Best Cities to Live in Connecticut

Connecticut, located in the northeastern region of the United States, is known for its charming small towns, beautiful countryside, and proximity to major cities like Boston and New York.

With a population of just over 3.5 million people, Connecticut has many cities that offer an excellent quality of life, including the provision of great schools, cultural attractions, and a strong job market. 

So, coming up…

I will be taking a closer look at the best cities to live in Connecticut based on factors such as affordability, safety, education, and entertainment. So, sit back and enjoy a tour through one of the more pleasant cities to live in the US.

The Best Cities to Live in Connecticut

Stamford

Stamford, located in Fairfield County, is one of the largest cities in Connecticut, with a population of around 130,000 people. It is known for its diverse economy, which includes finance, technology, and healthcare.

It is also a place where you can enjoy many cultural attractions, including the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, as well as the Palace Theatre, and the Stamford Symphony Orchestra. Stamford is popular for its excellent schools, with several highly-ranked public and private institutions.

How about the commute to NYC?

Stamford is only 50 minutes away from New York City. Making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the perks of the big city, while still enjoying a quieter suburban lifestyle.

West Hartford

Located in Hartford County, West Hartford is a vibrant city hosting a disparate but inclusive group of around 63,000 people. It is also known for its excellent schools, including the highly-ranked West Hartford Public Schools. But it is more famous for its lively downtown area, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

For undergrad students…

The University of Hartford, a private university with a strong reputation in fields such as business, engineering, and the arts, is well-known, even out of state.

West Hartford has a slightly higher crime rate than Stamford, but it is still considered one of the safest cities in Connecticut and the US as a whole.

Greenwich

Greenwich is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. It is in Fairfield County and has a median household income of more than $180,000. It is renowned for its beautiful coastline, charming downtown area, and, again, excellent schools. 

In fact, the city boasts a number of top-performing public and private schools, including Greenwich High School, which U.S. News & World Report has ranked among the top 500 high schools in America. Greenwich also hosts many cultural attractions, including the Bruce Museum.

Commuting time?

Greenwich is only 45 minutes away from New York City. Making it another great option for those who want easy access to the big city.

New Haven

Within New Haven County is the vibrant city of New Haven. Around 130,000 people live here. It has a rich history, including its role as the home of Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. 

So it’s no surprise that the city boasts several cultural attractions, including the Yale University Art Gallery. There are also a number of great schools, such as the highly-ranked public charter school Amistad Academy.

Who lives here?

New Haven has an impressive economy. Major industries include healthcare, education, and finance. So there’s quite a mix of young and older students and professionals. It is also where you’ll find the New Haven Harbor, a major port. So, it’s not uncommon to see newcomers in this city, passing through for the day or the month.

Connecticut Towns of Interest

Hamden

Hamden is another town located in New Haven County, with a population of around 60,000 people. It is enjoyed by many for its scenic beauty, charming neighborhoods, and excellent quality of life.

Hamden includes several great schools, including Quinnipiac University, which is ranked among the top 100 universities in the northern region of the US. The town also has several highly-rated public and private schools, making it a great town for families with children.

Like New Haven…

The town has a great economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, and also manufacturing. But it is also where you can find Sleeping Giant State Park, a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation.

Moreover, Hamden has a lower cost of living compared to other towns in Connecticut. Making it an affordable option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of suburban living without breaking the bank.

The town also has a low crime rate, making it a lovely safe, and secure place to live.

Simsbury

Simsbury is located in Hartford County. It has a population of only around 24,000 people. Also appreciated for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills and breathtaking views of the Farmington River.

Simsbury is a great place for families…

With excellent schools and a low crime rate. The town has several top-rated public schools, including Simsbury High School.

And in addition to its natural beauty, Simsbury offers a range of recreational activities for residents, such as hiking and biking trails, parks, and golf courses. The town also has a charming downtown area filled with unique little shops and restaurants.

Simsbury is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. But it is a little over two hours from both Boston and New York City. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle while still being within relatively easy reach of major cities.

Ridgefield

Ridgefield is a charming town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. With a similar population count to Simsbury of around 25,000 people. Once again, the town is home to many top-rated public schools, including Ridgefield High School. It also has several private schools, such as the Ridgefield Academy.

