8 Safest Towns In Connecticut For Senior Living
Did you know Connecticut was named one of the seven safest states in the US by WalletHub for 2025? Ranked for having the second-lowest personal and residential safety risk nationwide, this is a pretty great place to be! However, besides incredibly low crime rates, there are many other reasons why The Nutmeg State (with its famous nickname derived from the resourceful inhabitants who created and sold wooden nutmegs) is a wonderful destination to spend your golden years. Expect amazing scenery, top-quality healthcare, and a fascinating culture. Whether you prefer the historic gems of Newtown or the beautiful beaches of Westport, dive into a world of hidden wonders and explore the safest towns in Connecticut for senior living.
Simsbury
With an annual crime rate of 14.63 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org), Simsbury is safer than 87% of cities. There were only eight offenses made against society and 62 against people for 2022, as per the Crime in Connecticut Annual Report by the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection. UConn Health is also located in the heart of town and offers comprehensive care in various specialties in addition to primary care.
To surround yourself with gorgeous greenery and rich history, Simsbury is the place to be. This quiet, picturesque town, home to four extraordinary state parks and a lovely New England-style downtown area, is a magnificent retirement spot for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
A hike up Talcott Mountain State Park will take you to the 165-foot-tall Heublein Tower for jaw-dropping panoramic views over the landscape. Grab a coffee and admire the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, an exquisite example of a 19th-century metal truss stretched over the Farmington River. For golf enthusiasts, the Simsbury Farms Golf Course offers a serene setting to practice your aim.
Ridgefield
Ranked the safest city in Connecticut by SafeWise in 2024, there is no place you will feel more secure to call home than Ridgefield. The crime rate here is 1.9 per 1,000 residents, with only two offenses against people and 45 against property in 2022, according to the Crime in Connecticut Annual Report. There are several hospitals in the area. Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care has incredible reviews for the knowledgeable, caring staff, short wait times, and 24/7 virtual care option.
Set in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, Ridgefield is also quite breathtaking. The 60-acre Weir Farm National Historical Park, dedicated to the legendary US Impressionist J. Alden Weir, is here.
On the historic main street, find plenty of shops and restaurants to search for hidden new treasures and delight your taste buds. Tour The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, one of the oldest contemporary art museums in America, founded in 1964. Next, head slightly further east to Nod Hill Brewery, and choose from a wide selection of beers, and listen to live music.
Newtown
Newtown was ranked second on the 10 safest cities in Connecticut list by SafeWise for 2024, just behind Ridgefield. The crime rate here is 9.0 per 1,000 people, as per the Crime in Connecticut 2022 Annual Report. Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care has a location on Main Street in Newtown. The town also has a Senior Center, with interactive activities designed for citizens to come together to boost their physical, social, and mental well-being, and a guidebook filled with helpful resources.
An aesthetically pleasing town with a quiet, rural-like atmosphere (yet a strong sense of community), you will fall in love with Newtown and its friendly neighbors. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Paugussett State Forest, a stunning site for hiking, fishing, and boating—surrounded by the Housatonic River and Lake Lillinonah.
Despite its name, Newtown has many well-preserved historic buildings. Edmond Town Hall, a 1930 Georgian-style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a theater hosting live events and movies for low prices. Experience the New England charm of Newtown Meeting House—its construction was completed between 1812 and 1873. Residents are also happy to live near Ferris Acres Creamery, one of the best ice cream shops in America, according to Thrillist.
Avon
In the breathtaking Farmington Valley, find Avon, a quaint town blending rich history with modern-day magic. The crime rate here is 17.2 per 1,000 people, with only 22 crimes against people and 8 against society in 2022 (Crime in Connecticut Annual Report).
Time travel to 1865 with a trip to Pine Grove Schoolhouse, now a famous museum and landmark. Enjoy a tranquil trail walk by the Farmington River in Fisher Meadows, a stunning park with canoeing, fishing, biking, and birdwatching opportunities. Discover the true meaning of relaxation at Imagine Float, a serene wellness center. Try float therapy, undergo cryotherapy, or unwind in an infrared sauna.
Avon, with its rural charm, local shops, and peaceful neighborhoods, is also conveniently close to Hartford. Access the main amenities of living close to the capital city, with Hartford Hospital (ranked one of the five best hospitals in Connecticut for 2024 to 2025 according to Newsweek and Statista) nearby.
