The Best Places to Live in CT in 2023
Known as the Constitution State, Connecticut is celebrated for its historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and convenient location near major metropolitan areas. Beyond these, Connecticut is home to some of the most enticing towns and cities in the country. Utilizing 2023 data from Niche, we’ve put together a list of the best places to live in Connecticut, considering factors such as cost of living, quality of schools, crime rates, and local amenities. Come along as we dive into the highest-rated neighborhoods to help you decide the best place to live in Connecticut!
1. West Hartford
County | Hartford |
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Population | 64,034 |
Closest Metro Area | Located between New York City and Boston |
Average home value | $336,500 |
Average household income | $111,997 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Connecticut, #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Connecticut, #6 Best Places to Raise a Family in Connecticut |
“I absolutely LOVE this town. WeHa seriously has it all: amazing restaurants, culture, great schools, shopping, concerts/theatre, parks, trails (bike and walking) – but most importantly, community. That was big on our list. Everyone is so welcoming, supportive and neighborly. I also love that it’s a walkable town. Moving from NYC, that was a big deal for us.
Don’t think twice about moving here. Just do it!” – Niche Review of West Hartford
2. Newfield
County | Fairfield |
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Population | 19,149 |
Closest Metro Area | New York City |
Average home value | $434,078 |
Average household income | $112,281 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Places to Live in Fairfield County, #2 Best Places for Young Professionals in Fairfield County, #4 Best Places for Young Professionals in Connecticut |
“The environment is great for young professionals with a great downtown environment, lots of restaurants and activities, access to the train and NYC, and Stamford is one of the safest cities in America. Many people wish the schools were better or would get better. As young people start having kids they have to move away because the school system is on the low-end.” – Niche Review of Newfield
3. Weatogue
County | Hartford |
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Population | 2,179 |
Closest Metro Area | Boston |
Average home value | $326,600 |
Average household income | $139,100 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Connecticut, #2 Best Places to Buy a House in Connecticut, #2 Best Suburbs to Live in Connecticut |
“It’s really a very nice area. It’s part of Simsbury and the people are very nice and polite here. Maybe too polite. Very little to no bullying in the schools. Lots of trees and landscape is very beautiful and tasteful. Simsbury shopping area is very nice as well. Plenty of restaurants to choose from. Most homeowners take pride in their properties.” – Niche Review of Weatogue
4. Riverside
County | Fairfield |
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Population | 9,133 |
Closest Metro Area | New York City |
Average home value | $1,570,200 |
Average household income | $250,000 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Places to Raise a Family in Connecticut, #1 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Connecticut, #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Connecticut |
“Many people have lived in Greenwich for their entire lives. These families have a good sense of community and are very involved. There are some families that come in from abroad and stay for only a few years but they are in the minority. There are many other families that moved here and have settled in. We are close to NYC so it is an easy train ride for commuters and those who want to attend shows or professional sporting events (although I wouldn’t call NYC local, it is easy to get to).” – Niche Review of Riverside
5. Noank
County | New London |
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Population | 1,412 |
Closest Metro Area | New London |
Average home value | $398,000 |
Average household income | $147,500 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Places to Buy a House in Connecticut, #1 Best Places to Raise a Family in New London County, #2 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in New London County |
While no residents have reviewed Noank, it still ranks as one of the best places to live in CT. The area is located at the mouth of the Mystic River, providing residents with stunning water views and easy access to recreational activities like boating and fishing, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, the tight-knit community hosts an array of local events throughout the year, such as the famous Lobsterfest, further enhancing the appeal of this seaside gem.
6. Old Greenwich
County | Fairfield |
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Population | 6,929 |
Closest Metro Area | New York City |
Average home value | $1,444,800 |
Average household income | $234,152 |
Niche Rankings | #2 Best Places to Raise a Family in Connecticut, #2 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Connecticut, #4 Places with the Best Public Schools in Connecticut |
“Old Greenwich is an incredible community — the absolute best in Connecticut. Safe, picturesque with highly regarded schools, Old Greenwich is an absolute treasure for those raising a family. There is a real sense of community making it a town like no other. 40 minutes to Manhattan makes this town easily accessible to the world’s financial district and some of the most prestigious multinational business organizations. Real estate in town tends to range from $1.5M to around $8M making it a very expensive place to live, however, the personal and family-oriented benefits entirely outweigh the costs. Simply put: Old Greenwich is a community worth experiencing!” – Niche Review of Old Greenwich
7. Southport
County | Fairfield |
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Population | 1,719 |
Closest Metro Area | New York City |
Average home value | $724,300 |
Average household income | $161,042 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Connecticut, #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Connecticut, #6 Best Places to Raise a Family in Connecticut |
“I absolutely LOVE this town. WeHa seriously has it all: amazing restaurants, culture, great schools, shopping, concerts/theatre, parks, trails (bike and walking) – but most importantly, community. That was big on our list. Everyone is so welcoming, supportive and neighborly. I also love that it’s a walkable town. Moving from NYC, that was a big deal for us.
Don’t think twice about moving here. Just do it!” – Niche Review of West Hartford
8. Glastonbury Center
County | Hartford |
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Population | 8,187 |
Closest Metro Area | Located between New York City and Boston |
Average home value (2022) | $307,600 |
Average household income (2019) | $94,821 |
Niche Rankings | #3 Best Places to Live in Hartford Area, #3 Best Places to Raise a Family in Hartford Area, #6 Best Suburbs to Live in Connecticut |
“Very good place to live because it is so close to the center of town where everything is happening. The stores in the center are great and the food places are fun to hang around in. 10/10 great neighborhood as well.” – Niche Review of Glastonbury Center
9. Downtown
County | New Haven |
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Population | 9,619 |
Closest Metro Area | New York City |
Average home value | $241,133 |
Average household income | $63,894 |
Niche Rankings | #1 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Connecticut, #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Connecticut, #6 Best Places to Raise a Family in Connecticut |
“I enjoy the restaurants/nightlife in the area. Because the campus is so close, there are many late night options to go to (Box 63, Ashley’s Ice Cream, Insomnia Cookies, Yorkside Pizza, etc.) The restaurants are both enjoyable and affordable and I do not have many complaints.” – Niche Review of Downtown
10. Glenville
County | Fairfield |
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Population | 2,940 |
Closest Metro Area | New York City |
Average home value (2022) | $904,100 |
Average household income (2019) | $187,837 |
Niche Rankings | #4 Best Places to Raise a Family in Connecticut, #4 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Connecticut, #7 Places with the Best Public Schools in Connecticut |
“I feel extremely safe in this neighborhood. I feel like the police are always visible and it makes me feel like I live in the best neighborhood.” – Niche Review of Glenville
So, Is Connecticut a Good Place to Live?
Absolutely! One of the key factors that make Connecticut an appealing place to live is its safety. The crime rate in Connecticut is significantly below the national average, making it one of the safest places to live in America. This sense of security makes it an ideal location for both families and individuals. Not to mention, the best places to live in Connecticut offer a strong sense of community, top-notch amenities, and recreational opportunities.
Moving to Connecticut? We Can Help!
Once you decide the best place to live in Connecticut for you and your family, you’ll need a moving company to help you get there. Based in the heart of Brooklyn, Metropolis Moving is your go-to moving company with a wealth of experience in navigating the hustle and bustle of New York City, the serene landscapes of Connecticut, and many places in between. Get a moving quote today and begin your journey to one of the best places to live in CT.