What to Know About Moving to Connecticut

It may be the “Constitution State,” but life in Connecticut is not about old documents and bygone history. Picture-perfect coastlines, charming colonial towns, and exciting urban hubs await your exploration. All that history blends with modern perks like excellent schools and health care. What else makes moving to Connecticut so attractive? Get ready to discover why this state is the ultimate blend of classic charm and contemporary cool.

About Connecticut

As one of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut’s history is as long as the United States. Many of the earliest settlers were the Puritans, who founded towns like Hartford, New Haven, and Windsor in the late 1600s. They fiercely defended the colony’s right to self-governance, supposedly hiding its charter in an oak tree. Connecticut’s nickname is the “Constitution State” because it adopted the Fundamental Orders in 1639, considered the first written constitution of a democratic government.

Industrialization changed the nation in the 1800s, and Connecticut followed along. Its manufacturing sector produced in-demand firearms, clocks, textiles, and brass products. 

Culturally, it became highly involved in human rights movements. It was a critical Underground Railroad passage with solid abolitionist support. Author Harriet Beecher Stower, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, hailed from the state; her book helped change how people viewed slavery.

People are moving to Connecticut because of its high quality of life. The choice of cultural amenities, parks, beaches, and outdoor activities provide year-round things to do. It’s also close enough to major cities like New York City and Boston to increase choices for fun, work, and living. Excellent schools and healthcare facilities round out the perks. 

Connecticut Regions

Find varied landscapes when moving to Connecticut. The borders span from coastal areas to forested rolling hills and valleys inland. Beautiful parks and recreational areas are present throughout a state that is 60% woodlands.

While there may be variations in how the state is regionally defined, the eight counties easily divide the regions. Uniquely, counties in Connecticut do not have any governmental power. They were disbanded in 1960 and are used in name only.

By that measure, you have:

Fairfield County: In the state’s southwestern corner, Fairfield is highly populated. It has affluent suburbs and a scenic coastline along the Long Island Sound.

Hartford County: Centrally located, Hartford is home to the capital city and several suburban towns. It mixes urban areas, rural countryside, and historic landmarks. 

New Haven County: The central coast of Connecticut, New Haven County is anchored by the city of New Haven, home to Yale University.

Litchfield County: The state’s northwest corner delights with a countryside of rolling hills, forests, and historic villages.

Middlesex County: It lies along the Connecticut River in the central part of the state. Find suburban communities, rural landscapes, and waterfront areas. 

New London County: Experience a rich maritime tradition and coastal scenery in the southeastern corner of Connecticut.

Tolland County: Beautiful and hilly, this northeastern county is home to the University of Connecticut. 

Windham County: The least populated county, in the northeastern corner, is also known as the “Quiet Corner.”

Getting Around Connecticut

Connecticut’s investments in infrastructure are paying off. Residents will find an integrated network of airports, railways, roadways, and ports to move people around. There’s even a rapid bus transit system and expanding rail services. For example, Hartford has a bus-only roadway that speeds up public transportation around town.

The Metro-North Railroad provides commuter rail service between Connecticut and New York City. Jump on the Acela for high-speed service and be in other East Coast cities. A whole network of Amtrak lines links Connecticut’s cities inside the state and beyond.

Three interstate highways run through the state. However, being so close to two major cities can lead to traffic congestion and longer commute times, especially during rush hours on I-95. Otherwise, a car is the easiest way to get around Connecticut, especially if you live away from the cities or want to explore its Upland forests.

Cost of Living

Connecticut’s cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in coastal areas and affluent suburbs. Based on 2023 prices, the state’s overall living expenses ran 12% over the national indexed average, ranking it no. 39 for affordability in MERIC data. However, only Rhode Island and Maine were more affordable among the northeastern states. It’s much less to live here than in New York, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.

Housing and utility costs were two main contributors to Connecticut’s high cost of living. However, nearly every expense category required a bigger budget. 

