Best College Towns In Connecticut
From the venerated halls of Yale University to the University of Bridgeport, the "Constitution State," Connecticut, has long been known as a destination for higher education. Many of these acclaimed institutions are interconnected with the towns and cities where they are located, and it is believed that these towns and cities play a supportive role in the students' overall academic and personal development. Moreover, these locales mentioned below also offer a fun social environment that helps the students to deal with the stress of college life.
New Haven
Placed along the northern shores of Long Island Sound on New Haven Harbor is New Haven – Connecticut’s third-largest city and one of the nation’s first planned cities. As one of the state’s notable higher education centers, New Haven is home to Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Albertus Magnus College, and the New Haven campus of Gateway Community College. Established in 1701, Yale University, located at the center of downtown, is the nation’s third-oldest higher educational institution. As the largest employer and taxpayer, Yale University is integral to New Haven’s economy. Having various departments, centers, programs, schools, and several affiliated organizations, this large research university is more than a higher learning institution; it is an assemblage of people of eclectic cultures and nationalities linked by their similarities and complemented by their differences.
As the “Cultural Capital of Connecticut,” New Haven is well-known for its museums, theaters, and performance venues. Yale Repertory Theatre, Shubert Theatre, Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, etc., are some of the city’s famous theatres and production houses. Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Collection of Musical Instruments, etc., are some of the well-known museums in the city. In addition, New Haven is a renowned “Foodie City,” having many restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, including the country and the world’s best pizza.
Hartford
The state capital Hartford is Connecticut’s fourth-largest city, located along the banks of the Connecticut River in the north-central portion of the state. Boasting a rich history and a lively downtown, the city houses many world-class educational institutions like Trinity College, Capital Community College, the Hartford Campus of the University of Connecticut, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, etc., that offer a remarkable college experience in a cosmopolitan setting.
Being home to the head offices of several insurance companies has earned Hartford its nickname, “Insurance Capital of the World.” The city is also well-known for its many cultural attractions like the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Mark Twain House and Museum, Harriet Beecher Stowe House & Research Center, Connecticut Science Center, Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, etc. With numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes that suit every taste, Hartford is a renowned foodie destination. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with many venues hosting live music performances and other events that mainly attract the college-age crowd.
Storrs
Nicknamed the “Basketball Capital of the World,” the Storrs community is located in Mansfield in Connecticut’s Tolland County. The community’s economy is dominated by the main campus of the University of Connecticut, and the community was named “Storrs” in honor of the two brothers: Charles Storrs and Augustus Storrs, who founded the Storrs Agricultural School in 1881, which later became the University of Connecticut.
The charming downtown area of Storrs features an array of retail stores and restaurants and hosts several events year-round. Managed by the University of Connecticut, the Ballard Institute and the Museum of Puppetry, which houses a permanent collection of more than 2500 puppets from all around the globe, is a unique tourist attraction in Storrs. In addition, the institute also conducts puppetry festivals, puppet-making workshops, exhibitions, and dramatic performances.
Middletown
Initially an industrial center and a busy seaport, this presently residential city is located at the heart of the state, approximately 16 miles south of Hartford along the Connecticut River in Middlesex County. Middletown also has many notable higher-learning centers, such as Wesleyan University and the Middlesex Community College. Named in honor of the founder of Methodism – John Wesley, Wesleyan University is one of the top employers in Middletown and plays an essential role in the city’s economy.
Well-known for its bohemian vibe, Downtown Main Street is filled with popular restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, various retail stores, art galleries, bars, and other businesses. Moreover, Middletown is also home to the Green Street Arts Center, Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, Oddfellows Playhouse, Kidcity Children’s Museum, Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown Nature Gardens, etc.
Fairfield
With 5 miles of shoreline along the Long Island Sound, this charming coastal town adjoining Bridgeport is located in Fairfield County in Southwestern Connecticut. Fairfield is home to many educational institutions, notable among which is the Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University. Both these universities play a vital role in the town’s economy. Established in 1942 by the Jesuits, Fairfield University, through its five schools and colleges, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees.
