With its American history landmarks, boutiques, affordable cities, and no shortage of beautiful landscapes, Connecticut epitomizes New England culture. Whether you’re looking to move to a sleepy town or the bustling capital, Connecticut offers scenic and historic sights.
If you’re ready for a New England adventure, there’s no better place to go than Connecticut. NewHomeSource.com has identified the 10 ten cities to retire in Connecticut, making it easy to find the perfect retirement destination and a perfect new home for your new life.
1. Waterbury
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.3%
- Median Home Value: $130,700
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 325
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,263
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 21
Known as “The Brass City”, Waterbury is a great place for retirees to call home. This Naugatuck River city boasts a wealth of arts and culture; watch a live performance at one of the multiple theaters in town, or check out the newest gallery at the art museum. You can enjoy stretching your legs at the local parks, all with beautiful scenery as your backdrop.
2. Torrington
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.6%
- Median Home Value: $153,700
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 36
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 372
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 12
Torrington is full of historic charm. Enjoy modern boutiques, restaurants, and retail stores in the charming downtown buildings. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Torrington’s five state parks, encompassing miles of forests and ponds. With its performance theater, children’s museum, and flea market, there’s something for everyone.
3. New Britain
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.1%
- Median Home Value: $160,800
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 307
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,220
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 17
If you love museums, New Britain is the city for you. The city is a cultural hub and includes a children’s museum, industrial museum, and art museum. New Britain promotes community, and you can look forward to annual events such as a city anniversary parade, cultural festivals, and a summer live concert series. With 1,200 acres of sports complexes and parks to meander in, you have your pick of the crop of morning walking spots.
4. Norwich
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.9%
- Median Home Value: $164,200
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 153
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 595
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Norwich is a beautiful city surrounded by rivers and has been nicknamed “The Rose of New England”. Delight yourself in the city’s natural splendor by visiting Yantic Falls, a 40 feet high fall that connects to the Yantic River. If you prefer indoor activities, Norwich provides entertainment in the form of museums, theaters, and historic homes. Enjoy the fine life in Norwich!
5. Hartford
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.3%
- Median Home Value: $165,300
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,049
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,426
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 22
Connecticut’s capital makes a great home for retirees. Hartford is one of the cultural hubs of Connecticut – from its theaters, museums, and historic arts (The Mark Twain House & Museum, for example) – there are always things to see and do. Located along the Connecticut River, folks can enjoy walking through city parks with waterside views. With wooded neighborhoods and activities at every corner, Hartford is an active, beautiful city to call home.
6. Meriden
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.3%
- Median Home Value: $171,900
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 157
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,020
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 21
Meriden is located halfway between New Haven and Hartford, making it an ideal location for those who want easy access to both cities. With its collection of parks, ponds, and brooks, Meriden offers picturesque views from sunrise to sunset. Retirees who want to be active in their community will be pleased to know that Meriden has multiple civic service groups that are dedicated to making their community an even greater home.
7. Bridgeport
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.3%
- Median Home Value: $174,700
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 843
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,465
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 20
Located along the Long Island Sound, Bridgeport offers residents waterside views in their own backyards. One of the most populous cities in the region, Bridgeport has all the amenities you’d expect out of a large city. When you’ve had your fill of the dockside shops and restaurants, venture further into the city and explore the zoo, art museum, gardens, and breweries.
8. New London
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.1%
- Median Home Value: $181,900
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 81
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 503
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Like Bridgeport, New London is another coastal city that’s plentiful in not just New England beach vibes but also has a rich culture. Enjoy dipping your toes into history at the Hempsted House and Maritime Museum, or brush up on your art knowledge at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum! With the Thames River bordering the city’s east side, there’s no shortage of water to cool down during warm summer days.
9. West Haven
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.7%
- Median Home Value: $193,800
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 85
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,091
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 14
As its name implies, West Haven is just west of New Haven. Tourists and residents alike can enjoy strolling through Savin Rock Park, a famous beachside boardwalk with beautiful sights and delicious restaurants. North of the city, you can embrace nature in all its glory at the West River Memorial Park and Maltby Lakes nature preserve. Whether you prefer the beach or the central shopping centers, West Haven is sure to delight.
10. Bristol
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.5%
- Median Home Value: $197,800
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 53
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 822
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 17
Bristol blends suburban life with idyllic country landscapes. Retirees can spend their days shopping and dining around town, or enjoy the great outdoors at the multiple parks and riversides. The city prides itself on its diverse, lively community, so you’re sure to make new friends wherever you go. Feeling whimsical? Visit the American Clock & Watch Museum or the New England Carousel Museum!
| City Name | People over 65 | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Waterbury | 13.3% | 325 | 3,263 | 16 | $130,700 |
| Torrington | 19.6% | 36 | 372 | 11 | $153,700 |
| New Britain | 13.1% | 307 | 1,220 | 14 | $160,800 |
| Norwich | 16.9% | 153 | 595 | 4 | $164,200 |
| Hartford | 11.3% | 1,049 | 3,426 | 19 | $165,300 |
| Meriden | 16.3% | 157 | 1,020 | 16 | $171,900 |
| Bridgeport | 11.3% | 843 | 2,465 | 14 | $174,700 |
| New London | 11.1% | 81 | 503 | 3 | $181,900 |
| West Haven | 13.7% | 85 | 1,091 | 11 | $193,800 |
| Bristol | 16.5% | 53 | 822 | 14 | $197,800 |
| New Haven | 10.3% | 1,172 | 5,246 | 10 | $199,000 |
| Derby | 17.0% | 24 | 240 | 11 | $206,300 |
| Ansonia | 16.2% | 36 | 277 | 12 | $214,200 |
| Groton | 13.4% | 36 | 349 | 3 | $221,800 |
| Middletown | 15.3% | 38 | 613 | 16 | $231,300 |
| Danbury | 13.7% | 98 | 1,059 | 11 | $299,600 |
| Milford | 19.3% | 29 | 1,028 | 13 | $312,500 |
| Shelton | 21.1% | 22 | 304 | 11 | $349,300 |
| Norwalk | 15.4% | 183 | 1,247 | 20 | $435,800 |
| Stamford | 14.4% | 264 | 1,803 | 33 | $532,700 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
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Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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