8 Best Places to Live in Connecticut

Connecticut is well known for its educational institutes, plentiful lighthouses, and contributions to American history. While the winters can be cold, the beautiful autumn foliage, ample state parks, and historical architecture make Connecticut a scenic place to call home. If you’re considering moving to Connecticut, check out our list of the top 8 best places to live in the state.

1. Stamford-Norwalk

Housing cost to income ratio: 2.39%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 3.15%

Violent crime index: 16

Nonviolent crime index: 24.8

Cost of living index: 118.5

The Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan area is located on the southwestern tip of Connecticut. Stamford is the largest city in Fairfield County and the fifth-largest city in the state with a population of over 127,000 people. Norwalk is the sixth-largest city and is home to more than 84,000 people. Stamford and Norwalk are located 35 miles and 40 miles north of New York City respectively.

Stamford and Norwalk have strong economies with a variety of industries. Stamford is home to Fortune 500 companies, including Synchrony Financial, Charter Communications, and WWE while Xerox, Booking Holdings, and FactSet Research Systems Inc. make their home in Norwalk.

Stamford and Norwalk offer a lot of lifestyle benefits to its residents, making it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The excellent public and private schools include the Stamford Public Schools system with 35+ schools and 16,000 students and the Norwalk Public Schools system serving 12,000 students. Both school districts offer a variety of programs, including advanced placement courses, magnet schools, and vocational training. There are also highly ranked private schools including King School, Canterbury School, and New Canaan Country School.

Urban attractions include science and art museums, arboretums, and an aquarium. During the 179 sunny days that Stamford and Norwalk experience yearly, take advantage of the metropolitan area’s proximity to the beach and go for a swim or catch some rays. Be sure to check the weather before going out, however, as the cities also experience 50 inches of rain and 29 inches of snow annually. With ample parks, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and biking.

Stamford-Norwalk is home to a number of community events and festivals throughout the year, including the Stamford Downtown Music Festival, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and the Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Both cities are very dog-friendly, with over 60 restaurants in the area allowing dogs to join their owners. Delicious restaurants serve everything from American to Italian to Japanese cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants are The Glass Onion, Napa & Co., Remo’s on the Hill, Match, SONO Seafood, and The Wayland.

Stamford-Norwalk provides access to quality hospitals and services. Life on the Long Island Sound provides a strong economy. Stamford-Norwalk leans politically liberal, and popular suburbs include Newfield, Belltown, and Westover.

Overall, Stamford-Norwalk is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It offers a lot of lifestyle benefits to its residents, including excellent schools, a strong economy, outdoor recreation opportunities, community events, popular restaurants, and more. Start looking for a new home in this part of the state.

2. Hartford

Housing cost to income ratio: 3.70%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.54%

Violent crime index: 55.5

Nonviolent crime index: 58.6

Cost of living index: 93.9

Connecticut’s capital city places second on our list of best places to live. With a variety of museums, performance arts centers, and beautiful parks along the Connecticut River, you’ll never find yourself bored in Hartford! Hartford is the second-largest city in the state with a population of over 123,000 people. Hartford is in the north-central part of Connecticut and is about 25 miles south of Springfield, Massachusetts and about 120 miles northeast of New York City.

Hartford is a diverse city with a rich history and culture. It is home to museums, theaters, and restaurants as well as some Fortune 500 companies, making it a major economic center in the state of Connecticut. Travelers Companies, United Technologies Corporation, and Aetna are all found in Hartford. You will also find employment opportunities at many additional insurance, healthcare, and financial services companies.

Hartford has excellent public and private schools, making it a great place to raise a family. The Hartford Public Schools system has over 20 schools and 18,000 students, while the surrounding school districts offer a variety of educational programs, including advanced placement courses, magnet schools, and vocational training. Private school offerings include Kingswood Oxford School, Loomis Chaffee School, and Watkinson School.

Classic American literature fans will love the Mark Twain House & Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.  Take a look at the collection at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, one of the oldest public art museums in the United States. For more hands-on exhibits, visit Connecticut Science Center. Enjoy some of the fun events and festivals like the Riverfront Jazz Festival, the Hartford Balloon Festival, and the Hartford Pride Parade. The  XL Center is the easy solution for concerts and sporting events.

Looking for something new and dog-friendly to do? Tour the beautiful Hartford wine country with your pooch along the Connecticut Wine Trail! Sample your favorites wines along one of the most exciting and fastest growing wine regions in the United States. Outdoor recreation often involves hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Hartford’s weather runs cold in the winter, with 38 inches of snowfall expected annually; take advantage of the 189 sunny days while you can! Bushnell Park and Elizabeth Park are filled with locals doing just that.

The oldest capital city in the nation has a diverse array of restaurants. Serving everything from American to Italian to Asian cuisine, you’ll find many residents enjoying meals at Max Downtown, Trumbull Kitchen, and Black Eyed Sally’s.

In addition to the above, Hartford is also a relatively affordable city to live in. Hartford is also a very walkable city, making it easy to get around without a car. Hartford leans strongly politically liberal and encompasses excellent area hospitals. If you’d prefer to live in the suburbs, check out choices like West Hartford, Weatogue, and Avon. Innovative Hartford new home designs await you in this part of the state.

3. New Haven-Meriden

Housing cost to income ratio: 3.75%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.71%

Violent crime index: 51

Nonviolent crime index: 59

Cost of living index: 102.2

The New Haven-Meriden metropolitan area extends from the Long Island Sound into southern Connecticut. The prestigious Yale University is found here. Make the most out of the waterside location by taking a boat tour or kayaking on the Long Island Sound; if you’re looking for a new morning jog location, hit up Hammonasset Beach State Park outside New Haven, the largest shoreline park in Connecticut.

New Haven-Meriden is a metropolitan area located in New Haven County. New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut with a population of over 129,000 people, while Meriden is the fifth-largest city in Connecticut with a population of over 60,000 people. New Haven and Meriden are located about 15 miles apart.

In Meriden, step back in time at Castle Craig, hike Chauncey Peak, or catch a live art performance at Castle Craig Players. Over 40 restaurants in the area allow dogs to accompany you, which is great news for dog owners. This metropolitan area is sunnier than other regions of Connecticut, with an average of 204 sunny days expected per year.

New Haven-Meriden has a strong economy with a variety of industries. New Haven is home to Fortune 500 companies including Yale University, United Technologies Corporation, and Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Find manufacturing companies in Meriden such as Pratt & Whitney and Boeing.

There are outstanding schools, both private and public. Highly rated private schools including Hamden Hall Country Day School, the Cheshire Academy and Choate Rosemary Hall are sought after options. Premier healthcare is available at one of the top hospitals in the nation, Yale New Haven Hospital. MidState Medical Center in Meriden is another great community hospital.

East Rock Park and Hubbard Park are the perfect settings to enjoy the outdoors. Many residents spend their free time biking, fishing, boating and hiking. Community events and festivals bring the community together. The New Haven International Arts Festival, the Elm City Social, and the Daffodil Festival bring fun, music, food, and more.

New Haven-Meriden has a variety of popular restaurants, serving everything from American to Italian to Asian cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants in New Haven include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza, and Louis’ Lunch. Some of the most popular restaurants in Meriden include Eli’s Restaurant, Max Downtown, and Trumbull Kitchen.

New Haven-Meriden leans politically liberal and includes popular neighborhoods like Woodbridge, Orange, and Cheshire. It’s easy to make the choice to buy a new home in this part of Connecticut. Choose from excellent New Haven-Meriden new townhomes and single-family homes ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees.

4. Danbury

Housing cost to income ratio: 3.89%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.30%

Violent crime index: 12.9

Nonviolent crime index: 24.6

Cost of living index: 114.9

If you’re looking for a city with a great blend of urban and natural attractions, look no further than Danbury, Connecticut. Located along the New York-Connecticut border, Danbury has a wealth of retail centers and a thriving cultural arts scene including museums, performance theaters, and entertainment centers.

This Fairfield County gem is home to 85,000 people. Located about 60 miles northeast of New York City and 20 miles north of Stamford, Danbury is the fifth-largest city in the state. This makes it easy to head to the Big Apple for shopping, getaways, Broadway shows, and more.

Enjoy 174 sunny days per year in Danbury, where you can make the most of the sunshine by swimming or hiking along Candlewood Lake or taking your dog for a run at Bear Mountain Reservation. With 51 inches of rain and 42 inches of snow expected per year, Danbury experiences region-typical precipitation. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Tarrywile Park and Richter Park are two of the many parks at your disposal.

Like other Connecticut cities, Danbury provides access to quality medical care and educational institutes. The Danbury Public Schools system has over 20 schools and 10,000 students. Private schools include the Wooster School and Ridgefield Academy. Excellent healthcare is found at Danbury Hospital.

Fortune 500 companies adding to the Danbury economy include Ethan Allen, Praxair, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Additionally, there are many manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services companies. The economy of Danbury is strong and diversified. The major industries in the area include manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and retail.

Danbury knows how to bring a community together with festivals and events. Celebrate with music, food, vendors and more at the Danbury Fair, one of the largest fairs in the nation and the Danbury Music Festival with a focus on classical music. Enjoy a minor league baseball game watching the Danbury Hatters or see a semi-pro football team, the Danbury Westerners.

