Getting to Know Hartford, CT

Something old, something new: that’s what you get in Hartford, CT. Century-old buildings hint at the town’s colonial roots, but the jamming nightlife, craft breweries, and street fairs prove Hartford isn’t stuck in the past. People from all walks of life are moving to Hartford. Its quality of life appeals to college students, young professionals, families, and retirees. Perhaps that’s why its position as a great place to live is rising. 

Are you thinking of making the capital of the Constitution State your home? Get the down low the high quality of living in Hartford.

Hartford Fast Facts

Hartford From Then to Now

Hartford has a long history, much longer than we have space for. Originally home to Algonquin tribes, a break-off from the Massachusetts Bay Colony founded the new town in 1635. The colonists composed the “Fundamental Orders,” considered the first documentation of democratic governance. It’s why the state has the nickname the “Constitution State.”

Hartford continued to be a city of firsts and longest. Its Ancient Burying Grounds cemetery has plots dating to the late 1600s. It has the oldest operating newspaper, the Hartford Courant, established in 1764. Bushnell Park is the oldest operating public park. Hartford Public High School has the distinction of being the second-oldest secondary school, opened in 1638.  

During the 1800s, the city was a hub for abolitionist activity. It gave rise to writers like Harriet Beecher Stowe, writer of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Locals also organized the first “Wide Awake” marches in support of Abraham Lincoln. 

Industrialization in that era brought substantive growth to the city. Among these was Colt Manufacturers. The company pioneered a process that led to the mass production of revolvers. With Browning and Gatling also establishing factories, Hartford became a center for gun manufacturing. Other factories produced typewriters, bicycles, and sewing machines.

The 1900s brought times of change economically, with finance giants moving in and out. That also led to Hartford’s population shrinking and the loss of its hockey team. Meanwhile, the Hartford Circus Fire in the 1940s is still considered one of the worst fire disasters in US history.

But, Hartford of the new millennium has turned a corner. Projects rejuvenating the Riverfront, the historic factories, and neighborhoods revived Hartford’s culture. Traffic is up on historic Pratt Street and the old Colt Factory is becoming apartments. Entertainment venues like the XL Center were updated in 2024, and its Children’s Medical Center expanded. All in all, it’s signs of a city on the rise.

Hartford Has All the Climate

Buy a coat because Hartford knows “cold.” The city reports an annual average snowfall of 33 inches. Snow shovels, ice scrapers, and rock salt are essential winter gear. On the plus side, that also means winter sports! Ice-skating on ponds, sledding, and skiing are a few ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter. 

By spring, you’ll trade that down jacket for an umbrella. That moisture that brings in the snowfall keeps Hartford humid through the summer. And there’s a lot of it- 49 inches a year fall from the skies. May is the wettest month of the year, but it’s pretty equally distributed. 

On the upside, expect milder temperatures. Summer highs average 84F in July. Enjoy some beautiful days outside at Hartford’s parks and summer music festivals. 

A Better Cost of Living…for Connecticut

While not known for its affordability, Connecticut residents do have a unique blend of amenities. Despite being the state capital, Hartford’s expenses fall lower than the state averages. The overall costs are 7% less, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sweet deal. Living costs are still higher than the US average by almost 5%. 

So if you want to live in Connecticut, consider moving to Hartford a balance between affordability and access to amenities.

Transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous costs contribute to the higher cost of living. Living in a cooler climate causes utilities to run up, as does being in a city packed with entertainment. The good news is that the local housing market is significantly under the state and national averages.

Hartford Real Estate

Here’s another advantage to Hartford living: affordable homes! The March 2024 median sale price for greater Hartford came in at $367,500. Nationally, the median was $424,900.

As a major city, that affordability comes with an impressive selection. Find condos with stunning skyline views, or nestle into a quiet, family-oriented suburb. Affordable student housing caters to student needs, while historic homes in downtown districts promise a walkable lifestyle with ample character. But don’t take our word for it; see current homes for sale in Hartford.

Getting Around Hartford

On those beautiful spring and fall days, why not take a walk? Living in Hartford makes it easy, as much of the city is highly walkable. The city makes it easy to get around, starting with a free Hartford Dash Shuttle through downtown. It added the innovative CTfastrak, a rapid bus transportation system traveling bus-only roads. The CTfastrak is part of the CT Transit Bus system, which has local routes across Hartford.

Want to travel further away? Use the Amtrack Station to head into Boston and New York. Or, use the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program (NHHS) and go car-free across Connecticut. 

Job Market

The so-called “Insurance Capital of the World” has more industry-related workers per capita than any other US city. This makes sense, as Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna have offices and hubs in Hartford. Four of the top ten employers by size are in the insurance industry.

However, healthcare, financial services, and education are other leading industries employing people living in Hartford. That doesn’t even factor in government-related careers; it is the state capital, after all. 

And how about sports broadcasting? ESPN is based out of Hartford. It’s the top presence in a city with a strong media and communications market.

