Is Connecticut a good place to live?
As a real estate agent, I get this question a lot from out-of-staters who are considering making their home in Connecticut. As with any other state, there are both pros and cons of living in Connecticut. But the pros of living here far outweigh the cons.
I understand that Connecticut might not be the right fit for everyone. So instead of just listing all the reasons why I love living here (and why I chose Connecticut as the place I wanted to raise my family), I’m going to offer up an honest look at the pros and cons of living in Connecticut. Then you can decide if you think Connecticut is a good place to live.
And, if you decide to make Connecticut your home, contact me! I specialize in the Litchfield County and Farmington Valley areas, and I would love to help you find your dream home here. But I can also put you in touch with a reputable buyer’s agent anywhere in the state if you’re not coming to my area. The important thing is that we get you a local agent you can trust to help make your transition to Connecticut as stress-free as possible.
With that said, let’s dive into our list of the pros and cons of living in Connecticut.
Top 10 Pros of Living in Connecticut
Here are the 10 things I love most about living here.
1. Top-Notch Education
You probably know that Connecticut is home to UConn and Yale. But those aren’t your only options. We have dozens of other high-ranking universities and colleges, including Trinity College, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Hartford.
And our belief in strong education isn’t just at the collegiate level. Elementary schools and high schools in Connecticut consistently rank among the best in the country.
2. World-Class Outdoor Recreation
Rolling hills, scenic mountains, wooded trails, tranquil coastlines…For such a small state, we get to enjoy truly diverse natural environments. And these areas provide some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country.
Whether you’re into water sports, biking, running, skating, climbing, or skiing (or all of the above!), you’ll have no trouble finding a place to indulge in your outdoor hobbies.
3. Four Gorgeous Seasons
With our bright springs, mild summers, colorful falls, and snowy winters, you get a taste of all four seasons in Connecticut. Each season feels fresh and offers new experiences. Imagine enjoying an outdoor concert on a warm summer evening, then apple picking a few months later as you watch the leaves turn vibrant. And just a few months after that, you can be sledding down some local hills, then running inside for hot chocolate by the fire. Every season is magical.
4. Farm-Fresh Produce
A lot of Connecticut is rural, which means we get some amazing local fruits, veggies, dairy, eggs, and even maple syrup! You’ll find regular farmer’s markets in most communities. And some communities even offer crop-sharing programs for locals. I love that our farm-to-table options help us maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5. High Household Income
As of October 2022, Connecticut ranks #5 on the list of states with the highest median household income, coming in just below Hawaii, and just above California. The average Connecticut household is currently earning $79,855 per year. With our strong job markets, many residents are able to make a comfortable living.
6. Entertainment Options
What do you like to do for fun (besides all those outdoor recreation options we already discussed!)? Do you like sporting events? UConn’s women’s basketball games are always a blast. How about music festivals? The Talcott Mountain Summer Music Festival is a can’t-miss event! Are you looking for nightlife? Hartford has a surprisingly robust after-hours scene.
And if all of that isn’t enough, Boston and New York City are both just a reasonable drive away!
7. Solid Transportation
Speaking of getting to Boston and NYC, I should give our transportation systems some credit. We have four Interstates cutting through the state to provide easy access to all of New England. And Amtrak trains offer a convenient way to get around when you don’t feel like putting mileage on your car.
8. Safe, Friendly Communities
Crime rates in Connecticut are low. And they’ve been getting even lower for years. Most locals care about their neighbors and actively work to keep their communities safe and friendly. If you’re looking for the warm, small-town vibes of a Hallmark movie, Connecticut is the place for you.
9. Local Breweries and Wineries
Many outsiders are surprised to learn that Connecticut has inventive breweries and thriving wineries. A local favorite, Rosedale Farms and Vineyards has been crafting award-winning wines since 1920. And there’s no shortage of fantastic, independent breweries throughout the state.
10. Culture and History
The Mark Twain House and Museum might be Connecticut’s most famous modern-day link to the past, but it’s far from the only one. Right here in Farmington Valley, you can explore the safe houses of the Underground Railroad on Freedom Trail or visit the birthplace of Noah Webster!
You’ll also find lots of museums scattered throughout the state. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield has an impressive collection for modern art lovers. But if you’re into the Impressionists, you need to visit Hill-Stead Museum.
Top 5 Cons of Living in Connecticut
So you’ve seen 10 compelling reasons to live in Connecticut. But our pros-and-cons-of-living-in-Connecticut list isn’t complete without a look at the potential downsides.
Here are my five biggest complaints about Connecticut.
1. High Cost of Living
This probably won’t surprise you; Connecticut is expensive. As of October 2022, we rank #8 on the list of the states with the highest cost of living. Our current cost of living index is 121.6 (to give you some context, the national average is 100, Hawaii is 193.3, and Mississippi is 83.3). Groceries and transportation are just a bit above the national average, but housing and utilities are substantially higher than the national average.
The good news is that the high household income helps offset the high cost of living. And with an experienced buyer’s agent, you can find affordable homes in most Connecticut markets.
2. High Taxes
Along with the high cost of living is a high rate of taxes. Income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes are all higher than average. As of October 2022, property taxes averaged 1.73% and effective income taxes averaged 3.09%.
Trying to look at the bright side: our income taxes pay for public services like firefighters, infrastructure, and education (which we have already noted is top-notch here in Connecticut). But I understand that not everyone is willing to pay high taxes.
3. Potentially Harsh Winters
I know, I mentioned our lovely, snowy winters as a positive. And I stand by that. But the snow and cold can get old pretty quickly. If you’re able to work from home and don’t have to brave the weather, this might not bother you at all! But most people don’t love scraping ice off the car windows, shoveling snow from the driveway, or wearing heavy coats for several months of the year. Personal tolerance for chilly weather plays a large part in how much you’ll enjoy Connecticut’s winters.
4. Little Growth
The population of Connecticut is growing. But just barely. While states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona have seen an explosion in popularity over the last decade, Connecticut is remaining pretty stable. As of October 2022, our annual growth is just .09%. Three states (Illinois, Mississippi, and West Virginia) are actually shrinking. And Connecticut comes in just above those three on the list of fastest-growing states.
It might be the high cost of living or the cold winters. But I think people just aren’t as aware of our small state as an option. Those big southern states seem to dominate the headlines while we quietly go about enjoying our lives up here in the North East.
5. Traffic
Connecticut isn’t at the top of any worst-traffic lists, but it is on the lists. In 2021, we ranked #8 for congested urban interstates and #17 for deficient Interstate bridges. So while we have easy access to all of New England, we just need to give ourselves a little extra time and practice a little patience while driving around.
The good news is that our roads are in better condition than most (thanks to those high taxes).
Are You Ready to Move to Connecticut?
Did the pros and cons of living in Connecticut convince you that this is the place for you? Let me help you get here!
If you’re considering a move to the Litchfield County/Farmington Valley area just west of Hartford, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the area. I can show you some of the towns and give you some insider insight into life here. Simply text or call me at 860-307-7436.
And if you’re looking at any other area in Connecticut, simply message me to let me know where you’re looking. With my state-wide network of real estate professionals, I can refer you to a local agent who can help you find your new home and settle into the community.
You’ll be enjoying all the benefits of life in Connecticut in no time!