Hungry? There are a variety of popular restaurants, serving everything from American to Italian to Asian cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants in Danbury include The Silo, The Ethan Allen Hotel, and The Barley House. Danbury checks off many boxes for a wonderful new home setting. It offers a lot of lifestyle benefits to its residents, including excellent schools, a strong economy, outdoor recreation opportunities, community events, popular restaurants, and more. Consider Danbury and the surrounding suburbs for great new home options.

5. Waterbury

Housing cost to income ratio: 4.49%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.33%

Violent crime index: 27.2

Nonviolent crime index: 57.1

Cost of living index: 93.8

Welcome to Waterbury! Known as “The Brass City”, Waterbury is a politically liberal city located southwest of Hartford. The great location in New Haven County translates to 30 miles from Hartford and 20 miles from New Haven. As the fifth-largest city, Waterbury, is home to 110,000+ people.

Enjoy shopping and dining at Brass Mill Shopping Center and finish the day by catching a live performance show at the Palace Theater. Brush up on local history at the Mattatuck Museum or enjoy an invigorating jog at one of the multiple city parks.

Waterbury has no shortage of rain; the city experiences 52 inches of rain and 37 inches of snow per year. Take advantage of the 203 sunny days per year by practicing your swing at the local golf courses like Western Hills Golf Course and East Mountain Golf Course. Venture just north of the city to hike along Whitestone Cliffs Trails.

Waterbury has a strong economy with a variety of industries and Fortune 500 companies. Find excellent job opportunities at Webster Financial Corporation and Sequa Corporation as well as many manufacturing companies, healthcare companies, and financial services companies.

For medical care, Waterbury has 2 hospitals including Waterbury Hospital ready to serve you and your family with quality medical care. You will also be served by excellent schools. The Waterbury Public Schools system has over 15 schools and 10,000 students. Post University and Notre Dame High School are two outstanding private schools.

Don’t miss out on some fun, food, and celebration at the Waterbury Arts Festival, the Taste of Waterbury, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Waterbury Green and Fulton Park are sure to have you out and active. You will love the delicious restaurants in the city. Some popular spots include Anthony’s Ocean View Restaurant, The Mattatuck Museum Restaurant, and The Palace Restaurant.

Enjoy the welcoming feel, strong economy, and great schools in Waterbury. You can live in the city proper or in some of the great neighborhoods like Bunker Hill, Hop Brook, and East Mountain. There’s a home for every type of family from young professionals to retirees. Start your search for the one of the inviting new homes in the Waterbury area. You are sure to find the ideal neighborhood and home to fit your wants and needs.

6. Berkshires-Litchfield

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.59%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.17%

Violent crime index: 14.9

Nonviolent crime index: 21.4

Cost of living index: 109.5

The Berkshires-Litchfield metropolitan area is located in scenic northwest Connecticut. Bursting with small-town charm, the area is your go-to destination for a quiet lifestyle that still provides access to urban amenities, including great restaurants and boutiques.

The strong, diversified economy of the Berkshires-Litchfield area is supported by major industries like tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare. With an unemployment rate lower than the national average, there are job opportunities at employers including the Yale Summer School of Music and Art, the Mount Frissell State Park, Litchfield Hills Surgical Center, and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. The Litchfield Jazz Festival is a great boom for the economy as well. 

The Berkshires-Litchfield area of Connecticut is a beautiful and vibrant region. It is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and charming towns. The scenic beauty of the area is seen among the many beautiful parks including Kent Falls State Park, Mount Frissell State Park, Mohawk Trail State Forest, and Mount Everett State Reservation. These amazing spots allow for fun opportunities to hike, swim, fish, picknick, bike and camp. For truly beautiful views, drive the scenic highway, Mount Washington Auto Road.

The area receives approximately 198 sunny days per year; you can make the most of the sunshine by touring the local wineries and distilleries. If you’re a dog owner, take your furry friend with you as you explore the parks. Be prepared for cold winters, as Litchfield experiences a whopping 51 inches of snow annually. Popular suburbs include Washington and New Hartford.

Moving to a small town, you don’t have to sacrifice excellent medical care and education; the Berkshires-Litchfield area has a good school system with both public and private schools. The public school districts in the area include Litchfield Public Schools, Region 1 School District, and Region 12 School District. Highly ranked private schools in the area include Rumsey Hall School and Salisbury School.

Bringing the community out are several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Litchfield Jazz Festival, the Kent Falls Festival, and the Washington Green Fair. You will also relish a variety of delicious dining including everything from Italian to American and Asian cuisine.  Local favorites include the Litchfield Saltwater Grille, Arethusa al Tavolo, and Pizzeria Marzano.

The Berkshires-Litchfield area is home to a number of historic homes and buildings, including the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and the Litchfield Historical Society. The fall foliage draws many tourists.

Overall, the Berkshires-Litchfield area is an excellent spot to live, work, and raise a family. With  natural beauty, charming towns, world-class cultural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, a strong economy, and good schools, this area makes its appearance on our list. When you are ready to buy a new home in the Berkshire-Litchfield area, be sure to check out some of these beautiful designs.