This is another town known for its beauty, with tumbling hills, scenic roads, and picturesque landscapes. It has several parks and nature preserves, such as Bennett’s Pond State Park and the Hemlock Hills Open Space Preserve.

But it’s not just for nature lovers…

Ridgefield has a rich cultural scene, with several theaters, galleries, and museums. The Ridgefield Playhouse, for example, is a popular venue for concerts, plays, and all sorts of other interesting performances.

Overall, Ridgefield is a great place to live for those who want to enjoy a high quality of life, excellent school access, and a vibrant cultural scene.

All nestled within the idyllic setting of a small town.

Tips for Choosing the Best Neighborhood in Connecticut

As you can see, Connecticut has many desirable neighborhoods to choose from. As such, deciding on the perfect one for you can be a challenging task. Here are some tips to help you when making a selection:

Decide on your Priorities 

Before you start your search for the perfect neighborhood, take some time to identify your priorities. Do you value a quiet, suburban lifestyle, or do you prefer a more urban setting with access to more amenities? By defining your priorities, you can more quickly narrow down your search and find a neighborhood that best suits your needs.

Visit the Neighborhoods 

Once you have a list of potential neighborhoods, take some time to visit them in person. Walk or drive around them to get a feel for the community. Also, talk to local residents and ask them about their experiences living in the neighborhood. This will give you a more accurate sense of what it’s like to live in the area.

Community Events 

Check out local community events and see if they align with your interests. Attending events in the area before moving there can also give you a sense of the community’s vibe, and whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

Demographics 

Connecticut is a multicultural state with a variety of different neighborhoods and demographics. First, consider the neighborhood you’re interested in and its particular culture. And if it’s not what you’re used to, decide if you feel comfortable living in a community with people who have different backgrounds than you.

Local Crime Rates 

Safety is a top priority for many people when choosing a neighborhood. While all of the places we have shown you have relatively low crime statistics, you might want to check out the local crime rate specifics and determine if they align with your comfort level. You can find crime statistics on websites like NeighborhoodScout.com.

Housing Options 

Connecticut has a variety of different housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and condos. But first, consider the different types of housing in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Before even thinking about moving there. Because if they don’t meet your needs and budget, this could be an immediate deal breaker.

Future Development 

Research any planned developments in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. New developments can bring new amenities and revitalization to the area, but they can also bring about increased traffic and noise. So it really is a good idea to look into the long-term likelihood of major changes to the area, including potential construction projects and other town planning initiatives.

Walkability 

Connecticut has many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that make it easy to get around without a car. But if you are someone for whom it’s important to be able to walk everywhere and have all your regular spots within walking distance, check out the walkability of the neighborhood by actually walking around for a day.

Seasonal Changes

Connecticut experiences all four seasons, and each season can have an impact on your daily life. So, consider how the seasonal changes will affect your lifestyle and determine if you’re comfortable with them. And the ideal is obviously to be able to visit your area of interest at a few different times of the year before committing to a move.

Parking Options 

If you have a car, it’s important to consider the parking options in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Because some neighborhoods may have limited parking options, which can be highly frustrating if you own a car.

So, once again, the ideal is to actually get in your car and drive around, specifically during both peak and off-peak times. And remember, with all the top-rated schools around this part of the states, you’ll need to be prepared for at least some traffic at school start and finish times.

Local Healthcare Options 

Access to healthcare is another extremely important factor to consider when choosing your next neighborhood. Especially if there are any elderly members in your family or anyone with a chronic condition. So take the time to research the local healthcare options in the neighborhoods you’re interested in and determine if they meet your family’s long-term needs.

Distance to Family and Friends 

If you have family or friends in the area, consider the distance to their homes when choosing a neighborhood. Being close to loved ones can provide a sense of comfort and support. A crucial factor in settling down well in a new city.

 In addition, if you’re someone who enjoys socializing and being around other people, consider the social scene in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Look for neighborhoods with community events, social clubs, and other regular opportunities to meet people.

The Job Market 

If you’re planning to work in Connecticut, it’s important to assess the job market in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Research online, ask around the neighborhood, and do what you can to determine if it’s strong and sustainable.

