6 Top-Ranked Towns In Connecticut For Retirees

Deciding on the location for your retirement is a major choice involving numerous considerations. Factors such as comfort, entertainment choices, healthcare availability, and opportunities for socialization all come into play. From the cost of living to average crime rates, each aspect contributes to your overall quality of life. Read ahead to learn about six small towns in Connecticut, all having distinct features that make them worth exploring as potential retirement destinations. Delve into the details, and you might just find the perfect place to spend your golden years.

Simsbury

Retirees looking for a quiet place with plenty of green spaces and a low crime rate might consider Simsbury the right place to spend their golden years. The town is statistically rated safer than 67% of neighborhoods in the United States. Active retirees who are nature lovers would be happy to know Connecticut manages four state parks in Simsbury, namely Great Pond, Penwood State Park, Stratton Brook State Park, and Talcott Mountain. These parks provide various suitable places for hiking, biking, and picnics. Golfers can take advantage of Simsbury Farms Golf Course. Tennis players will appreciate the Simsbury Farms Tennis/Pickleball Courts.

There is also a wealth of services geared particularly toward aged individuals. For instance, the Seniors Helping Seniors Program is a useful resource when it comes to finding help for personal care, running errands, finding companionship, and providing transportation, to name some types of assistance available. Further, there are several options for medical care a short drive away. In Simsbury, there is the UConn Health Medical Services, with a center for aging. Alternatively, Simsbury is conveniently located near hospitals and doctors' offices in nearby Avon and Hartford.

For housing, the Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments, a complex of garden-style apartments designed for those aged 62 or above, may be an option to consider. On the other hand, for a readily accessible wide range of amenities, including housekeeping, local transportation, and social gatherings, a property like Belden Forest Court could be what retirees are looking for. There is a host of services available for transportation around Simsbury and to and from nearby towns. Information is available through the Way to Go CT program. While the cost of living in Simsbury is slightly higher than the national average (4.8% higher), it is 6.3% lower on average for Connecticut as a whole.

Guilford

Those who wish to spend their golden years basking in the sun and listening to the waves of the Long Island Sound may consider the coastal town of Guilford to be the right fit. The town has plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature while staying active. Spend sunny days walking along the sand at Jacob's Beach, where you will find convenient washroom facilities and relaxing picnic areas with grills for afternoon barbecues by the Long Island Sound.

To stay active, there is the Guilford Racket and Swim Club, where retirees can participate in tennis and swimming. In addition, the Guilford Salt Meadows Sanctuary Ann Connover Nature Trail is where you will find three miles of easy walking trails winding through forested landscapes. Golfers worry not. You will find the Guilford Lakes Golf Course in Guilford. There, you will appreciate an executive 9-hole golf course.

The Guilford Senior Citizens Program caters to individuals aged 55 and over, supplying a range of services, including communal excursions. The primary aim is to encourage independence, foster creativity, and facilitate and promote engagement. The program provides assorted services, such as a hot meal program, transportation for personal healthcare needs, educational and fitness initiatives, and day and overnight trips.

For housing possibilities, retirees might appreciate communities such as the Solstice Senior Living at Guilford, which has facilities such as a fitness center, library, media room, and even an internet café. Alternatively, just north of Guilford in neighboring Branford, Connecticut, you will find Evergreen Woods, where there are accommodations for active retirees, independent seniors, and those who need assistance. Tenants will find advantages such as an indoor heated swimming pool, on-site group activities, a spa, and a restaurant.

For medical needs, Guilford has a variety of facilities, including the Shoreline Medical Center and Yale New Haven Health Services, supplying home care services. There are also several doctor's offices, such as the Northeast Family Practice Associate, for routine care. While the cost of living is roughly 9% higher than the national average, it is slightly lower than the state average 

Suffield

Suffield, Connecticut, is in the picturesque Connecticut River Valley, providing an enticing environment to bask in tranquility in their golden years. One of the town's appealing features is its relatively low housing prices compared to neighboring areas, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.

For those with a penchant for exploration, there is plenty to discover with Suffield's historical landmarks. Peaceful visits to the Sunrise Park walking paths overlooking the Connecticut River could become a relaxing routine. Retirees could feed their curiosity at the historical Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden. The town also has a senior center under the Town of Suffield Community Services. The Suffield Senior Center is available for those who need assistance with transportation needs, exercise programs, and meal delivery programs.

Moreover, Suffield prides itself on its low crime rate, with an average lower than 83% of the rest of the country, providing retirees with a sense of safety and security as they settle in. The town also benefits from its proximity to several hospitals and care facilities, such as the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in nearby Hartford, ensuring access to quality medical services when needed. In addition, nearby Hartford Hospital dispenses top-notch tertiary care, including cardiac and neurological care.

Avon

Avon, Connecticut, rests among the rolling hills and lush greenery of Farmington Valley. The town, having a population of less than 20,000, has the advantage of being near Hartford, a significantly larger city with more than 120,000 inhabitants. Residents benefit from the advantages a larger city might possess without any of the disadvantages.

