Best Affordable Places to Live in Connecticut in 2024

Best Places to Live in Connecticut

This is a small state and you’re never too far from a beach or hiking trail or other striking natural beauty. If you’re building a budget in preparation for a move to Connecticut, one thing to keep in mind is that the state charges a property tax for motor vehicles. Want to compare Connecticut to other states? Check out a guide to the cost of living by state.

Best Affordable Places to Live in Connecticut

In a state with prices as relatively high as Connecticut, it can be a struggle to find truly affordable places to live and you may need to steer clear of some of the better-known towns if cost of living is a concern. But the best affordable places to live in Connecticut are often within an easy drive of New York City or Boston, as well as Hartford, the state’s capital, and where its major airport is located. Each of these towns and cities has a lot to offer.

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1. Torrington

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West of Hartford in the picturesque Litchfield Hills, is Torrington, the largest city in Litchfield county. Like many towns in this state of river valleys, it’s a former manufacturing center with a historic downtown area. Today, Torrington is home to the Warner Theatre, Nutmeg Conservatory, and many art galleries. A state forest and ample parks, plus a children’s museum, make this a welcoming setting for arts aficionados, outdoorsy types, families, and everyone in between.

Population: 35,563

Median Household Income: $63,135

Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,395

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.8

Average Property Tax: 2.07%

Housing Affordability: Rents have been on the increase lately, but the overall rental market is cool and there are many properties available for less than $2,000 a month. The median home value here is $242,511, well under the U.S. national average. Prices are rising though, and properties move briskly.

2. New Britain

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Located in the middle of the state, New Britain has easy access to highways running up to Hartford and Boston and down to New York City. It’s also home to a lively arts scene, including the New Britain Museum of American Art. The headquarters of Stanley Black & Decker is here, and the downtown area houses Central Connecticut State University, so the town is diverse. New Britain has a large Polish population and hosts an annual Polish festival.

Population: 74,396

Median Household Income: $50,379

Cost of Living: 94% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,400

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.9

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: The median rent here has remained relatively stable over the last year and the market is cool, making it a good time to look. The median home value of $248,313 is well below the national average, though it is increasing steadily. New Britain boasts some beautiful historic districts as well as a vigorous rental market.

3. Canterbury

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Canterbury, in the eastern part of the state, is home to lovely historic architecture and many of the quaint charms of New England, including alpaca and dairy farms, antique stores, farm stands, and farm-to-table restaurants. If you’re looking for a more rural way of life, this could be your sweet spot.

Population: 5,102

Median Household Income: $50,379

Cost of Living: 97% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,900

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.8

Average Property Tax: 1.93%

Housing Affordability: As in many small towns, the rental market is tight and you may have to bide your time waiting for a property to become available here. Most residents own their home, and the average home value, at $344,907, is just under the U.S. national average. Canterbury’s proximity to Providence, Rhode Island and Boston means that there are some higher priced homes that would require a jumbo mortgage loan sprinkled into the mix.

4. Willimantic

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Willimantic, in the northeastern corner of the state, is a census-designated place within the town of Windham. In the 19th century it was known for its textile mills. Today it is a diverse community not far from the University of Connecticut’s main campus in Storrs. It has a pleasant downtown scene and quirky but fun traditions such as the annual Boom Box Parade, in which spectators and marchers bring radios tuned to a local station.

Population: 18,150

Median Household Income: $39,752

Cost of Living: 97% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,350

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.7

Average Property Tax: 1.93%

Housing Affordability: The rental market is warm here, likely due in part to the nearby university campus. The average home value sits around $227,000. If this is your first time purchasing a home, consider using a first-time homebuyer guide to learn more about the process before you start shopping.

5. Cheshire

Housing Affordability: Median rent in the Cheshire area sits at around $1,375 and while there are relatively few rentals available here, there are some affordable options to be found in the nearby town of Wallingford. The average home value is around $450,000, significantly above the national average but modest for South-Central Connecticut. Homes for sale move briskly, and seeking out a mortgage preapproval would be a wise way to prepare for this fast-moving market.

Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Families

Towns that offer families recreational opportunities, a significant concentration of other households in the same lifestage (hello, playdates!), and the conveniences of shops and services geared toward busy parents rank highly on our list. Get to know the best places in Connecticut to live for families.

1. Avon

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A third of households in this suburb of Hartford have children and it’s easy to see why parents would be attracted to the area. It offers relatively affordable homes in proximity to the jobs of a major city. And there are abundant parks, ball fields, and other outdoor opportunities for those raising children. Families who enjoy hiking and biking will appreciate the rails-to-trails pathway. Parents are drawn to the area’s well-regarded public schools, and the town is also the home of Avon Old Farms School, a prestigious boarding school.

Population: 18,871

Median Household Income: $129,801

Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,100

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.7

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: More than 80% of the homes here are owner-occupied so it could take time to find a rental. The average Avon home value tops $485,000, well above the national average. Prices have risen steadily here since early 2020 but overall affordability is still good compared to other Connecticut towns near large metropolitan areas.

Recommended: Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval

2. Granby

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Granby and the nearby town of East Granby are somewhat distant suburbs of Hartford that are also located not far from Springfield, Massachusetts. More rural than some of the other Hartford-area suburbs, these communities have easy access to hiking trails, bike paths, and farmland. About a third of the households here have children, and parents appreciate the area’s strong public school system.

Population: 10,927

Median Household Income: $125,000

Cost of Living: 107% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,450

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.1

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: There are few rental homes in Granby so rent prices are on the higher side. The average home value is around $389,000, slightly above the national average but affordable by Connecticut standards. Prices have increased by almost 10 percentage points in the last year. If you’re looking for a new home for your family, read up on the different types of mortgage loans so you’ll be prepared when it’s time to seal the deal.

3. Woodbridge

Housing Affordability: The average home value here weighs in at close to $600,000 and has been on the increase in the last year. Owning a home near New Haven and its conveniences can be costly, and if you’re interested in buying, studying up on some of the tips to qualify for a mortgage could be helpful. As in many suburban communities, there are few rental properties on the market at any one time, however, those interested in trying Woodbridge on for size can rent an entire house for around $4,000 per month.

4. Wethersfield

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South of Hartford and bordered on one side by the Connecticut River, Wethersfield has an authentic New England feel and a 365-year-plus history. Historic sites, parks, and an array of coffee shops and restaurants make this dense suburban area inviting. Families may gravitate to its above-average public schools.

Population: 27,129

Median Household Income: $100,557

Cost of Living: 116% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,771

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.4

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: A low vacancy rate and a significant majority of owner-occupied homes make the rental market tight here, although prices are still lower than in areas further south and closer to New York City. The town’s average home value, at $347,649, is just a tad under the national average and affordable for Connecticut.

5. Ridgefield

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A relatively affordable option in tony Fairfield County, Ridgefield is near the Berkshire Mountains (for hiking, skiing, and fall leaf-peeping), but also just 60 miles from New York City for busy, commuting parents. Its welcoming downtown area is a hangout for people of all ages, and parents (about a third of the current population) will appreciate its highly rated public school system.

Population: 25,007

Median Household Income: $129,919

Cost of Living: 116% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,700

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.5

Average Property Tax: 1.83%

Housing Affordability: This is primarily an owner-occupied bedroom community so the rental market is tight, and prices vary widely depending on whether you are renting an apartment or an entire house. The average home value here, at $850,000, is more than double the national average. But compared to other Connecticut communities within easy commuting distance of New York City, it is relatively affordable.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Young Adults

Young adults looking for an affordable place to live are likely also seeking proximity to a solid job market, ample opportunities for entertainment, and plenty of other young adults. These areas made our list of the best places to live in Connecticut for young adults.

1. Manchester

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This urban/suburban area near Hartford was a 19th-century center for textile manufacturing. Today it offers lots of shopping and dining options, including a vibrant brewery and cider culture. It’s a short drive to Hartford for work or the cultural events the big city offers. The median age here is 36, and most households don’t have kids.

Population: 36,832

Median Household Income: $66,637

Cost of Living: 102% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,650

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.1

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: Median rent in Manchester is $1,650 and there are lots of available properties here. The average home value, at $277,243, is nicely below the national average.

2. Hartford

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If you like a robust arts and restaurant scene, plus major sporting events and a concert venue that draws top-notch acts, Hartford could be a good spot for you. The population is large and diverse, and there are large employers in the insurance industry as well as in health care and government. The trendy Parkville Market food hall is an all-season gathering place for young city dwellers.

Population: 120,686

Median Household Income: $37,477

Cost of Living: 103% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,300

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.64

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: The median rent here is reasonable for a large city and there are lots of available rentals to choose from. The average home value, at under $200,000, reflects the fact that conditions here have been challenging for homeowners, but prices have risen steadily and in some pockets of the city, buyers are opting for Victorian fixer-uppers.

3. New London

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This diverse waterfront community in eastern Connecticut is small, and three-quarters of households do not have children. There are plenty of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Young adults who like a maritime New England atmosphere and proximity to beaches in the summer months will want to check out New London, which is less than an hour by car from Hartford, New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island, and mere minutes from Groton, home of a U.S. Navy submarine base.