The Commute

If you already have a job or will be attending school, it’s essential to measure the commute time to and from your destination.

Look at the different transportation options available, such as public transportation, biking, or driving. Calculate the distance and time it will take to commute and then properly determine if it’s something you’re willing to do on a regular or even daily basis.

The Amenities 

Connecticut has a lot to offer in terms of amenities, including parks, beaches, museums, and restaurants. But it’s still advisable to look into and visit local amenities in the neighborhoods you’re considering to determine if they really match your interests and needs.

For example, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you may want to choose a neighborhood that’s closer to hiking trails and parks.

The Cost of Living

Connecticut can be an expensive place to live, especially in some of the more desirable neighborhoods. So, consider the cost of living in each of the neighborhoods you’re interested in and determine what’s within your budget.

Look at factors such as housing prices, property taxes, and utilities. Commuting for work can also become one of your greatest expenses over time. Both in terms of gas and maintenance, if you’re traveling by car.

The Schools

If you have children or plan to have children, you’re going to want to determine the quality of the local schools. And although this area is full of very impressive schools, the actual school fees are something to determine to start.

So, research the school ratings in the neighborhoods you’re considering and decide if they meet your expectations. Also, talk to other parents in the area to get their feedback on the schools, as this might be one of the most accurate school reviews to go on.

Trust Your Instincts 

Most often, the decision to choose a neighborhood comes down to your instincts. If you feel generally comfortable and happy when in a neighborhood, it’s likely the right fit for you. So, trust your gut and always choose a neighborhood that feels like home.

By considering these tips, you can easily narrow down your search for the best neighborhood in Connecticut for you. Remember to take your time and thoroughly research every important aspect. After all, it will be your new home!

Now that you know a lot more about the best cities to live in Connecticut… We’ll answer a few more…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living like in Connecticut?

Connecticut is generally considered to have a rather high cost of living, with above-average housing costs being a major factor. However, this varies significantly depending on the city or town. For example, some of the smaller towns near the cities may have lower housing costs and a much lower overall cost of living compared to larger cities like Stamford or New Haven.

What is the job market like in Connecticut?

As discussed, Connecticut has a relatively strong economy with top industries, including finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

There are definitely others, though, and the best thing to do is to test the waters with local recruiting agents for your specific field. Moreover, the market can vary depending on the city or town, but overall the state has a relatively low unemployment rate compared to the average of other places in the US.

Is Connecticut a good place to raise a family?

Connecticut is generally considered to be a brilliant place to raise a family, with so many cities and towns offering excellent schools, low crime rates, and a relatively high quality of life.

However, the cost of living can be a concern for some families, especially in larger cities like Stamford or Greenwich. Plus, school fees may be higher than in other parts of the country.

Relocating to Connecticut with Kids?

If so, safety is going to be a primary concern. And if you’d like to compare the safest areas around, we have a host of guides to help you.

So, check out any US state or city, from the Safest Places to Live in Florida vs. the Safest Cities in Texas to the Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta, and back over to the Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia and more.

You can even compare Connecticut with other top desirable neighborhoods to live in the US, like these Best Neighborhoods In Long Island!

Simply search our website for your neighborhoods of interest in 2023!

Areas to avoid traveling through on the way?

We can inform you about that too! Get the latest information about the 10 Most Dangerous States in the US and also the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US. Or take a look at individual cities like the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Washington DC, or Most Dangerous Cities in Florida.

We can even help with job relocation support…

Like How Flexible Work Benefits Companies and Employees, and LinkedIn Cold Messages: How to Reach Out About a Job in Connecticut.

Ok, back to today’s US neighborhood rating guide…

Final Thoughts

Connecticut is an amazing place to live, with a variety of cities that offer a plethora of opportunities and amenities. Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle of city life or a more relaxed atmosphere, there are wonderful places to call home in the Constitution State.

Just be sure to follow my tips to find the best place to live in Connecticut for you and your family before making a commitment. But overall, we’re certain you’ll find something that works well for you and enjoy becoming a member of the rather lovely communities dotted around Connecticut.

Good luck!