Westport
Picture living in the perfect location—you might just end up in Westport. With a crime rate of 18.05 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org), Westport is safer than 67% of cities. Plus, with the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast, a shop-filled downtown area with a New England-style atmosphere, and being less than two hours away from NYC, this community has it all.
Spend the summers soaking up the sun at Compo Beach, with lovely views of Long Island Sound—especially at sunrise or sunset. Sherwood Island State Park (the first state park in Connecticut) offers 235 acres of beach, coastal forest, and wetlands for rest, relaxation, and exploration. There is also mouth-watering seafood at local restaurants like the Black Duck Cafe and The Lobster Shack—which you can even have delivered to Compo Beach.
The Westport Center for Senior Activities organizes many fun classes and events and offers resources for meals, transportation, and other forms of assistance. Westport Urgent Care has a high 4.7-star rating thanks to the efficient and high-quality care.
Madison
For those who do not want to live far from the water, here is another coastal town to consider. With a crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000 people, Madison had only 10 offenses against people and two against society in 2022, as per the Crime in Connecticut Annual Report. Plus, with its lush evergreen parks and beautiful beaches, this town is truly a haven for nature lovers.
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a wonderful spot to walk by the shore and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Search for treasures at RJ Julia Booksellers, known for their diverse collection of books and relaxing atmosphere. Find healing and guidance at Tea & Tarot Boutique, and leave with fresh insights and a new-found perspective. Make your way through the Madison Green Historic District, seeing the structures range from colonial to modern.
Madison is a fantastic choice for those with any chronic health conditions. Yale New Haven Hospital (the New Haven location) is a nationally-ranked hospital within 30 minutes of Madison. According to the US News & World Report, YNHH is ranked in America’s top hospitals for 11 adult specialties and is considered the best in Connecticut overall.
Farmington
About 20% of the population in Farmington is 65 and older, so you can find friendly neighbors with similar lifestyles to connect with as you try new activities together. Especially since the crime rate is only 19.54 per 1,000 residents, as per CrimeGrade.org. UConn Health and UConn John Dempsey Hospital are also here, so there is close access to medical facilities in town.
With a sparkling river running straight through town and an abundance of green parks, Farmington has no shortage of beauty. Discover the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, a gorgeous historic greenway stretching over 80 miles. Unwind or try activities by the water in Winding Trails, a non-profit community recreation center in a picturesque setting that brings residents together.
Learn about the town’s history at the Farmington Historical Society, founded in 1954. Find lectures, exhibits, and events. Treat your taste buds to the diverse dishes of Fork & Fire, an American restaurant bar that uses fresh, locally-grown ingredients and serves a wide range of beverages.
Torrington
Located in Litchfield Hills, Torrington is a wonderful town for those who love being outdoors. The crime rate is 30.81 per 1,000 residents, according to CrimeGrade.org. In the case of emergencies or managing health conditions, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109-bed facility with a 24/7 emergency room and offers resources for Advance Care Planning.
Burr Pond State Park is an aesthetically pleasing spot for hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, and biking—this is where the activity-filled Winter Festival 2025 will be held. Sunnybrook State Park, situated along the East Branch Naugatuck River, is also a lovely area for hunting, hiking, and fishing.
Indulge in the town’s culture at Warner Theatre, an Art-Deco performing arts theater, initially opened as a movie palace in 1931. See what gems you can find at New Brunswick Flea Market, packed with antique goods and vintage items. Additionally, the Edward E. Sullivan Senior Center offers a variety of recreational activities, including dancing, wood carving, yoga, tai chi, billiards, crafts and painting classes, and holiday parties—as well as fun trips to cultural sites.
The Safest Towns in Connecticut for Seniors
The Nutmeg State offers no shortage of beauty, history, and culture. To spend your golden years in a beautiful town where you can feel safe, secure, and taken care of, with low crime rates and high-quality healthcare, then you have come to the right place. Between the artistic treasures of Ridgefield, the lovely boutiques of Madison, and the antique wonders of Torrington, there is plenty to do, no matter the destination. Start planning your future today and choose one of the safest towns in Connecticut for senior living.
