Best Places to Live in Connecticut

From beautiful coastal communities along the Long Island Sound to major metropolitan areas and lively suburban neighborhoods—Connecticut has something for everyone.

The state also boasts a picturesque landscape outside its cities, with stretches of green rolling hills, breathtaking mountains, and peaceful beaches to explore. Plus, living in Connecticut gives you access to both New York City and Boston for business and day trips—although Boston would be a tough daily commute.

For weather, you’ll find that classic New England climate—four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant with mild “it’s pretty nice out” temperatures (typically hanging in the 60s both seasons) and beautiful foliage, making outdoor fun—hiking, apple picking, hayrides—popular these seasons.¹

Unfortunately, the cost of living in Connecticut is 13% higher overall than the national average, with housing and utilities topping the list.² It’s one of the most taxed states in the nation, but it’s also one of the wealthiest.^3,4 The state does have a diverse job market though, offering opportunities for professionals in top industries, such as technology, retail, health care and manufacturing.

So, if you’re ready to check out some of the best towns and cities to live in Connecticut . . . let’s do this!

West Hartford

While the state capital, Hartford, might not be the best place to live for some in Connecticut (partly due to such fierce competition), a hop, skip and a jump away you’ll find West Harford. This vibrant town offers access to everything that makes Hartford great—like an easy commute and exciting nightlife—while keeping its own unique charm and strong economy.

The presence of the University of Hartford and several major health care facilities make education and health care two of the top industries in the area. Business and finance also play big roles.⁵

And within the West Harford community, you’ll find a mix of young professionals, families and retirees.⁶ The town center is packed with local shops, restaurants, services, entertainment and more. West Hartford also hosts various festivals and community events throughout the year—be sure to mark the Celebrate West Hartford Fair on your calendar.

And don’t worry, outdoor lovers, there’s plenty to do in West Hartford for you. The town has lots of parkland, family-friendly trails, basketball and tennis courts, and golf courses, just to rattle off a few.

West Hartford also has a highly rated school system for the kiddos.⁷ Bring it all together, and you’ve got an excellent spot to call your next home.

Population	64,0888
Median Household Income	$124,1509
Median Home Value	$370,50010
Median Rent	$2,10011
Unemployment Rate	2.2%12

Milford

Milford is a close-knit community resting on the southern coast of Connecticut across from Long Island. Milford’s economy is growing, with increasing opportunities in the fields of the energy, manufacturing and technology industries.¹³

Milford residents enjoy that oh-so-special quiet New England lifestyle without sacrificing big city conveniences. In fact, Milford’s downtown area is locally known as the “Small City With a Big Heart,” which you can experience in the area’s charming shops and local eateries—like Strega, an Italian spot offering classic Italian dishes and Neapolitan pizza.¹⁴

For recreation, the Greenway System offers walkers, runners and bicyclists miles of scenic trails to explore. You can also check out the historic Milford Green park, Silver Sands State Park, and miles of coastline and beautiful beaches with plenty of great fishing and boating spots.

Milford’s public schools are also well-regarded within the community and consistently perform above average.¹⁵ So, if you’re a fan of outdoor fun and scenic beaches, Milford just might be the best place for you.

Population	50,66416
Median Household Income	$104,50317
Median Home Value	$361,90018
Median Rent	$2,37319
Unemployment Rate	2.5%20

Fairfield

A little further down the Long Island Sound coastline from Milford, you’ll find the charming seaside town of Fairfield. Here, you’ll find a strong economy led by the education, finance and health care fields with major employers like Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University.²¹

See how much house you can afford with our free mortgage calculator!

Despite the town’s larger population (by Connecticut standards), it maintains the small-town feel and family-friendly atmosphere many people seek. The community here is known for its tight-knit attitude, diverse neighborhoods and top-notch schools—making it an excellent place to live and raise a family.²²

And from shopping and dining in Fairfield’s vibrant downtown scene to catching a live show at the Quick Center for the Arts, there’s a never-ending list of fun things to do and local spots to discover. Be sure to stop in at Aurora’s, “where you can escape the business of everyday life and enjoy fresh and delicious Mediterranean style cuisine.”²³

Outdoor lovers in Fairfield also have plenty to do with access to several beaches, marinas, golf courses, Lake Mohegan, and plenty of open space and parkland to explore. So, if you’re looking for a well-rounded, tight-knit community with tons to do, Fairfield could be your spot.

Population	62,07224
Median Household Income	$165,31625
Median Home Value	$704,10026
Median Rent	$3,80027
Unemployment Rate	2.9%28

Greenwich

Located on the New York/Connecticut border, Greenwich—also called the “Gold Coast”—is well-known for its wealthy residents, luxury real estate, and proximity to New York City. So, if you dream of living in Greenwich, it might be time to go after that high-paying gig you’ve always wanted.

