Welcome to Connecticut! This New England state is known for colonial architecture, stunning coastal towns, and Yale University. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or a change of pace, Connecticut is a great choice.
Choosing the right place to live can be hard, so we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the seven best places to live in Connecticut based on Niche.com ratings and research of renter preferences.
The seven best places to live in Connecticut in 2025 are:
Fairfield
Fairfield is a coastal town along Long Island Sound that dates back to the Puritan era. The town’s historic nature shapes much of its architecture, but Fairfield’s main appeal is its coastal community. Enjoy long walks on Jennings Beach, an iconic summer destination that residents enjoy year-round. Local restaurants often serve fresh seafood, including Connecticut-style lobster rolls. Community events and annual festivals exemplify Fairfield’s friendly culture and encourage residents to support local businesses.
Fairfield’s rental market is centered around the town’s beachside location. Many rentals feature waterfront views and walking distance to the shore. Rental homes are often Colonial- or Cape Cod-style, in true New England fashion.
Glastonbury
Directly across the Connecticut River from Hartford, Glastonbury gives renters some breathing room while still being close to the city center. Glastonbury was developed as an industrial and agricultural town, producing gunpowder, ships, soap, cotton, and wool. Now, Glastonbury is primarily a suburban area centered around Hartford.
Glastonbury hasn’t abandoned its history, though. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry service in the United States, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Glastonbury also carries on its agricultural traditions through the several orchards in the area and the annual Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival in the Main Street Historic District.
Greenwich
Greenwich is in the southern corner of Connecticut, just a few miles from the New York border. Greenwich’s proximity to New York makes it a great choice for commuters who prefer to live outside of the Big Apple, and the Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line makes several stops in and around Greenwich before heading to Grand Central Station in Manhattan.
But Greenwich is more than just a place to sleep while you work in NYC. This coastal town offers walkable streets, friendly neighbors, and stunning views of Long Island Sound. Events and exhibits at the Bruce Museum bring the community together, and the historic Downtown Greenwich neighborhood is a walkable area with local restaurants around every corner.
New Haven
New Haven balances urban and suburban with walkable streets and historic architecture next door to quiet residential neighborhoods near great public schools. This little big town is popular for its coastal culture, arts scene, and signature “apizza.”
Yale University is the crown jewel of New Haven. Yale, the fourth oldest university in the United States, sits at the center of this equally historic town. In addition to its academic offerings, Yale is the largest employer in New Haven and the university facilities offer arts, culture, and athletics for residents to enjoy.
Simsbury
Simsbury is in the northern part of Connecticut, just a short drive from Hartford. This little town is surrounded by state parks and nature sanctuaries, making it perfect for outdoorsy renters. Between the mountain views and rich fall foliage, Simsbury is a breathtaking residential town.
West Simsbury is tucked in the western part of Simsbury and is surrounded by parks, while Weatogue sits at the center of the town just off the highway. Regardless of where you choose to live in Simsbury, the town is a perfect place for commuters who work in Hartford and want to come home to a peaceful lifestyle.
Stamford
Just east of Greenwich, Stamford offers the unique experience of an urban center meshed with a historic coastal town. Stamford is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Charter Communications and Synchrony Financial, in addition to other major corporations that employ a large portion of Stamford’s workforce.
But Stamford isn’t all work and no play. Residents enjoy the beaches and cycling paths at Cove Island Park, and Downtown Stamford is a hotspot for trendy restaurants and nightlife. Stamford is also conveniently located along the Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line, offering residents a train ride straight to the heart of Manhattan.
West Hartford
Located in the heart of Connecticut, West Hartford offers renters the opportunity to live near the capital city’s activity without being directly in it. West Hartford is a historic area just outside of Hartford known for its top-notch public schools, historical places, and town center.
Locally owned shops and restaurants along Farmington Avenue give West Hartford a small-town feel while still enjoying big-city perks. Residents love living close to industry leaders in Hartford and the UConn Hartford campus while enjoying a slower pace of life and a little more elbow room. This upscale suburban town gives commuters a quieter, more residential alternative to Hartford.
Ready to make the move?
If Connecticut has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
