19 Best Places to Live in Connecticut in 2023

The best places to live in Connecticut host urban amenities, small-town vibes, scenic landscapes, and tons of culture. Depending on where you live, it also makes for a reasonable commute to Boston or New York City to open up more career opportunities, though you don’t need to leave the Constitution State to find a great job. The hard part is narrowing down your options and knowing where to move next.

We’re here to help you begin your Connecticut apartment search by helping you choose your ideal city. Continue reading our guide to living in Connecticut to find yours.

1. Bridgeport

• Population: 148,377
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,400
• Median household income: $50,597
• Walk score: 66
• Transit score: 40
• Bike score: 49

The historic seaport city of Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut by population and the fifth-most populated city in New England. Showman P.T. Barnum of the namesake circus was a resident of Bridgeport and even became the city’s mayor in the late 19th century. Bridgeport is attractive to renters for its coastal living and distinctive historic and modern neighborhoods, including the West Side, the South End, the North End, the East Side, and Downtown.

Bridgeport is about 30 minutes from Stamford, Connecticut, by car; an hour and a half from downtown Manhattan; and two and a half hours from Boston. Bridgeport’s central location is appealing to renters looking for historic charm in a waterfront setting while still being close enough to thriving metropolises.

2. New Haven

• Population: 138,915
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,616
• Median household income: $48,973
• Walk score: 68
• Transit score: 49
• Bike score: 66

New Haven sits along the northern shore of the Long Island Sound and is the state’s second-largest city by population. The city’s Nine Square Plan, designed in 1638 by the founding English Puritans, consists of eight streets on a three-by-three grid. Today, the Nine Square Plan is a National Planning Landmark.

As one of the best places to live in New England, New Haven flawlessly blends urban living with small-town charm. You’ll find countless coffee shops, concert venues, and century-old houses. As one of the most walkable city centers between Boston and New York, anyone looking for peace is sure to find it in the rural homes of New Haven. New Haven is also a college town and the home of Yale University, attracting researchers, academics, and students alike.

3. Stamford

• Population: 136,188
• Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,453
• Median household income: $99,791
• Walk score: 55
• Transit score: 46
• Bike score: 46

The third-largest city in Connecticut, named after a location in England, is Stamford. Today, Stamford is a booming metropolitan city home to nine Fortune 500 companies and countless large, well-known corporations. Outside of New York City, Stamford has one of the largest financial districts in the region and one of the largest concentrations of corporations in the country.

Despite being a financial epicenter, Stamford is still a nautical city. When living in Stamford, you should take advantage of your environment by getting involved with crabbing, fishing, or swimming at the public beaches at Cummings Park and Cove Island Park. The city spans over 19 miles of shoreline and is about an hour from downtown New York City.

4. Hartford

• Population: 120,686
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,020
• Median household income: $37,477
• Walk score: 67
• Transit score: 53
• Bike score: 54

Founded in 1635, Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and home to the oldest continuously published newspaper, the Hartford Courant, and the oldest publicly funded park, Bushnell Park. One of the most notable structures in Hartford is the Mark Twain House, where the famous author raised his family. With an excellent blend of old metro areas and new fun, choosing the best neighborhood in Hartford can be tricky. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include South Green, Downtown Hartford, Frog Hollow, Asylum Hill, and Clay Arsenal.

Other popular attractions in Hartford include the Connecticut Science Center, the State Capitol overlooking Bushnell Park, and the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, the country’s first municipal rose garden. Whether you’re a hiker or a stroller, there are tons of places to enjoy in Hartford, including the Cockaponset State Forest, the Metacomet Trail, and the Gillette Castle State Park and Mansion, which are all within driving distance of Hartford. You also get the benefit of living in one of the few cheap places to live in Connecticut.

5. Waterbury

• Population: 115,016
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,200
• Median household income: $48,787
• Walk score: 46
• Transit score: 34
• Bike score: 29

Along the Naugatuck River, you’ll find Waterbury, which was incorporated as a town in 1686 and later as a city in 1853. Waterbury comprises 25 diverse neighborhoods. Some of the more popular neighborhoods in the city are the East End, Oakville, Terryville, and Bunker Hill. The Downtown area of Waterbury offers more of a city feel, with parades, fancy stores, and live theater to explore. The Mattatuck Museum has 25 rotating exhibits in the heart of downtown.

Other notable attractions in Waterbury include the Palace Theater, a 1920 historic landmark that has recently undergone a $30 million renovation. Lastly, hop on the Railroad Museum of New England for a scenic exploration of the Mattatuck State Forest unlike any other.