Fairfield is well-known for its historic downtown called “Fairfield Center,” which houses several boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Live concerts, theatrical performances, and dance and musical events are held in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, making it a cultural hub for the residents and students alike. Jennings and Penfield Beach, which are located only a few miles from the Fairfield University campus, attract several beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. One can also enjoy birdwatching and jogging activities at the Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, as well as on the scenic campus of Fairfield University.
New Britain
Placed about 9 miles southwest of Hartford, New Britain is located in Hartford County in the state’s north-central portion. The city has two higher educational centers: Central Connecticut State University and Charter Oak State College. Established as the State Normal School in 1849, Central Connecticut State University is the oldest publicly-funded university in Connecticut. Comprising four schools, the university at present has a strength of about 8,898 students, of which 1,844 are graduate students, and 7,054 are undergraduate students. The Central Connecticut State University is also one of the top employers in New Britain.
The city’s history as a major manufacturing center of hardware products and as the global headquarters of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., has earned it the nickname “Hardware City.” Located in the city’s south-central portion, Downtown New Britain forms the historic commercial and civic heart of New Britain. The quality of architecture and abundance found in the downtown reflects the city’s history as one of the industrial powerhouses of the state. Moreover, New Britain is also home to the New Britain Industrial Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain Youth Museum, and Walnut Hill Park.
New London
One of the state’s smallest cities in terms of land area, this seaport city is placed at the Thames River’s mouth in Connecticut’s New London County. Some educational institutions here include Connecticut College, Mitchell College, the Williams School, and the United States Coast Guard Academy. All these establishments significantly influence the economy of the entire region. Nicknamed “The Whaling City,” this dynamic business-friendly settlement is an assemblage of rural, suburban, and urban communities. New London is well known for its several tourist attractions like Ocean Beach Park, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Fort Trumbull, Grade Arts Center, Monte Cristo Cottage, etc.
Willimantic
Named after the Willimantic River that flows through it, this census-designated place is situated in Windham town in Connecticut’s Windham County. Willimantic is home to Eastern Connecticut State University and a satellite campus of the Quinebaug Valley Community College. Established as the Willimantic State Normal School in 1889, Eastern Connecticut State University is the state’s third-oldest public university and the Connecticut State University System’s second-oldest campus. The university’s proximity to major metropolises like Boston, New York City, and Hartford helps it attract many students from these areas.
Willimantic’s history as a principal textile industry center and the presence of several mills belonging to the American Thread Company along the Willimantic River has earned the city its nickname, “Thread City.” The city is well-known for its massive collection of Victorian-era buildings in the Prospect Hill Historic District, the Romanesque Revival style Windham Town Hall, Windham Textile and History Museum, the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, the Willimantic Footbridge and the Thread City Crossing (“Frog Bridge”).
Bridgeport
Considered one of the nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse cities, this port city is located at the mouth of the Pequonnock River in the eastern part of Connecticut’s Fairfield County. Bridgeport has many reputed higher learning institutions: the University of Bridgeport, Paier College, Yeshiva Gedola of Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College, and St. Vincent’s College. Established as the Junior College of Connecticut in 1927, the University of Bridgeport is one of the most prominent universities in the state and the city’s only university. The university has a strength of about 5,000 students and offers over 60-degree programs.
The economic and population boom in the early 20th century gradually transformed the city into the principal manufacturing city of Connecticut. The presence of 35 public parks occupying about 1,300 acres has earned the city its nickname, “Park City.” Moreover, the city is home to the Housatonic Museum of Art, the Discovery Science Center and Planetarium, the Barnum Museum, Beardsley Zoo, Total Mortgage Arena, and the Klein Memorial Auditorium.
A college town refers to a community whose social and economic life is dominated by the presence of educational institutions. Some of these educational institutions also serve as the biggest employer in the community, providing employment opportunities to several residents and businesses. A significant development recently noted in college towns includes the increasing population of retirees in these towns due to their reasonable cost of living, best medical facilities, public transport-friendly development patterns, and lots of cultural and educational opportunities.
