.

17. Ridgefield

Ridgefield is a neighborhood in Fairfield County. It has a population of 25,137 residents and is more like a town despite its rural feel.

Ridgefield offers residents the best of both worlds–the amenities of a small city with a quiet country.  It is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Connecticut.

18. Greenwich

Lying just south of Stamford is the suburb of Greenwich, although being home to 62,400 people in many other parts of the world this would be considered a city all of its own.

We’re back into the exclusive New England Connecticut that we have explored a little earlier. Only house prices here are some of our dearest yet; at an average of $1,169,900.

Despite rent being $1,800 a month there is a considerable amount of people renting here, 33% of residents in fact.

Being a suburb of New York City it’s safe to assume that many of the residents here are high flying city workers.

This assumption is in part proved true when we discover that the average yearly income is $128,153. When you’re earning that kind of money, to spend nearly $2000 on rent each month is no bother at all.

19. Woodbridge

A far cry from Greenwich in terms of house price is Woodbridge.

Although at face value there is still a typical New England feel to the area, being a suburb of New Haven County of course.

In terms of median household income and median home value Woodbridge is a little closer to the national average.

The house prices here lie around the $474,500 mark and household income is $133,412; that’s triple the national average so we’re certainly still in Connecticut.

Local people note how they like the family-focused nature of the area and that there are low crime levels.

Particularly due to the fact there are quality schools and facilities for young people to enjoy, keeping them off the streets.

20. West Simsbury

West Simsbury is, as its name and proximity would suggest, very similar to Simsbury itself.

The only real difference is the high proportion of residents who live in owned homes; 93% to be exact.

With a small population of 2,466, it is a testament to how happy people are here by the fact that they own their homes and aren’t looking to move on.

With that in mind be warned that this is a highly desirable area where idealistic properties come on the market once in a blue moon so be sure to make your decision quickly should your dream home appear here in West Simsbury.

For those who have dogs or are looking to get a family dog then West Simsbury is not only a great place to raise a family but for those fury babies too; lots of parks and mapped trails to explore.

21. Cheshire, CT

Nabbing the coveted 28th spot on Money Magazine’s recent list of the top locales to live in America? Cheshire sits halfway between Hartford and New Haven.

Though there’s nothing middle-of-the-road about this community of 29,000 residents. The “bedding plant capital of Connecticut” has a sort of pastoral New England appeal.

Among its most winsome attributes: horse barns, orchards, gardens and waterfalls in Roaring Brook Park. A manageable cost of living and solid employment opportunities also make Cheshire a practical place to call home.

We dig the small-town charm paired with the fact that it’s close to not one but two major cities. On that note, if you’re craving more urban delights, why not

grab a pie from famed Frank Pepe Pizzeria in New Haven or head to Hartford for live jazz?

Places to stay before you make the move:

One Bedroom Apartment (sleeps 2): $89/night

Lakefront Cottage (sleeps 3): $115/night

22. Orange

For the sum of $385,100, you could buy a good-sized family home in Orange, a small town of 13,981 residents that has more than its few share of attractions.

Competing for attention with its great school system is a low crime rate, quiet, safe neighborhoods, a family-friendly, welcoming community.

And access to the kind of job opportunities that support the very healthy median income of $109,538.

23. Farmington

If you can stretch to the $327,900 it takes to buy a property in the delightful Hartford suburb of Farmington (or failing that, the $1,277 it’ll cost you in monthly rent), you’re in for a treat.

Crime is exceptionally low, while its rich history, beautiful homes, excellent schools, and the outstanding natural beauty of its surrounds make for a very desirable place indeed. Best places to live in Connecticut.

24. Woodbridge

Some quick facts about Woodbridge: $478,600 is what you can expect to pay for a 3-bedroom family home;

8,907 residents make up the happy, friendly community; 40% of its population has a masters degree or higher, while another 28% has a bachelor’s degree;

most households can expect a median income of $138,320; children have access to one of the best educational systems in CT.

Factor in a community farm which offers free workshops, weekly craft activities in the town center, and summer concerts on the town green. Best places to live in Connecticut.

And it’ll come as a little surprise to learn this little town is considered one of the most desirable in the state.

25. Downtown

With 12,169 residents to its name, Downtown may not be New Haven’s largest neighborhoods, but its certainty among its best. A hash mark.

Housing is supremely affordable, with a decently sized. family homecoming in at around $159,765.

The amenities are as bountiful as you’d expect of a college town, while the restaurant scene is flouring.

26. Stamford

If we asked Stamford residents just what makes their city so great, chances are we’d get a variety of responses, from the Mexican hot chocolate at Lorca to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.

Amenities aside, though (and Stamford did rank among the best in this category), Stamford excelled in several of our other criteria as well.

For example, this Fairfield County city placed highly in our ranking for a low student-teacher ratio of just 12 to 1.

A median household income 89 percent higher than the rest of the state, and a median home price of $574,900-89 percent higher than the Connecticut average, giving it an overall high score for quality of life.

With just 1,934 crimes per 100,000 people, Stamford came in as one of the safest communities in our ranking-great news for residents and commuters alike, and there are plenty of each.

After all, Stamford is home to four Fortune 500 Companies, nine Fortune 1000 Companies, and 13 Courant Companies, making it the largest financial district in the New York Metro outside of New York City.

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27. Bethel

Also located in Fairfield County, this town came in high on our list, not for Dr. Mike’s Ice Cream Shop, or even, believe it or not, the curly fries at the Sycamore Drive-In.