Think about what you get for that cost of living: access to excellent schools, healthcare, and recreation amenities. Keep in mind that housing costs vary across the state’s cities. Additionally, the median household salary was $90,213, according to the US Census. It places Connecticut among the top ten for earnings.

Real Estate

You’ll find diverse choices as you look for a home in Connecticut. Choose between the bustling city life of New Haven and charming small towns dotted throughout the countryside.

The state’s proximity to New York City and Boston contributes to demand and higher housing prices in certain regions. That demand made the state among the most popular markets in 2023. Some measures placed the Hartford area market among the top for sales activity in 2023. 

Some of the most popular areas to live in Connecticut are:

• Greenwich: Known for its upscale neighborhoods, excellent schools, and proximity to New York City. Greenwich’s high quality of life includes waterfront parks, cultural attractions, and shopping districts.
• Fairfield: A historic downtown area, beautiful beaches, and diverse housing options make Fairfield in demand. So does its convenient access to New York City.
• Guilford: A postcard-perfect coastal town with a historic town center. The city combines waterfront parks, highly-rated schools, and a strong sense of community.
• Litchfield: Think quintessential New England town, and that’s Litchfield. It abounds with colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and a thriving arts community. A quaint countryside and historic venues add to its character.
• West Hartford: Named one of the best places to live in the US. West Hartford has a small-town charm with a lively downtown of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Plus, the schools are top-rated.

Connecticut Taxes

Connecticut’s overall tax burden is higher than others, particularly for individuals with higher incomes and property values. However, deductions, exemptions, and credits can help offset tax liabilities for certain taxpayers.

The state imposes a progressive income tax with several tax brackets, ranging from 3% to 6.99%, depending on income level. By local tax burden, only New York ranked lower than Connecticut.

The state sales tax rate is 6.35%, which applies to most retail sales of goods and some services. Certain items, such as groceries and prescription drugs, are exempt from sales tax. There are no local sales taxes. 

Property taxes in Connecticut vary by locality and are assessed at the municipal level. How cities levy taxes differs widely, so check with the city or county you’re moving to. Tax Foundation ranked the state as the fifth-highest property tax paid by the average effective tax rate. 

Connecticut Economy

Manufacturing helped Connecticut grow and remains vital to the state economy–particularly advanced manufacturing. Around 4,400 manufacturers work in the state, also home to the nation’s largest fuel cell power plant. It is a leader in aerospace manufacturing and shipbuilding, 

But today’s economy is much more diverse, as Connecticut is a media, finance, and bioscience powerhouse. Fourteen Fortune 500 companies are based in the state, not to mention many headquarters of smaller but no less critical businesses. Over 5,400 finance-related firms work in the state, making it a financial industry leader. As an example, the world’s largest hedge fund manager, Bridgewater Associates, is here.

Digital media reshaped the local market and is one of the top employing industries. Sports giant ESPN was founded and is based here. Still, it is only one player in a sector that has benefited from Connecticut’s tax incentives for digital media and film.

Connecticut was one of the nation’s top-ranked business environments. It is seeing steady but moderate growth in the job market. 

Learning in Connecticut

One of the perks of moving to Connecticut is access to quality education. US News and World Report ranked its PreK-12 public system as the nation’s third-best and gave it an overall 8th-place rank.

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) oversees the public school system. Underneath its umbrella are over 40 local school districts that vary widely in size.

One of the state’s hallmarks is its school choice options, where families can select the programming they want their kids to attend. Choose from magnet, charter, agricultural science and technology, and inter-district school choice programs. Magnet schools focus on specific areas of study, while charter schools operate independently of traditional school districts.

In addition to the public school choice, there are many private schools. Among these are some of the nation’s highest-ranked for academic rigor: Choate Rosemary Hall, the Loomis Chaffee School, and the Hotchkiss School, to name a few.