7. New London-Norwich

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.92%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.94%

Violent crime index: 35.9

Nonviolent crime index: 40.4

Cost of living index: 89.4

With the Thames River and coastal beaches, the beautiful new homes in the New London-Norwich metropolitan area are great if you dream of waterside living. Whether you prefer to go for a hike, picnic in the riverside parks, visit Ocean Beach Park, or go shopping on the boardwalk, you’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy blue water and fresh air.

This metropolitan area sees an average of 204 sunny days, 50 inches of rain, and 29 inches of snow per year. During cold and cloudy weather, spend your time at the art and history museums or catch a live show at the theater. Take the dog for a walk and learn some local history at the Fort Trumbull State Park. The area is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Thames River, the Long Island Sound, and the Mohegan Forest. Outdoor recreation opportunities run the gamut including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and swimming.

The cities of New London and Norwich have a rich maritime history, with many historic buildings and attractions, such as the New London Custom House Maritime Museum and the Norwich Harbor Maritime Museum. The Slater Memorial Museum has been showcasing stunning art from a variety of world cultures for more than a century. Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum or take in a performance at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.

A vibrant economy is supported by tourism, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Find an array of employment opportunities at spots like Pratt & Whitney, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and Backus Hospital. Excellent healthcare is found at the latter as well as Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

New London-Norwich encompasses excellent public and private schools. The public school districts in the area include New London Public Schools, Norwich Public Schools, and East Lyme Public Schools. If you prefer a private school option, the highly acclaimed private schools offer great educational opportunities for your family. Check out the Norwich Free Academy and the Williams School.

This coastal metropolitan area leans politically liberal, and its most popular neighborhoods include Noank, East Lyme, and Mystic. The area also hosts community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Mystic Seaport Oyster Festival, the Groton Arts Festival, and the Norwich Jazz Festival.

Find your share of delectable meals at popular restaurants offering seafood, comfort food, and fine dining. New London is home to the Port Tavern and the Harp & Hound while Norwich has some enticing spots like Garde East and Crave Restaurant & Bar. There are interesting historic homes and buildings including the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse and the Prudence Crandall House. When you are looking for a beautiful new home option in Connecticut, New London-Norwich checks off a lot of the boxes for an enhanced life. With many new homes in the area, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your wants and needs.

8. Bridgeport

Housing cost to income ratio: 7.31%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 3.14%

Violent crime index: 42.6

Nonviolent crime index: 38

Cost of living index: 106.1

With over 140,000 residents calling it home, Bridgeport is the most populous city in Connecticut. As you’d expect, this means it’s teeming with activity and entertainment. Folks can see the latest art installment at the Housatonic Museum of Art, visit the animals at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, and observe the statues and ocean at Seaside Park.

There is no shortage of outdoor recreation. The beautiful parks feature great jogging trails and many welcome dogs. Bridgeport’s climate matches other cities in the region, with 175 sunny days, 47 inches of rain, and 30 inches of snow expected annually. Bridgeport offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

Check out the community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Bridgeport Bluefish baseball games, the Taste of Bridgeport food festival, and the Bridgeport Arts Fest. Bridgeport is located just 60 miles from New York City, making it an easy commute for those who work in the city or have fun trips to shop or attend Broadway performances.

There are many reasons why someone might want to live in Bridgeport. Bridgeport is one of the most diverse cities in Connecticut, with residents from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food, culture, and arts scene. Its rich history dates to the 1600s. The city was once a major center for manufacturing, and its industrial heritage is still evident in its architecture and museums.

Home to many Fortune 500 companies, the job opportunities are abundant. Sikorsky Aircraft and People’s United Bank are two major employers. Bridgeport is also a major center for healthcare and education. The Bridgeport Public Schools system has over 20 schools and 10,000 students. Find exceptional private schools including Wooster School and St. Joseph High School. Excellent healthcare is found at Bridgeport Hospital.

From great entertainment to delicious dining, Bridgeport has much to offer potential residents. Enjoy some delicious meals with Mexican food options at the Cilantro Restaurant or seafood at The Black Rock Shrimp Company or the Oyster Club. The world’s first Ferris wheel and the Barnum Museum showcasing the life of P.T. Barnum are two fun attractions.

Looking for a great place to raise a family? Bridgeport and welcoming suburbs like Oyster Bay Cove, Bayville, and Northport are all worthy of serious consideration. New homes in Bridgeport have many of the features, finishes and amenities you crave. With a strong economy, affordable cost of living, diverse population, and great location, Bridgeport makes the #1 spot on our list of best places to live in Connecticut.

This list was compiled using statistics for cost of living, average housing costs, average childcare costs, and crime indices.