6. Greenwich

• Population: 13,836
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,725
• Median household income: $127,123
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A

Greenwich is popular for its 29-mile commute to New York City, family-friendly vibe, reputation for safety, and gorgeous beaches. You're never far from a park or Greenwich Point, a town-owned beach and recreation facility. But despite Greenwich’s abundant nature, premium shopping is also plentiful along Greenwich Avenue, known simply as "The Avenue."

Academics and public-school ratings are important to locals, and residents have access to four well-regarded libraries. You'll pay a premium for all that history, charm, and luxury — the cost of living is far above the national average — but you may find the rents are still cheaper than they are in New York City or Boston.

7. New Canaan

• Population: 6,220
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,200
• Median household income: $145,244
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A

New Canaan attracts commuters making the 49-mile commute to New York City and families looking for top-rated public schools. Here you'll find green spaces, upscale restaurants, and iconic architecture, including Philip Johnson's Glass House. Upscale estates and Tudor-style mansions are often found in hilltop estates with a wealthy suburban feel.

Locals enjoy all the green space and trees in this sophisticated suburb, which include the Silvermine-Fowler Preserve, Waveny Park, the Browne Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Firefly Preserve. But there are still amenities to choose from without leaving for New York City. Locals spend time in the town center for boutiques, dining, and pubs.

8. Simsbury

• Population: 6,268
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: N/A
• Median household income: $113,750
• Walk score: 30
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 37

As one of the cutest towns in Connecticut, Simsbury is a suburb of nearby Hartford and features historic homes, working farms, and miles of green spaces. You can go hiking up to Heublein Tower at the end of a hike up Talcott Mountain. Or go kayaking, biking, skating outdoors, and bird watching in this family-friendly enclave with top-rated schools.

Simsbury offers the best of both worlds, with an idyllic backdrop and a quiet way of life within a short commute to major cities in Connecticut. Arts and culture are also revered in this New England town at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Renters are close to larger Connecticut cities, including Hartford, and a few hours from New York City; Boston; and Providence, Rhode Island.

9. Weatogue

• Population: 2,396
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,000
• Median household income: $132,109
• Walk score: 6
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 13

Weatogue is a Hartford suburb known for its hiking and biking trails. There's always a place for wildlife watching and nature walks, and it boasts a high quality of life. Weatogue is popular among families for its lower crime rate and highly rated public schools. Relaxation and recreation are important in Weatogue, which offers tennis courts and golf courses to pass the time.

Education services, manufacturing, and finance are popular industries in Weatogue, or you can make the 25-minute commute to Hartford for more career opportunities. For more outlets for urban amenities and attractions, Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, are about two hours away, and New York isn’t too much farther.

10. Southport

• Population: 1,719
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,500
• Median household income: $161,042
• Walk score: 58
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 33

Southport, known for Greek Revival, Victorian, and Romanesque homes that line cobblestone streets, exhibits a unique historic charm. You can find rentals along the shoreline to take advantage of the beaches and boating opportunities. Fitness is revered in Southport, where it's common to see bikers, joggers, and walkers enjoying the outdoors.

Many locals make the 50-mile commute to New York City to enjoy the best of both worlds. Or you can work right here in Southport in consulting, finance, healthcare, business management, and more.

11. Glastonbury

• Population: 8,459
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,700
• Median household income: $94,821
• Walk score: 20
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 19

Situated just 10 miles from the center of Hartford, Glastonbury is known for its exemplary public education and high quality of life. It frequently ranks among the best places to live in Connecticut, with a low crime rate and convenient access to New York City; Boston; and Providence, Rhode Island.

Despite its proximity to big cities, Glastonbury has plenty of parks, nearby farms, and green space to enjoy. Or you can skip the commute for urban amenities and explore the Shoppes at Fox Run and Griswold Shopping Center for shopping and dining opportunities.

12. Darien

• Population: 21,742
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,000
• Median household income: $232,523
• Walk score: 28
• Transit score: 36
• Bike score: 32

Renters looking for coastal living choose Darien for its town beaches, miles of coastline, tucked-away coves, and sparkling rivers. Combine all those waterfront views with stunning fall foliage, and it makes for a popular place to live, work, and play.

There aren’t scores of job opportunities in Darien, although you don’t have to leave the city to find employment. Darien locals work in the chemical, manufacturing, and industrial equipment supply industries. For more expansive career offerings, you can make the short commute to Stamford, which borders Darien, or the 45-mile commute to New York City.

13. Avon

• Population: 18,821
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,200
• Median household income: $130,268
• Walk score: N/A
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: N/A

Avon is known for its prestigious schools and the Avon Old Farms boarding school. With its rural beauty surrounded by mountains and hills, this town is a good choice for families or anyone wanting a quieter way of life. Locals look for opportunities for employment at the nearby Hartford HealthCare and St. Francis Care facilities.