Over two dozen higher education institutions make the state a powerhouse for learning. The star of Connecticut’s education presence is Yale University. One of the oldest and most renowned universities in the nation and the world, this competitive Ivy League is a research and liberal arts leader.

Besides Yale, Connecticut has the University of Connecticut (UConn), Wesleyan University, and the US Coast Guard Academy. Technical schools, community colleges, and vocational programs round out the higher education choices. 

Healthcare Access in Connecticut

Connecticut generally has good healthcare access and quality. Academic medical centers such as Yale-New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital bring high-quality research and cutting-edge clinical trials. They also provide community health care centers for your primary care needs. 

The combination is one reason why the United Health Foundation ranked Connecticut as the 7th healthiest state in the US. Residents have access to a high rate of doctors and dentists per capita. At the same time, locals are among the least obese in the US. 

Connecticut Weather

All four seasons roll through Connecticut with a bang. Winters are cold with snowfall; the more inland, the more chill and snow to expect. Cold snaps and blizzards are not uncommon.

On the flip side, summers are warm and humid. Even more heat rolls in the closer to the coast you get. Highs trend towards the upper 80Fs, with some 90F stretches possible.

In between, you’ll have two stunning seasons. Spring warmth brings a kaleidoscope of color and pleasant days of 60-70Fs. Fall foliage in Connecticut is particularly gorgeous, drawing many visitors for leaf-peeping tours.

Things to Do in Connecticut

What’s life without a little play? Go sailing in the summer and skiing in the winter thanks to Connecticut’s four-season weather. But what about all year round? Here’s a bucket list of things to keep you busy once you move to Connecticut.

Mystic Seaport: Visit the nation’s leading maritime museum, perhaps one of its coolest. What makes the Seaport unique is its extensive collection of historic ships. Get up close to the ships that built America. Plus, it has a recreated 19th-century coastal village. Together, captures the state’s colonial character and New England’s maritime heritage. And while in Mystic, check out the underwater worlds at Mystic Aquarium. Get up close to sharks, beluga whales, and sea lions. 

Yale University: Even if you’re not a student, Yale has some fascinating things to see, starting with its stunning architecture. It also has multiple museums and galleries, including the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Yale Center for British Art.

Mark Twain House & Museum: The gothic mansion is remarkable by itself. Knowing that iconic American author Mark Twain crafted his famous tales here is a feather in its cap. Tour the Victorian mansion in Hartford and learn about Twain’s life and works.

Sleeping Giant State Park: Enjoy outdoor adventure at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. Hike scenic trails and cut through rugged terrain to deliver panoramic views from the summit of the “sleeping giant” mountain.

Connecticut Wine Trail: Embark on a wine-tasting journey along the Connecticut Wine Trail. A drive takes you through the beautiful inland countryside with its valleys and rolling terrain. That it can host vineyards and wineries, too? We can raise a glass to that.

Submarine Force Museum: Dive deep into naval history at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, home to the USS Nautilus. Seeing the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine is a unique experience. Plus, the museum has fascinating exhibits on submarine technology and warfare.

Hartford Jazz Festival: Groove to the sounds of jazz at the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz. Over 100,000 people attend this free annual summer event to hear world-class musicians playing at Bushnell Park.

Gillette Castle State Park: Uncover the mystery of Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam. The stone mansion reflects its eccentric former owner, actor William Gillette, known for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage.

In addition to these attractions, Connecticut has incredible outdoor recreation choices. Enjoy over 2,000 miles of hiking and biking paths, 618 miles of coastline, 100 state parks, and 30 state forests. Wander from waterfalls to lighthouses, rock climb, bird watch, and pick your own pumpkin in the great outdoors. Soak up the sun and sand at the coastal beaches along Long Island Sound. Top spots for a seaside day are Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison or Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

Moving to Connecticut

Ready to make Connecticut your next home? Everywhere you go has character, from the historic streets to the seaports. Along the way, you’ll have adventures that will make your friends wonder if they should move there, too! Let us know what else you’d like to know about living in Connecticut.