It might be small, but Connecticut is flush with sprawling mansions, New England style coasting living, and is just a hop, skip, and jump from New York City. Connecticut is a great place to enjoy the New England coast, but also a great place to raise a family and live at a slower pace than the rest of the surrounding states. Let’s highlight three of the best places to live in Connecticut, what makes them great, and what you can expect for rental prices.
Live in West Hartford to Go Anywhere
Hartford is Connecticut’s capital but instead of living in Hartford it’s recommended you drive five miles west to West Hartford. West Hartford is packed with idyllic New England charm and is home to both history and modern features and amenities.
West Hartford is one of the best towns in all the country, ranking #9 on ‘10 Great Cities for Raising Families’ by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and ranking as one of Travel and Leisure’s top 10 coolest New England suburbs. West Hartford’s central location puts you close to other Connecticut hotspots and less than 120 miles from New York City.
Population: 63,133 (2017)
Average Rental Price for West Hartford
The rental price for a one-bedroom residence in West Hartford averages $1,078/month. A two-bedroom averages $1,343 while a three-bedroom costs $1,683. Average rental prices in West Hartford are more expensive than the Hartford metroplex but only slightly higher than the Connecticut state average
Things to Do in West Hartford
Because it’s only five miles west of Hartford, we’ve included both West Hartford and Hartford in things to do for West Hartford. West Hartford is home to the gorgeously kept gardens of Elizabeth Park, the serene waters of West Hartford Reservoir, and hosts an amazing shopping district in historic Blue Back Square. If you need more to do venture a handful of miles east to Hartford for the Mark Twain House and Museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Connecticut Science Center and so much more.
Check Out Old Greenwich for Quiet Coastal Living
When you imagine living in Connecticut do you imagine pastoral images of New England Coastline? Do you imagine salt in the air and plenty of bay windows? If you want the ideal image of Connecticut set your sights on Old Greenwich.
Old Greenwich is a primary vacation destination of the rich and famous and home to some of the most expensive rental prices in all of Connecticut but if you can afford it – it’s worth it. Old Greenwich is an excellent place to raise a family with some of the best schools and lowest crime rates in the U.S.
Things to Do in Old Greenwich
Old Greenwich itself is largely suburban and concentrated on oceanfront views but Old Greenwich is only a few miles east of Stamford and a few miles west of Greenwich, leaving residents places to go and things to do nearby. Most Old Greenwich residents pass the time at local shops and restaurants.
Population: 7,518 (2017)
Average Rental Price in Old Greenwich
The rental price for a one-bedroom residence in Old Greenwich averages $1,516/month. A two-bedroom averages $1,900 while a three-bedroom costs $2,410. Old Greenwich is home to some of the most expensive rentals in the Bridgeport-Stamford metroplex and among the most expensive towns in all Connecticut.
Get the Best Mix of Connecticut in Bridgeport
Bridgeport is Connecticut’s most populous city and allows renters and homeowners to experience the same gorgeous coastline as Old Greenwich but without the excessive costs. Bridgeport’s downtown and lower income areas have undergone a recent makeover making both downtown and suburban living possible in Bridgeport depending on your tastes.
Population: 146,575 (2017)
Average Rental Price for Bridgeport
The rental price for a one-bedroom residence in Bridgeport averages $1,013 /month. A two-bedroom averages $1,268 while a three-bedroom costs $1,602. Average rental prices in Bridgeport are much lower than the Bridgeport-Stamford metro area average and slightly lower than the Connecticut state average.
Things to do in Bridgeport
Because Bridgeport is Connecticut’s biggest city there’s plenty to do for all the residents. Lovers of the outdoors will appreciate Bridgeport’s Seaside Park, Beardsley Zoo, or Fayerweather Island Light while people more suited for indoor fun can check out the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, the Barnum Museum, or the hands-on Discovery Museum for kids. Bridgeport is also sprinkled with award-winning restaurants to satisfy your taste for New England fare.
Finding Your Best Place to Live in Connecticut
Connecticut might be small, but it’s packed with great schools, low crime, and New England charm. If you’re interested in finding the best place to live in Connecticut use the information above, or to find houses for rent in CTcheck out our for rent by owner classifieds. Connecticut is full of living possibilities – find yours.
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PHOTO CREDITS:
Best Places to Live in Connecticut
Farragutful, Mystic, Connecticut 01, CC BY-SA 4.0
Live in West Hartford to Go Anywhere
Ragesoss, West Hartford Center, August 10, 2008, CC BY-SA 3.0
Check Out Old Greenwich for Quiet Coastal Living
User:Noroton, GreenwichCTOldGreenwichDowntown09092007, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons
Get the Best Mix of Connecticut in Bridgeport
Juliancolton, Captain's Cove Seaport Bridgeport, CT 12, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons
