Best places to live in Connecticut
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Connecticut
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Connecticut using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
1 / 25
realtor.com
#25. Weston
- Population: 10,287
- Median home value: $868,200 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,724 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $222,535
- Top public schools: Weston High School (A+), Weston Middle School (A), Weston Intermediate School (A)
- Pictured: 232 Newtown Tpke, Weston ($5.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $868,200 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,724 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $222,535
- Top public schools: Weston High School (A+), Weston Middle School (A), Weston Intermediate School (A)
- Pictured: 232 Newtown Tpke, Weston ($5.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
2 / 25
realtor.com
#24. Rocky Hill
- Population: 20,168
- Median home value: $268,700 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,409 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $85,125
- Top public schools: West Hill School (A), Albert D. Griswold Middle School (A), Rocky Hill High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Rocky Hill (unavailable), Rocky Hill KinderCare (unavailable), The Goddard School - Rocky Hill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 82 Boulder Dr, Rocky Hill ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $268,700 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,409 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $85,125
- Top public schools: West Hill School (A), Albert D. Griswold Middle School (A), Rocky Hill High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Rocky Hill (unavailable), Rocky Hill KinderCare (unavailable), The Goddard School - Rocky Hill (unavailable)
- Pictured: 82 Boulder Dr, Rocky Hill ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
3 / 25
realtor.com
#23. Madison
- Population: 18,113
- Median home value: $428,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,478 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $113,798
- Top public schools: Daniel Hand High School (A+), Haddam Elementary School (A), Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Country School (A+), Our Lady of Mercy Preparatory Academy (unavailable), Grove School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 36A Liberty St, Madison ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $428,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,478 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $113,798
- Top public schools: Daniel Hand High School (A+), Haddam Elementary School (A), Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Country School (A+), Our Lady of Mercy Preparatory Academy (unavailable), Grove School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 36A Liberty St, Madison ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
4 / 25
realtor.com
#22. South Windsor
- Population: 25,898
- Median home value: $287,100 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,290 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $107,374
- Top public schools: Orchard Hill School (A), Philip R. Smith School (A), Pleasant Valley School (A)
- Top private schools: South Windsor KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1116 Main St, South Windsor ($739,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $287,100 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,290 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $107,374
- Top public schools: Orchard Hill School (A), Philip R. Smith School (A), Pleasant Valley School (A)
- Top private schools: South Windsor KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1116 Main St, South Windsor ($739,000, 4 bedrooms)
5 / 25
realtor.com
#21. Darien
- Population: 21,742
- Median home value: $1,471,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,469 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $232,523
- Top public schools: Darien High School (A+), Middlesex Middle School (A+), Tokeneke Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 155 Long Neck Point Rd, Darien ($8.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,471,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,469 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $232,523
- Top public schools: Darien High School (A+), Middlesex Middle School (A+), Tokeneke Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 155 Long Neck Point Rd, Darien ($8.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
6 / 25
realtor.com
#20. Glastonbury Center
- Population: 7,929
- Median home value: $299,100 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $87,146
- Top public schools: Glastonbury High School (A+), Hebron Avenue School (A), Gideon Welles School (A)
- Top private schools: Glastonbury KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 122 Griswold St, Glastonbury ($449,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $299,100 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $87,146
- Top public schools: Glastonbury High School (A+), Hebron Avenue School (A), Gideon Welles School (A)
- Top private schools: Glastonbury KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 122 Griswold St, Glastonbury ($449,900, 3 bedrooms)
7 / 25
realtor.com
#19. New Canaan
- Population: 20,276
- Median home value: $1,355,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $2,228 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $190,227
- Top public schools: New Canaan High School (A+), East School (A+), West School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Luke's School (A+), New Canaan Country School (A), St. Aloysius Diocesan Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 266 Michigan Rd, New Canaan ($15.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,355,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $2,228 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $190,227
- Top public schools: New Canaan High School (A+), East School (A+), West School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Luke's School (A+), New Canaan Country School (A), St. Aloysius Diocesan Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 266 Michigan Rd, New Canaan ($15.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
8 / 25
realtor.com
#18. Cheshire
- Population: 29,147
- Median home value: $334,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,298 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $120,546
- Top public schools: Highland School (A), Cheshire High School (A), Chapman School (A)
- Top private schools: Cheshire Academy (A+), St. Bridget School (unavailable), Webb School at Cheshire (unavailable)
- Pictured: 44 Abrams Rd, Cheshire ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $334,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,298 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $120,546
- Top public schools: Highland School (A), Cheshire High School (A), Chapman School (A)
- Top private schools: Cheshire Academy (A+), St. Bridget School (unavailable), Webb School at Cheshire (unavailable)
- Pictured: 44 Abrams Rd, Cheshire ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
9 / 25
realtor.com
#17. Orange
- Population: 13,934
- Median home value: $389,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,648 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $121,308
- Top public schools: Amity Regional High School (A+), Amity Middle School: Orange (A), Peck Place School (A)
- Top private schools: Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy (unavailable), The Foundation School Lower & Middle School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Orange (unavailable)
- Pictured: 899 Rainbow Trl, Orange ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $389,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,648 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $121,308
- Top public schools: Amity Regional High School (A+), Amity Middle School: Orange (A), Peck Place School (A)
- Top private schools: Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy (unavailable), The Foundation School Lower & Middle School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Orange (unavailable)
- Pictured: 899 Rainbow Trl, Orange ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
10 / 25
realtor.com
#16. Wilton
- Population: 18,463
- Median home value: $793,200 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,335 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $193,292
- Top public schools: Wilton High School (A+), Middlebrook School (A), Cider Mill School (A)
- Top private schools: The Montessori School (A+), Our Lady of Fatima School (unavailable), Connecticut Friends School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 90 Hurlbutt St, Wilton ($3.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $793,200 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,335 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $193,292
- Top public schools: Wilton High School (A+), Middlebrook School (A), Cider Mill School (A)
- Top private schools: The Montessori School (A+), Our Lady of Fatima School (unavailable), Connecticut Friends School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 90 Hurlbutt St, Wilton ($3.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
11 / 25
realtor.com
#15. Cos Cob
- Population: 6,990
- Median home value: $1,055,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,979 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $149,375
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), North Mianus School (A), Eastern Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 273 Valley Rd, Cos Cob ($3.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,055,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,979 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $149,375
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), North Mianus School (A), Eastern Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 273 Valley Rd, Cos Cob ($3.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
12 / 25
realtor.com
#14. Riverside
- Population: 8,604
- Median home value: $1,383,800 (80% own)
- Median rent: $2,168 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $215,791
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), North Mianus School (A), International School at Dundee (A)
- Pictured: 51 Willowmere Cir, Riverside ($8.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,383,800 (80% own)
- Median rent: $2,168 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $215,791
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), North Mianus School (A), International School at Dundee (A)
- Pictured: 51 Willowmere Cir, Riverside ($8.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
13 / 25
realtor.com
#13. Woodbridge
- Population: 8,827
- Median home value: $464,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,375 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $157,610
- Top public schools: Amity Regional High School (A+), Amity Middle School: Bethany (A+), Beecher Road School (A)
- Top private schools: Ezra Academy (unavailable), Children's House of Montessori (unavailable), Yeladim Early Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22 Penrhyn Rd, Woodbridge ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $464,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,375 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $157,610
- Top public schools: Amity Regional High School (A+), Amity Middle School: Bethany (A+), Beecher Road School (A)
- Top private schools: Ezra Academy (unavailable), Children's House of Montessori (unavailable), Yeladim Early Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22 Penrhyn Rd, Woodbridge ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
14 / 25
realtor.com
#12. Fairfield
- Population: 61,740
- Median home value: $611,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,886 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $139,122
- Top public schools: Fairfield Warde High School (A+), Fairfield Ludlowe High School (A), Dwight Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Fairfield College Preparatory School (A+), Notre Dame High School (A-), St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 640 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield ($20.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $611,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,886 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $139,122
- Top public schools: Fairfield Warde High School (A+), Fairfield Ludlowe High School (A), Dwight Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Fairfield College Preparatory School (A+), Notre Dame High School (A-), St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 640 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield ($20.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
15 / 25
realtor.com
#11. Greenwich
- Population: 62,587
- Median home value: $1,251,200 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,910 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $152,577
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), Blind Brook High School (A+), H.C. Crittenden Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greenwich Academy (A+), Brunswick School (A+), Sacred Heart Greenwich (A+)
- Pictured: 591 Riversville Rd, Greenwich ($40.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,251,200 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,910 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $152,577
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), Blind Brook High School (A+), H.C. Crittenden Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greenwich Academy (A+), Brunswick School (A+), Sacred Heart Greenwich (A+)
- Pictured: 591 Riversville Rd, Greenwich ($40.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
16 / 25
realtor.com
#10. Glastonbury
- Population: 34,564
- Median home value: $348,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,359 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $120,837
- Top public schools: Glastonbury High School (A+), Hebron Avenue School (A), Gideon Welles School (A)
- Top private schools: Shirley Reaback Early Childhood Center (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Village Place (unavailable), Glastonbury KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 519 Cedar Ridge Dr, Glastonbury ($3.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $348,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,359 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $120,837
- Top public schools: Glastonbury High School (A+), Hebron Avenue School (A), Gideon Welles School (A)
- Top private schools: Shirley Reaback Early Childhood Center (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Village Place (unavailable), Glastonbury KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 519 Cedar Ridge Dr, Glastonbury ($3.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
17 / 25
realtor.com
#9. Farmington
- Population: 25,528
- Median home value: $332,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,386 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $93,053
- Top public schools: Farmington High School (A+), Noah Wallace School (A), East Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Miss Porter's School (A+), Farmington KinderCare - Connecticut (unavailable), Joni's Child Care & Preschool - Farmington (unavailable)
- Pictured: 49 Mountain Spring Rd, Farmington ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $332,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,386 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $93,053
- Top public schools: Farmington High School (A+), Noah Wallace School (A), East Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Miss Porter's School (A+), Farmington KinderCare - Connecticut (unavailable), Joni's Child Care & Preschool - Farmington (unavailable)
- Pictured: 49 Mountain Spring Rd, Farmington ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
18 / 25
realtor.com
#8. Ridgefield
- Population: 25,042
- Median home value: $653,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,786 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $163,945
- Top public schools: Ridgefield High School (A+), Scotland Elementary School (A), Branchville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Ridgefield Academy (A), St. Mary School (unavailable), Ridgefield Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7-11 Old Stagecoach Rd, Ridgefield ($28.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $653,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,786 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $163,945
- Top public schools: Ridgefield High School (A+), Scotland Elementary School (A), Branchville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Ridgefield Academy (A), St. Mary School (unavailable), Ridgefield Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7-11 Old Stagecoach Rd, Ridgefield ($28.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
19 / 25
realtor.com
#7. Old Greenwich
- Population: 6,844
- Median home value: $1,561,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,127 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $222,794
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), North Mianus School (A), International School at Dundee (A)
- Pictured: 6 Ford Ln, Old Greenwich ($8.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,561,200 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,127 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $222,794
- Top public schools: Greenwich High School (A+), North Mianus School (A), International School at Dundee (A)
- Pictured: 6 Ford Ln, Old Greenwich ($8.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
20 / 25
realtor.com
#6. Southport
- Population: 1,661
- Median home value: $703,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $2,208 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $187,917
- Top public schools: Fairfield Ludlowe High School (A), Roger Ludlowe Middle School (A), Mill Hill School (A)
- Top private schools: The Southport School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1093 Pequot Ave, Southport ($14.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $703,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $2,208 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $187,917
- Top public schools: Fairfield Ludlowe High School (A), Roger Ludlowe Middle School (A), Mill Hill School (A)
- Top private schools: The Southport School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1093 Pequot Ave, Southport ($14.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
21 / 25
realtor.com
#5. Westport
- Population: 28,016
- Median home value: $1,150,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,956 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $206,466
- Top public schools: Staples High School (A+), Green's Farms School (A+), Long Lots School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greens Farms Academy (A+), Pierrepont School (A+), Landmark of Ridgefield Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Hedley Farms Rd, Westport ($12.6 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,150,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,956 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $206,466
- Top public schools: Staples High School (A+), Green's Farms School (A+), Long Lots School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greens Farms Academy (A+), Pierrepont School (A+), Landmark of Ridgefield Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Hedley Farms Rd, Westport ($12.6 million, 8 bedrooms)
22 / 25
realtor.com
#4. Simsbury
- Population: 24,799
- Median home value: $332,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $123,905
- Top public schools: Simsbury High School (A+), Henry James Memorial School (A), Canton High School (A)
- Top private schools: Westminster School (A+), The Ethel Walker School (A+), The Master's School (A)
- Pictured: 6 Stonepost, Simsbury ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $332,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $123,905
- Top public schools: Simsbury High School (A+), Henry James Memorial School (A), Canton High School (A)
- Top private schools: Westminster School (A+), The Ethel Walker School (A+), The Master's School (A)
- Pictured: 6 Stonepost, Simsbury ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
23 / 25
realtor.com
#3. Avon
- Population: 18,312
- Median home value: $383,200 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,426 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $131,130
- Top public schools: Avon High School (A+), Avon Middle School (A), Thompson Brook School (A)
- Top private schools: Avon Old Farms School (A+), Farmington Valley Academy Montessori (unavailable), Talcott Mountain Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology (unavailable)
- Pictured: 333 Montevideo Rd, Avon ($5.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $383,200 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,426 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $131,130
- Top public schools: Avon High School (A+), Avon Middle School (A), Thompson Brook School (A)
- Top private schools: Avon Old Farms School (A+), Farmington Valley Academy Montessori (unavailable), Talcott Mountain Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology (unavailable)
- Pictured: 333 Montevideo Rd, Avon ($5.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
24 / 25
realtor.com
#2. Weatogue
- Population: 2,738
- Median home value: $322,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,304 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $133,393
- Top public schools: Simsbury High School (A+), Henry James Memorial School (A), Central School (A)
- Top private schools: The Ethel Walker School (A+)
- Pictured: 15 Sand Hill Rd, Simsbury ($685,000, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $322,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,304 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $133,393
- Top public schools: Simsbury High School (A+), Henry James Memorial School (A), Central School (A)
- Top private schools: The Ethel Walker School (A+)
- Pictured: 15 Sand Hill Rd, Simsbury ($685,000, 8 bedrooms)
25 / 25
realtor.com
#1. West Hartford
- Population: 63,063
- Median home value: $334,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,325 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $104,281
- Top public schools: Conard High School (A+), Hall High School (A+), Bugbee School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kingswood Oxford School (A+), Northwest Catholic High School (A), Hebrew High School of New England (A-)
- Pictured: 162 Balfour Dr, West Hartford ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $334,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,325 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $104,281
- Top public schools: Conard High School (A+), Hall High School (A+), Bugbee School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kingswood Oxford School (A+), Northwest Catholic High School (A), Hebrew High School of New England (A-)
- Pictured: 162 Balfour Dr, West Hartford ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
