Meriden, Hartford, and Bristol are some of the best places to live in Connecticut. The Constitution State has become a migration hot spot for professionals earning $200,000 or more.
Connecticut scores 71/100 in quality of life. The state’s success can be attributed to its expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education.
The state is ranked 8th in terms of the best healthcare in the country. Moreover, Connecticut has an excellent job market, creating 22,700 new job opportunities in 2023.
3 Reasons to Live in Connecticut🌳
- Flourishing Job Market: By 2030, the job market in Connecticut is expected to rise by 33%. The state is home to big corporates like Amphenol, W.R. Berkley, and XPO.
- Excellent Education: Connecticut has the 8th best education system in the country.
- Economic Stability: Connecticut is ranked as the 17th best fiscally stable state in the country. Transportation, finance, and healthcare are the growing domains.
Best Places to Live in CT in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hartford | 120,576 | $262,500 | $10,076 | 6.20% | 72/100 |
| 2. | Meriden | 60,517 | $267,532 | $10,590 | 4.60% | 70/100 |
| 3. | Manchester | 35,946 | $279,030 | $9,392 | 3.9% | 60/100 |
| 4. | New London | 27,635 | $255,954 | $9,674 | 3.70% | 56/100 |
| 5. | Bristol | 60,661 | $288,041 | $9,970 | 4.3% | 52/100 |
| 6. | Bridgeport | 148,333 | $305,442 | $11,386 | 5.40% | 60/100 |
| 7. | Norwich | 40,014 | $238,971 | $9,674 | 4.60% | 55/100 |
1. Hartford
| Home Value | ⬆️ 8.8% |
| Median Income | $23,498 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,076 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.20% |
Hartford is one of Connecticut’s largest cities with a population of over 123,420. It’s one of the top cities to live in the state due to its architecture, food, and lively nightlife. Also, the city is home to the country’s oldest museum Wadsworth Atheneum.
Although it’s the most famous city in Connecticut, the home prices are fairly affordable. The median home price in Hartford is $262,500, 25% below the national average. Moreover, the cost of living is 9% lower than the state average.
» Homes for Sale in Hartford, CT: Find your home in this beautiful city.
2. Meriden
| Home Value | ⬆️ 12.0% |
| Median Income | $23,498 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,590 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.60% |
The median home price in Meriden is $267,532. The cost of living is 8% less than the national average. Moreover, the city has a booming job market, with an average annual salary of $55,360.
Meriden has excellent connectivity and the New Haven International Airport (HVN) is just 15-20 miles away from the city center. Besides this, the city scores A+ in the healthcare metrics.
» Homes for Sale in Meriden, CT: View the best properties in Meriden online.
3. Manchester
| Home Value | ⬆️ 13.7% |
| Median Income | $35,125 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,392 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% |
The median home price in Manchester is $279,030. The cost of living is 10% lower than the state average. Moreover, the city has a stable job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is less than the national average.
Manchester created 22,700 new jobs in 2023. The major employers are Sync Payments, Rovic Inc., RRD, Dave & Busters, and JCPenney.
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4. New London
| Home Value | ⬆️ 12.3% |
| Median Income | $21,789 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,674 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.70% |
The median home price in New London is $255,954. The cost of living is 3% lower than the state average. New London is cheaper than Westport and Wilton when it comes to housing.
The Whaling City is ideal for job seekers, with over 25,000 employees. The city is home to big tech giants like Eliassen Group, The Granite, Legrand, EverPresent, and The Robert E. Morris Company.
» Homes for Sale in New London, CT: Find the best properties in the NL neighborhood.
5. Bristol
| Home Value | ⬆️ 14.6% |
| Median Income | $37,909 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,970 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
The median home price in Bristol is $288,041. The average rent for an 828 sq. ft. apartment is $1503. Also, the city is home to the prestigious University of Bristol, which is ideal for higher education.
The cost of housing in Mum City is 2% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city’s job market is projected to grow by 21% in the next ten years. ESPN, Barnes Group, Mark Facey Comp., and the Walt Disney Company are some of the major employers.
Try Connecticut’s #1 Mortgage calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
6. Bridgeport
| Home Value | ⬆️ 12.0% |
| Median Income | $25,529 |
| Monthly Expenses | $11,386 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% |
The median home price in Bridgeport is $305,442. The cost of living in the city is 7% lower than the national average. In addition, the city has a great educational setup. It’s home to the prestigious University of Bridgeport and Sacred Heart University.
Park City is home to big corporations like Deloitte, UBS, and Amazon. The city’s unemployment rate is 3.8%, decreasing steadily.
» Homes for Sale in Bridgeport, CT: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
7. Norwich
| Home Value | ⬆️ 10.7% |
| Median Income | $31,312 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,674 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.60% |
The median home price in Norwich is $238,971. Housing costs are 2% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city ranks well in the human safety index. The crime rate is 15% lower than the national average.
The Rose of New England offers excellent job opportunities. The city offers high-paying jobs in sectors like IT, education, and defense technology. Moreover, the city scores an A+ in air quality metrics.
» Homes for Sale in Norwich, CT: View thousands of properties in Norwich.
Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Families
When moving with your family, a decent education system, safe neighborhoods, and good connectivity are necessary. Here are the best cities in Connecticut for families:
- Ridgefield: The city offers excellent healthcare to its residents and is home to the highly-rated Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Also, in 2023 Ridgefield was ranked as the safest city in the U.S.
- Simsbury: The city is home to some of the best elementary schools in the state like Tootlin Hills School and Tariffville School. Furthermore, the crime rate in the city is 15.9% lower than the state average.
Bottom Line
Connecticut is one of the best places to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent education system and vibrant city life.
The state’s current population is 3.6 million, and it’s projected to increase by 8% by 2030. Moreover, it is ranked 3rd among the best healthcare systems in the country.
In some cities, the median home price is around $255,954, whereas in cities like Bridgeport, it can go up to $305,442. So, you must do your research before you move to Connecticut. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Connecticut’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in CT
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Connecticut. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Connecticut and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Connecticut for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to live in Connecticut?
Hartford is the best place to live in Connecticut. The city's cost of living is low and has a flourishing job market.
Which is the best place to live in Connecticut for retirees?
Meriden is the best place to live for retirees. The city is known for its excellent healthcare and favorable climatic conditions.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Connecticut?
Manchester is the cheapest place to live in Connecticut. The home prices and cost of living in the city are the lowest in the state.
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