Education In Hartford

Impressive access to quality education awaits in Hartford. At the top of the pyramid is the University of Hartford. Its animation, game art, and engineering technology programs attract creative and scientific minds. The University of Connecticut Hartford campus may be small, but its computer science, engineering, and humanities are top-tier. It also has a highly regarded law school and one of the world’s largest law libraries.

Trinity College is ranked nationally as a liberal arts college. Additionally, the University of Saint Joseph is a top-ten regional college. Capital Community College rounds out the higher education choices with two-year degrees and career training. 

Hartford Public Schools serves local families for PK-12 education. Eighteen are classified as magnet schools. It runs a school choice program where families can opt into charter and magnet programs with specialized curricula. As one of the state’s largest public districts, it operates 39 schools.

A collection of top-tier private schools complement the local school systems. They provide rigorous college preparatory curricula. Hartford’s private schools have decades-long histories and traditions. Pick from day schools like Kingwoods Oxford or traditional boarding education, such as Miss Porter’s School.

Tour Hartford Culture and History

Like many state capitals, Hartford serves as its community’s cultural epicenter. The Connecticut Science Museum and the Museum of Culture and History are two local museums. Their highly interactive exhibits appeal to all ages, and their collections document the state’s history. 

The Mark Twain House & Museum is perhaps Connecticut’s most famous attraction. The Victorian mansion is impressive by itself. Knowing Samuel Clemens, the author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, lived here adds to its appeal. The Museum has over 16,000 items in its extensive collection about the prolific author and the time period. 

Speaking of famous writers, the Harriet Beecher Stowe home is available to tour. Its collections highlight the American abolitionist and social justice movement. Learn about African American history or attend one home’s of the events. 

Besides these, Hartford’s museum collection includes museums where you can ride trolleys, step into the American Revolution, or see its manufacturing history. 

Hartford Loves Art

Besides many museums, Hartford has list of entertainment venues is truly impressive. Want comedy? Head to the Playhouse on Park. Love Opera? Check out the Hartford Opera Theater. 

Broadway shows travel through the Bushnell Performing Arts Center, also home to the Connecticut Ballet. Another 600 seats await at the Theater of the Performing Arts. This venue hosts shows and runs extensive performing arts programming and classes. National touring music acts stop at the Xfinity Theatre. 

Perhaps works of art are more your jam. Well, Hartford’s Wadsworth Atheneum is the nation’s longest-running public art museum. Its castle-like façade attracts the eye, but its treasured collection of Baroque art and Hudson River school of art landscapes make it a prized art gallery.

Hartford Loves A Good Game

We hope you like sports, as the headquarters of ESPN has a thriving sports culture. Sure, Hartford lacks a professional football team and major league baseball, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have sports. Hartford locals ardently back their professional soccer team, an American Hockey League team, a women’s basketball team, a minor league baseball team, and collegiate sports teams. The UConn Huskies have won multiple NCAA tournaments, particularly in basketball. Plus, the PGA Tour rolls into town each year for the Travelers Championship.  

Play in the Parks

Outdoor spaces are part of what makes living in Hartford so advantageous. From the city’s oldest rose garden to the riverfront views, the parks showcase what a vivid community Hartford is. 

Bushnell Park is the star. One of the oldest public parks in the United States, it features beautiful landscaping, walking paths, and a carousel. It’s also where to find the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch. Find activities all year, from winter ice skating to summertime concerts. 

Great River Park holds a 350-seat amphitheater jamming in the summer season with live music.

Riverfront Recapture is Hartford’s movement to provide access to the Connecticut River. It links together four public parks through riverwalks and boat launches. Today, its Riverside Park is a nice place to walk or relax riverside. Besides the walk, the parks have sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. They have boat launches for kayaking and canoeing, while public facilities run rowing and dragon boat clubs.

Like golf? Play 27 holes of golf at Goodwin Park or the Keney Park course.  Both are public facilities and just among the ones that encourage recreation. Many others have tennis and sports courts.

Hartford Loves Events

And how about those festivals? The Hartford Jazz Festival is New England’s largest free music event. Over 100,000 people pack into Bushnell Park in the height of summer for three days of top-tier musicians.

But if you want more jazz, the Hartford Jazz Society hosts Jazz in the park every Monday in the summer months. It’s part of an extensive concert schedule at the venue, including Symphony in the Park and Picnic in the Park.

Another beloved local event to add to your bucket list is the Riverfront Food Truck Festival. Hartford’s food scene may surprise you with its varied and deliciousness. Get a taste at this weekend-long summer festival.

That same location hosts the Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival in the summer. It’s a colorful weekend of excitement as dragon boat teams paddle down the river. April has the Craft Beer Fest, while October brings the marathon.

Plus, there are all the holiday events: a St. Patrick’s Day Parade complete with Celtic music, holiday lights at the parks, and Fourth of July fireworks. 

Living in Hartford, CT

Hartford has so much to offer; with a little exploration, you’re sure to find your place in this dynamic city! Let us know what else you’d like to know about moving to Hartford.