Residents will find plenty to keep them occupied in the quiet, small-town life of Avon. For example, seniors can keep their creative spark at the Farmington Valley Arts Center. Not only will they find an art gallery, but they also could take art classes and attend events such as Choco L'art, an Afternoon of Chocolate, Art, and Music. Additionally, they could visit the artists' studios to witness the fascinating creative process of local artists.

Active retirees enjoy the variety of advantages available to them. For energizing open-air experiences, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail has scenic, paved pathways for walking or cycling with trail-side benches for places to rest if needed. For the golfers among you, the Farmington Woods Golf Club and the Golf Club of Avon are conveniently located.

For primary healthcare, the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group has providers with offices located in and around Avon in various locations. For emergencies and specialty care, retirees can count on the Hartford HealthCare Health Center. Also available to town residents, the Avon Senior Center caters to the various needs of elderly individuals, including social, educational, recreational, cognitive, physical, and psychological aspects.

For housing, there are residences like the Residences at Brookside that deliver independent living accommodations with conveniences such as exercise space and classes, laundry and linen services, and visiting healthcare professionals. Also, several affordable housing options are available through the Town of Avon Department of Social Services. The crime rate in Avon is also lower than 63% of US towns, so older residents are assured they are safe and secure while they enjoy their golden years. 

Essex

Essex presents the calm of Main Street Park, which features scenic waterfront views in the heart of town. Retirees will be able to spend their days relaxing and enjoying all the park amenities, like a gazebo, benches, picnic areas, and facilities. There is also a boat dock that may be an asset to boat owners. The park is also the locale for many town gatherings, such as festivals, markets, and craft fairs. With its proximity to local cafes and shops, the park is in an ideal spot to enjoy a rest while in the middle of perusing the area.

Active retirees might enjoy walking the trails at the various Liparks surrounding Essex. For example, Caleb's Trail Loop and Canfield-Dennison to Eagle Ridge have easy hikes through lush wood areas. For those who play tennis or would like to take it on anew now that they have time, you will find lighted tennis courts at Grove Street Park.

Throughout the year, the town population immerses themselves in the lively town culture by attending occasions such as the Essex Shad Bake, a beloved local tradition celebrating the annual shad migration with live music, food stalls, and family-friendly entertainment. The Essex Winter Series in nearby Deep River, CT, featuring classical music performances by renowned artists, encourages cultural enrichment during the colder months.

Middlesex Hospital in nearby Middlesex dispenses comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring citizens receive quality medical attention close to home. Alternatively, Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center in neighboring Westbrook could be an option for care. For those seeking all-inclusive living, Essex Meadows stands out as a premier possibility, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in a manicured campus setting, complete with a restaurant, fitness facilities, and social activities. Tenants of the complex also have Essex Meadows Health Center, a reputable facility providing a range of services and specialized care tailored to the needs of older people.

While living costs in Essex are a little higher than the rest of the country (about 14% compared to the US average) and about 2% higher than the state average, the value is reflected in the quality of life enjoyed by its population. Moreover, Essex maintains a low crime rate, providing retirees with a safe and secure environment to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Southbury

Outdoorsy retirees will enjoy the natural beauty of Southbury by walking along the trails and viewing scenic vistas at Kettletown State Park, which has opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing along the shores of Lake Zoar. For golf enthusiasts, the Silo Point Country Club has an 18-hole golf course surrounded by the Pomperaug River, perfect for leisurely rounds with friends.

Throughout the year, there is the choice of local happenings, such as the Saint James Annual Fall Festival, featuring live music, artisan vendors, and seasonal activities for all ages. The Southbury Farmers' Market sells locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and crafts, fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses. Seniors in Southbury have access to excellent health services, including the Danbury Hospital, which offers a range of specialties, including advanced cardiac and vascular care.

For living accommodations, Pomperaug Woods Retirement Community has selections for independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in a scenic campus setting, with a dining venue and fitness facilities to enhance residents' quality of life. Additionally, the Pomperaug Woods Health Center provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services in a comfortable and supportive environment. Regarding affordability, Southbury is roughly 9% higher than the national average and 2% higher than the state. The town maintains a crime rate lower than 84% of the rest of the US, providing retirees with a secure environment to live free of worry.

In the search for an ideal retirement destination, Connecticut's small towns stand out as vibrant and diverse havens for seniors seeking fulfillment and tranquility. From the serene landscapes of Simsbury to the coastal delights of Guilford, each town has a unique mixture of amenities, social opportunities, and sought-after beauty. Whether you prioritize outdoor recreation, cultural events, or healthcare accessibility, these towns present compelling possibilities for embracing aging with grace and contentment. As retirees weigh their choices, the practicality and appeal of Connecticut's small towns call, promising a satisfying and enriching chapter in life's journey.