7 Best Places to Live in Connecticut in 2024
Connecticut, popularly called the “Nutmeg State” despite being the third-smallest state by area, is the fourth most densely populated in the United States. Looking at these statistics, you might be discouraged about moving here, but there is more to this state than meets the eye.
From extensive forest towns to quaint waterfront towns, Connecticut has it all. From small historic towns to busy big cities, there is a wide variety of towns to pick from when sorting for a place to relocate to in the state. Here are the seven best places to live in Connecticut in 2024.
Cornwall
Named after Cornwall County in England, this small town is located at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. It is popularly named “Home of the Covered Bridge,” its beauty and charm make it one of the best places to live in the state in 2024. The home value in Cornwall ranges from $95K to $1.9M, with Bucks Hill being the most affordable neighborhood with an average price of $225K.
Cornwall is home to one of the only three surviving covered bridges in the state. This historic bridge is a popular tourist destination and residents' favorite. The Mohawk State Forest and Ski Area are still in this city as well. This area is the largest in Connecticut, with approximately 26 trails and 5 lifts. It has earned the town the title “the Greenest Town in Connecticut.”
Mystic
The town derived its name from the Pequot word “missi-tuk,” used to describe rivers whose waters are driven into the waves by tides or wind. With a population of less than 5,000 people, this town is the perfect place to raise a family or start life as a retiree. Mystic has a median home price of $799K.
Mystic lies on the side of the Mystic River, offering residents a beautiful waterfront view and a lot of fishing opportunities. The town is divided by the famous Mystic River Bascule Bridge. The bridge carries foot and vehicle traffic to the astonishing tourist district of the town.
It is also home to famous tourist destinations in Connecticut, such as the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium.
Monroe
Monroe is a family-oriented town in Connecticut that is considered a bedroom community. Over centuries, this town has grown from a small village to a small town with award-winning schools, safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and growing local businesses and industry. The average home price in Monroe is $552K.
One of the famous parks in Monroe is a popular tourist attraction called Webb Mountain Park, approximately over a 100-acre park that offers residents miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, nature study, and campsites. Other sites to look out for include Warrens’ Occult Museum, Stepney Cemetery, and Monroe Center Historic District.
Bethel
Welcome to Bethel, a town whose name is of Hebrew origin, meaning “House of God.” It was formed in 1855 in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Lying approximately 60 miles from New York City, this town is the perfect choice for people seeking a calm and slow-paced beginning. Bethel homes are priced at an average of $487K year-over-year.
Bethel has a unique charm, fun-filled and active community calendar of events, and to crown it all, a walkable and thrilling downtown area. Residents can visit Noteworthy Chocolates, Trailer Box Projects Art Gallery, and Blue Jay Orchards (which is open from Late August to Early September) for relaxation and get-togethers during the week or weekends.
Washington
A rural town in Connecticut that is a favorite of many people looking for an enchanting place to live and should be top of your bucket list is Washington. With a population of fewer than 5,000 people, the town is a tight-knit and friendly community. The town has a median home listing price of $1.9M.
Washington is home to Lake Waramaug and the Shepaug River, two major natural resources that provide endless recreational activities to residents. From rolling hills to picturesque farmland, it is a perfect example of a quaint small town.
If you're an art lover, this place is an art lover's paradise. The town is filled with local artists, musicians, and galleries. Look out for Eckert Fine Art, The Hen's Nest Gallery, and Gunn Memorial Library & Historical Museum. Lake Waramaug State Park is a great place to make some art (or take some photos) of your own!
Essex
Welcome to the picturesque town of Essex, which is made up of three villages: Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. This town gives residents unlimited access to the Connecticut River in all its beauty and splendor. Right on the Connecticut River is the Connecticut River Museum, which houses several river artifacts and is also the hosting ground for the Connecticut Winter Wildflie Eagle Cruises, which is open from February to March. Essex has a median home listing price of $875K.
When the streets are not busy with events, residents can explore the several historic sites littered around town. Catch a play at the Ivoryton Playhouse, the first believed continuously operating summer theater in the United States. Your children will enjoy attending the Thomas the Tank Engine, which is held a couple of times across the year.
Chaplin
Named after Deacon Benjamin Chaplin, an early settler in the area, Chaplin depicts the 18th century in architecture and community planning. With a population of less than 3,000, this historic town is perfect for those looking for a quiet start. The average price of homes in Chaplin is $360K.
The Natchaug State Forest and the adjacent Goodwin Forest run across the town, providing residents with extensive hiking trails, horse-riding trails, and a cross-country skiing area. The Natchaug River opens up a lot of water activities to visitors and residents, from kayaking to fishing.
From the “Home of the Covered Bridge” to the town bearing a Hebrew name, Connecticut is filled with warm, family-oriented, and vibrant towns. From rolling hills to an extensive forest system, these areas are perfect places to set up camp as an adventurer or a lover of the great outdoors. Pay a visit to any of these towns to uncover their true beauty, or better still, move in immediately with your family and kick-start your new life.