No, Bethel came in near the top of our list for its high number of amenities, including the ones mentioned above, and for its overall high score in quality of life.

This was mostly due to its low student-teacher ratio, just 13 to 1, and high median rent price of $1,168, which indicates the area’s desirability. What makes Bethel so desirable?

Well, the weather may have something to do with it. With an average summer temperature of 68 and an air quality score of 35, Bethel was one of our highest ranking in terms of weather.

28. Danbury

Danbury may be best known for being the home of Western Connecticut State University-or for its rich history in the hat industry.

Okay, maybe this is a less known fact, but indeed, Danbury has a rich history in the industry of making hats, and in fact, is nicknamed Hat City.

Hat trivia aside, Danbury ranked highly in our analysis for its overall rank in quality of life, mostly due to a student-teacher ratio of just 13 to 1 and some of the higher median rent and home prices in the state;

For its good score in weather; and for its high number of amenities (including, we’d imagine, many hat stores).

29. Groton

Along the Thames River in New Loudon County, this No. 7 spot on our list just sounds quainter than a British button.

It isn’t just the town’s adorable name or its location, straight out of a children’s tale, that give Groton an air of coziness and community; the numbers show it too.

For instance, Groton was ranked one of the safest places on our list, with a crime rate of just 1,576 crimes per 100,000 people.best places to live in Connecticut

It also had a student-teacher ratio of just 13 to 1, plus a short commute time of just 20 minutes. In fact, the only thing about this place that doesn’t absolutely scream “cute,” is the cost of living: 111, where the national average is 100.

30. Hartford

One hundred miles west of Boston, Hartford is easy to visit. In addition to its world-class museums, this state capital boasts a wide variety of dining and shopping options.

Plus, the beautiful 37-acre Bushnell Park is beloved by kids and adults alike, especially the carousel and unbeatable State Capitol Building views.

History seeps through the streets of Hartford. One of the oldest cities in the country, this busy spot boasts a prime location on the banks of the Connecticut River.

Back in its heyday, Hartford garnered wealth through its insurance industry, and drew famous authors to settle here.

Up your knowledge of literary culture with a visit to Mark Twain’s House & Museum, one of Hartford’s top tourist attractions, or tour Harriet Beecher Stowe’s former home in the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.

Don’t miss America’s oldest free public museum the Wadsworth Atheneum where you can check out a remarkable collection of objects. Best places to live in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions on Connecticut:

1. Ques: What are the best coastal places to live in Connecticut?

13 Best Beach Towns in Connecticut

  • Madison. View of Madison, CT from the water | Tom Mascardo / photo modified.
  • New London. Skyline of New London.
  • East Lyme. Rocky Neck State Park.
  • Old Saybrook.
  • Greenwich.
  • Stony Creek.
  • Guilford.

2. Ques: What areas of Bridgeport, CT are cool to live in?

Bridgeport is no different than any trouble urban area. Mindfulness is needed no matter where you are.
Blackrock is the most prestigious address, with the North End being second.
Along Madison Avenue, and most of the side streets is not bad, and some areas of the Brooklawn area, though they are mostly private homes and offices.
If you are savvy, you can live most anywhere, providing you have good locks, and an alarm system on your home and car.

3. Ques: What’s the cost of living like in Connecticut?

The cost of living is fair for an average citizen.

4. Ques: Is West Hartford, CT a desirable place to live?

David Dill: Yes, it has a suburban look and feel to it. Many people like it. I used to live there when I was a child.
My taste in towns are where I enjoy a more rural atmosphere but that is just my taste. Being a neighboring town of Hartford, I feel it has its short comings.
There are better towns in my eyes especially along the Connecticut shoreline.

5. Ques: What are the richest towns in Connecticut?

Darien is the wealthiest town in Connecticut. Typical annual income is $200,000.
The poorest city is Hartford. Sadly it’s also the Capital of the state. I hope this was helpful

6. Ques: What’s the most expensive town in Connecticut to buy a house?

City Average Price
Greenwich $4,130,299
Darien  $2,828,464
Westport $1,843,779
Ridgefield $1,283,146

7. Ques: What is it like to live in West Hartford, CT?

Living in West Hartford offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.
In West Hartford there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in West Hartford and residents tend to be liberal.

8. Ques: What is Groton like?

Along the Thames River in New Loudon County, this No. 7 spot on our list just sounds quainter than a British button.
It isn’t just the town’s adorable name or its location, straight out of a children’s tale, that give Groton an air of coziness and community; the numbers show it too.
For instance, Groton was ranked one of the safest places on our list, with a crime rate of just 1,576 crimes per 100,000 people.

9. Ques: What are some rural areas in Connecticut to live in?

Small Towns In Rural Connecticut That Are Downright Delightful

  • Bolton. 
  • Old Lyme. 
  • Middlebury. 
  • East Haddam.
  • Burlington. 
  • Redding. 
  • Thompson. 
  • Colebrook. 

10. Ques: What is it like to live in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s quality of life consistently ranks among the top states in the country, thanks to our highly ranked schools, our low crime rates, our healthy population and so much more.
Pristine lakes and ponds of all sizes, perfect for fishing, hiking and exploring.

In summary, these are some of the best places to live in Connecticut, but that’s not saying there aren’t more great cities in this state.

Do some research into the nicest towns in Connecticut to explore what else the state has to offer.

Feel free to share this article with friends and loved ones. leave a comment or question in the comment box below.

StudentsandScholarship Team.

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