Major industries here include scientific and technical services, finance and insurance, and health care. But it’s worth noting that many Greenwich residents commute into New York City and other nearby economic hubs.²⁹ For families, Greenwich neighborhoods are known for their safety, and the town’s public school system is one of the best in the state.^30,31

Greenwich also offers a ton of recreational activities to explore. Be sure to check out Greenwich Point Park (also known as Tod’s Point by locals)—a 147.3-acre town-owned beach with plenty of picturesque open space to explore, picnic areas, and even a handful of historical buildings.³²

You can also visit the popular Bruce Museum, “where art meets science,” and Greenwich Avenue, where you’ll find plenty of upscale dining and shopping options. Plus, there’s always the stone-throw-away distance to New York City for Big Apple adventures. Basically, if you’re someone who has a taste (and the salary) for the finer things, Greenwich is perfect for you.

Population	14,05133
Median Household Income	$128,83934
Median Home Value	$1.6 million35
Median Rent	$6,25036
Unemployment Rate	2.3%37

Farmington

Farmington is a peaceful, suburban town about 10 miles from Hartford. Major industries here include insurance, health care, retail and manufacturing. Big-name employers, such as the University of Connecticut Health Center and United Technologies, also call Farmington home.³⁸

For recreation, the Farmington Valley Greenway offers paved, handicap-accessible trails with multiple entrances throughout the town. And if you’re into top-tier art, be sure to check out the Hill-Stead Museum—an art museum surrounded by 152 acres of woodland trails, gardens and a picturesque pond.³⁹

When the hungries hit, you can visit Fork and Fire, a bistro-style spot that uses locally sourced ingredients for large plates, handhelds and more. You’ll also find plenty of craft beer, wine and signature cocktails to try.

And when it comes to raising a family, Farmington is another one of the best school systems in the state with a commitment to educational excellence.⁴⁰ So, if you’re looking for the suburban lifestyle, you can’t go wrong in Farmington.

Population	26,26341
Median Household Income	$118,32942
Median Home Value	$375,70043
Median Rent	$2,50044
Unemployment Rate	2.0%45

Stamford

Since Stamford is yet another city on the beautiful Long Island Sound coast, let’s kick off our breakdown here for the outdoor lovers. Cove Island Park is a great starting point with picturesque beaches and trails, but that’s just the beginning. There are tons of additional parks and greenspaces scattered throughout the city to discover. Plus, boating enthusiasts will appreciate the access to the Cove Mills and Czescik Marinas.

Stamford’s economy is also one of the most dynamic and diverse in Connecticut. Here, you’ll find a melting pot of industries, including finance, real estate, technology, digital media and health care.⁴⁶ For employment opportunities, the city is home to many well-known organizations, such as Philips Personal Health, Conair Corporation, and even World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (Yeah, brother!)

Let’s talk about the next thing Stamford is great at—fun! When you’re out exploring the city, be sure to check out Stamford’s downtown area, where you’ll find over 80 restaurants, clubs, stores, movie and live theaters, and art galleries.⁴⁷ Stamford’s downtown also hosts regular special events, such as the Alive at Five concert series and the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular.

So, if you’re looking for a great place to work, play and explore, Stamford might be the city for you.

Population	136,19748
Median Household Income	$89,79749
Median Home Value	$555,70050
Median Rent	$2,79951
Unemployment Rate	2.6%52

Westport

The town of Westport describes itself as “New England in tradition and cosmopolitan in outlook,” blending a cherished regional aesthetic with modern conveniences.⁵³ The residents’ commitment to conservation, tradition and local events fosters a tight-knit, welcoming community. However, it’s important to note that Westport is another fairly affluent area (check out that median rent cost), so make sure you have the income to back up your move.

Westport supports a strong economy thanks to a mix of finance, insurance, professional services and real estate.⁵⁴ This power combo offers plenty of job opportunities and keeps the economy and local professionals buzzing along.

When it’s time to get out of the house, Westport’s downtown area is full of charm and New England character. Here, you’ll find cozy cafes, local shops and tasty restaurants to explore, such as Finalmente Trattoria for your favorite Italian dishes and Savvy + Grace—a local shop with both brand name and locally made clothing and gifts. There’s also the Westport Library and the Westport Country Playhouse to check out.

There’s also plenty of opportunities for beachgoing on the coastline, hiking, fishing, kayaking and boating. Outdoor lovers can check out the nearby Talcott Mountain State Park and the Farmington River.

Westport is one of the best places in Connecticut to raise a family, with an impressive public school system.⁵⁵ In fact, some say it’s the best public school system in the state.⁵⁶ Not too shabby, huh?

Population	27,23257
Median Household Income	$242,86858
Median Home Value	$1.2 million59
Median Rent	$7,25060
Unemployment Rate	2.6%61

Ready to Move to Connecticut?

If Connecticut seems like the place for you, don’t start packing just yet. Before you make Connecticut your new home, you need to contact a local real estate agent who can help you find an area that’s just right for you. Luckily, we just happen to know a few.

The agents we recommend have earned the right to be called RamseyTrusted® by always serving with excellence.