The Best Places to Live in Connecticut – A Comprehensive Guide
For most people, the decision of where to live comes down to three things: the weather, cost of living, and safety. Connecticut has all three in spades, but some areas are better than others if you want to maximize your quality of life. That’s why we wrote this comprehensive guide on the best places to live in Connecticut. We hope this helps you figure out which cities will offer you the best combination of culture, arts, affordability, and amenities.
Best Places To Live In Connecticut
1) Cos Cob, Greenwich
If you’re looking for a wealthy and picturesque town, look no further than Cos Cob. This New England hamlet has gorgeous Victorian architecture. This charming town offers everything you could want in a community. You can explore the CT River Museum, or go hiking on one of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center trails. There’s family-friendly activities and various dining and shopping options as well.
The tree-lined streets and picturesque parks provide a lovely backdrop for everyday life. Cos Cob is a perfect choice whether you’re looking for a quiet place to raise a family or an active community to enjoy your retirement.
2) Cheshire Village, Cheshire
Nestled in the rolling hills of New Haven County is the beautiful town of Cheshire. Cheshire Village is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely day of shopping and dining with its charming shops and quaint cafes. Additionally, it’s home to several historical landmarks such as the Cheshire Academy, which was founded in 1794. Today, the Academy is a private boarding school that enrolls students from across the country and around the world.
With its rich history and beautiful setting, Cheshire Village is an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.
3) Middletown
Middletown is a historic city located in Middlesex County, Connecticut. Founded in 1651, Middletown is one of the oldest cities in the state. It has a rich history and is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Wadsworth Mansion and the Wesleyan University campus. Today, Middletown is a vibrant community with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city offers a multitude of museums, galleries, and performance venues, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
Middletown is an ideal place to live if you’re looking for a lively and culturally rich community.
4) West Hartford
West Hartford is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, and is home to the University of Hartford and New England Jewish Academy. The town is best known for its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, especially along Farmington Avenue and Park Road.
The neighborhood has a village-like feel with its shops, restaurants, and schools being in close proximity to each other. In addition to being a great place to live, West Hartford is a great place to work in. Stanley Black & Decker (New Britain), The Hartford (Hartford), Otis (Farmington), and Cigna (Bloomfield) are four fortune 500 companies that had their genesis in West Hartford. With its central location and excellent transportation options, West Hartford is an ideal place for businesses of all sizes.
5) Simsbury Center, Simsbury
Simsbury Center is the vibrant heart of Simsbury, Connecticut. Simsbury Center is a great place to spend a day in a lively downtown area with a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Steeped in history, several historic buildings and landmarks are located in Simsbury Center. Moreover, the majority of the buildings in the center of town date back to the 18th century, and many are still in use today. In addition to its historical significance, Simsbury Center is home to a number of annual events, including the town’s Fourth of July celebration and the Harvest Festival.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why Simsbury Center is such a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
6) Newington
Newington is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut and it’s home to Mill Pond Falls, the state’s largest waterfall, which is visible from the center of town. The falls are on Mill Pond, which is fed by several smaller brooks circulating through the town.
In addition, Newington has a long history dating back to the 17th century when English farmers first settled upon the land. Since then, it has been home to many different groups of people, all of whom have contributed to its unique character.
Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family or a place to retire, Newington is one of the best places to live in Connecticut.
7) Kensington, Berlin
Kensington is a neighborhood in the town of Berlin, Connecticut. It’s known for its Victorian-style homes and annual Halloween parade. Furthermore, the neighborhood is home to the Berlin Fairgrounds, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Berlin Fair.
With its convenient location and small-town charm, Kensington is a great place to live. Whether you’re looking for a quiet community to raise a family or an active lifestyle, this neighborhood has something to offer for everyone.
8) Southwood Acres, Enfield
Southwood Acres is a beautiful residential community in Enfield, Connecticut. Situated on over 200 acres of wooded land, Southwood Acres features many amenities that residents can enjoy such as a clubhouse, a swimming pool, a tennis courts, and walking trails.
Southwood Acres is an ideal place to live if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful setting.
9) Windsor Locks
Located on the Connecticut River in the Hartford metropolitan area, Windsor Locks is a charming New England town with a rich history. The first European settlers arrived here in the late 17th century, and the town was officially incorporated in 1854. Today, Windsor Locks is home to over 12,000 residents and is best known for its involvement in the aviation industry. Bradley International Airport, one of the busiest airports in New England, is located just outside of town. In addition to being a major transportation hub, Windsor Locks is home to several historic sites and attractions, including the New England Air Museum and the Connecticut Trolley Museum.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Windsor Locks is a great place to experience the history New England has to offer.
10) Branford Center, Branford
Branford Center is a vibrant, historic district in the town of Branford, Connecticut. The center of town is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and service providers. There’s lively art scenes with many galleries and performance venues. The Branford Green, a large park in the center of town, is a popular gathering place for residents and visitors alike. In addition to its charming atmosphere, the Branford Center is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation. As a result, it’s easy to get to and from Branford Center, making it one of the best places to live in Connecticut for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Connecticut?
The best time to visit Connecticut depends on your interests.
If you’re interested in outdoor activities, the best time to come is in the spring or fall. The weather is mild, and there are plenty of things to do, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
If you’re more interested in cultural attractions, the best time to come is in the summer. That’s when many of the state’s museums and historic sites are open, as well as its outdoor concerts and festivals.
What Are Some Activities To Do In Connecticut?
There is no shortage of things to do in Connecticut. Some of the most popular attractions include:
The Mark Twain House and Museum
This historic house in Hartford was the home of writer Mark Twain from 1874-1891. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to his life and work.
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
This Hartford museum is the oldest public art museum in the United States. It features a collection of European and American art and temporary exhibitions.
The Connecticut Science Center
This hands-on museum in Hartford is perfect for families with children. It has interactive exhibits on topics like space, the human body, and the environment.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Connecticut has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or science, you’ll definitely find something of interest.
Useful Tips To Know Before You Visit Connecticut
Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind before you visit Connecticut.
Connecticut is a small state, so it’s easy to get around. If you’re driving, you can explore the whole state in a day or two.
There’s many historic sites and museums. If you’re interested in history, don’t forget to visit some of these attractions.
The state is known for its seafood. You’ll find plenty of great restaurants to try and enjoy the myriad of seafood Connecticut has to offer.
Many outdoor activities are available here. If you love hiking, biking, or kayaking, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore.
So, if you are looking for the best places to live in Connecticut, be sure to check out the towns we have highlighted. They offer everything from small-town charm to big city excitement. Whether you are looking for a place to raise a family or just want to find a great place to live, Connecticut has something for everyone.