Most of the activities in Avon are clustered around outdoor activities, like Talcott Mountain State Park and Fisher Meadows Recreation Area. There are also the nearby Shops at Farmington and mini golf to gather with friends. You can find urban amenities and nightlife in Hartford or make the two-hour drive to Boston.

14. Weston

• Population: 10,354
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $4,500
• Median household income: $204,792
• Walk score: 7
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 4

Weston is an idyllic Connecticut town with a vibrant arts community and award-winning schools. Weston is home to farms, preserves, and fresh trout fishing. Despite the cold weather in the winter months, locals hike in areas like the Trout Brook Valley Preserve and Devil's Den Preserve. This country setting is also not far from beaches and green space.

Weston's lack of commercial development and expansive two-acre property zoning make it feel open and abundant, whether you're a renter or homeowner. Downtown New York City to Weston is only about an hour and 18 minutes by car, making it a reasonable distance to soak up the attractions for the day.

15. Ridgefield

• Population: 7,596
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,800
• Median household income: $129,919
• Walk score: 79
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 40

Ridgefield sits in the hills of Fairfield County and is one of the safest cities in Connecticut and in the country. The town has a tight-knit vibe that's attractive to families. Ridgefield also emphasizes eco-friendly living and nature, and stops like the Woodcock Nature Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site raise awareness about environmental issues with hands-on exhibits. For some entertainment, locals take in a show at the Prospector Theater or Ridgefield Playhouse.

Ridgefield is quiet and rural, and you'll need to make the 58-mile commute to New York or nearby New Haven or Stamford for more urban amenities. You're also within driving distance of some of the best towns in Connecticut, like Bridgeport, which have beaches and coastal dining.

16. Cheshire

• Population: 6,499
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,200
• Median household income: $100,880
• Walk score: 45
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 46

Situated between New Haven and Hartford, Cheshire was primarily a farming village until the early 1900s. Today, it's known as the Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut for its greenhouses and annual and perennial bedding plants. Cheshire is also filled with local farms, horses, and greenery that provide a beautiful natural backdrop for residents. Hiking and wildlife watching are popular pastimes in Cheshire, and trails are abundant at Roaring Brook Falls and Lock 12 Park.

There’s not a ton to do in Cheshire, which is how locals like it. A low crime rate and high-quality schools attract families looking to settle down. Even so, the town is around two hours away from downtown New York City, Boston, and Providence, Rhode Island.

17. Woodbridge

• Population: 8,990
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,600
• Median household income: $157,456
• Walk score: 9
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 16

As one of the best small towns in Connecticut, Woodbridge is known for its suburban community within a country setting. It offers a laid-back, rural lifestyle but is still a six-mile commute to Yale University. Woodbridge is the place to live if you want rolling hills and green countryside with walking trails and an old-fashioned, small-town vibe.

Woodbridge is also an ideal spot when you want to live quietly but still have access to cultural and entertainment outlets in nearby New Haven. But when you need an urban fix, Boston; New York City; and Providence, Rhode Island, are about two hours away, providing more cultural opportunities for a day in the city.

18. Mansfield

• Population: 26,431
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: N/A
• Median household income: $45,388
• Walk score: 19
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 18

Mansfield offers historic charm and safe, family-focused neighborhoods with great schools. You can still find some cultural and art opportunities at area galleries. Mansfield is also a college town and contains the main campus of the University of Connecticut and the Connecticut Repertory Theatre in an area called Storrs. Boston is about an hour and 40 minutes away, so it’s easy to get a city fix before coming home to the countryside.

Like much of rural Connecticut, Mansfield's activities satisfy outdoors lovers, including hiking opportunities at Schoolhouse Brook Park and the nearby Natchaug State Forest. To blend nature and adrenaline, The Adventure Park at Storrs is just five miles away and features zip lines, bridges, and climbing challenges.

19. Riverside

• Population: 8,843
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,500
• Median household income: $250,000+
• Walk score: 42
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 37

If luxury living is what you’re looking for, the coastal town of Riverside features a yacht club, shops, and restaurants in a community known for its waterfront homes. Locals can get to Manhattan in about an hour to work or enjoy more urban offerings.

Renters choose Riverside for its proximity to the city and calmer way of life. There’s not as much traffic in Riverside as in the rest of Greenwich, and rents are more affordable in some of the neighborhoods.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting With Apartment List

No matter what you are looking for in Connecticut, whether it be fun along the water of the Naugatuck River in Waterbury or the hustle of a more metropolitan area like Stamford, there's something for everyone. You’ll also find a range of rents, from modest to luxury, to align with your budget and preferences.

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