There’s a reason why 3.6 million people love calling Connecticut home. For some, it may be the lure of living close to nature or relaxing by the shore. For others, Connecticut may mean big opportunities with some of the state’s leading financial firms. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear - The Constitution State simply has the culture, landscape, and opportunity that other states seem to lack. If you’re thinking about calling Connecticut home, one of these top places might be the perfect spot.
Connecticut is located on the eastern (Atlantic Ocean) coast of the U.S., and is bordered by the other U.S. states of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The state capital is Hartford, and its most populous city is Bridgeport. Located in what’s called the Tri-State Area with Massachusetts and New York, Connecticut is the fourth most densely populated state in the country.
Connecticut boasts dramatic geographic extremes: the highest point in the state is Mount Frissell, on the northern border with Massachusetts, while towns on Connecticut’s southern coast have areas that are less than 20 feet above sea level. While Connecticut has no direct oceanfront, the state has a long maritime history, a tradition that continues today. Connecticut is bordered on the south by Long Island Sound, and the Connecticut River flows through the center of the state. Winters can be chilly here, but summer highs reach into the upper 80s.
Connecticut oozes culture, style, and sophistication. Some of the nation’s top schools - Yale University and the University of Connecticut - are located here, as are some of the nation’s leading medical centers. Hartford Hospital and Stamford Hospital perform cutting-edge medical research and continue to develop innovative ways to treat patients. Spending time on the coast is a big draw here, but nothing really comes cheap in Connecticut, so be prepared to loosen the purse strings. But even if you base yourself in one of Connecticut’s urban centers, nature is never far away - it’s easy to visit some of the state’s most beautiful parks, the coast, or quaint country villages in an hour. It’s this mix of nature, top-notch education and healthcare, and a leading financial industry that really turn on the appeal for Connecticut. Some of Connecticut’s trendiest towns are also the quietest, where it’s possible to sample new haute cuisine in an intimate, high-class setting. Many restaurants here develop top-notch seafood dishes that are inspired by Connecticut’s southern coast.
With an abundance of great cities and neighborhoods, finding the perfect spot to settle down in Connecticut isn’t easy. We’ll give you a head start as these cities are our top picks for the best places to live in Connecticut. To further customize your list of the best places to live in Connecticut, you can also specify your search radius, population size, home/rent budget and what metrics (amenities, crime, cost of living, education, employment, housing, and weather) are most critical to your decision.