Population: 27,980

Median Household Income: $50,819

Cost of Living: 109% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,625

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.2

Average Property Tax: 1.95%

Housing Affordability: This is a busy rental environment with more inventory available than in many shore towns. The median home value here is around $370,000, just above the U.S. average with prices on the rise, as they have been in much of Connecticut in recent years.

4. Wethersfield

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This historic town is close enough to Hartford (and Springfield, Massachusetts) to provide job and nightlife opportunities, yet quiet and quaint enough for young adults who aren’t interested in city living.

Population: 27,129

Median Household Income: $100,557

Cost of Living: 116% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,771

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.4

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: As noted above, this can be a tough market for renters due to low inventory, but for homebuyers, values are below the national average. Renters may want to extend their search into nearby Rocky Hill and Newington.

5. New Haven

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Young adults who want to rent near a commuter rail line to New York City and who want a walkable city with a college vibe will like New Haven. The home of Yale University is a renter’s town with abundant nightlife and a median age of 31.

Population: 138,915

Median Household Income: $48,973

Cost of Living: 128% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,800

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.6

Average Property Tax: 2.38%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here is $278,000, nicely below the national average, and properties that come up for sale move briskly. But 72% of households rent here and there are a wide range of prices and property types to choose from.

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Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Retirees

If you don’t mind a New England winter, Connecticut offers some advantages for retirees who can fit the state’s prices, which are higher than national averages, into their budget. The Nutmeg State has a highly ranked health system as well as plenty of natural beauty. You can be in the mountains or at the shore from most any location here pretty quickly, and locating near a major city such as New Haven or Hartford also provides access to world-class arts and cultural opportunities.

1. Avon

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Generic

Avon is popular with retirees as well as with families. A strong local healthcare system and proximity to Hartford make this an attractive home base. The local area boasts abundant restaurants, museums, and other cultural institutions within a 30-minute drive, as well as several golf courses, hiking trails, and protected bike paths, making it a good headquarters for active types.

Population: 18,871

Median Household Income: $129,801

Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,100

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.7

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: As noted above, most people in Avon own their own home. If you’re looking to downsize into a condo or apartment, the town and its neighbor, Simsbury, together offer more than five retirement living communities for elders.

2. Southbury

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This rural/suburban town not far from New Haven is home to Heritage Village, Connecticut’s largest community for active adults 55 and over. The median age here is 51, a reflection of the area’s appeal to those near or in the retirement zone. The town has a lovely downtown as well as parks, golf courses, and lots of scenic beauty.

Population: 19,979

Median Household Income: $102,044

Cost of Living: 108% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,150

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.9

Average Property Tax: 2.38%

Housing Affordability: Most residents here own their homes, and the low inventory means median rent tends to stay above the $2,000 mark. The average home value is $407,000, although condos in Heritage Village can start around $250,000.

3. Glastonbury

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Located 10 miles southeast of Hartford, this Connecticut River town has access to the health care and cultural activities of the city. Local activities for seniors include a Senior Lunch Program and there is an active Senior Center for those 50+. There are several retirement communities in the area.

Population: 35,199

Median Household Income: $94,821

Cost of Living: 115% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,250

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.9

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: Most homes here are owner-occupied which makes for a tight rental market. The average home value is $468,000. Townhouses and apartments tend to be priced lower, however, at under $300,000, which could be good news for someone who is downsizing.

4. West Hartford

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This town, which also made our list for families, has lots of activities available for seniors, and if you’d like to live somewhere with a walkable downtown, this could be the spot. Older adults who rent or own near West Hartford Center can walk to many amenities, including restaurants and coffee shops, a supermarket, and a public library.

Population: 64,271

Median Household Income: $111,997

Cost of Living: 118% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,000

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 1.45

Average Property Tax: 2.4%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here tops $421,000. About a third of homes here are occupied by renters, and there is a bustling rental market near the town center. The area also hosts more than a half-dozen retirement homes and communities.

5. Old Saybrook

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This small town located where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound skews older, with a median age of 56 years. There is a charming, history-packed downtown that is especially active in the summer months. Tourists and locals enjoy the scenery which includes two vintage lighthouses.

Population: 10,535

Median Household Income: $95,795

Cost of Living: 118% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,500

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.1

Average Property Tax: 1.95%

Housing Affordability: Many retirees here own their own home, and some may have done a mortgage refinance at one point or another, but there are some retirement communities in the area, including Saye Brooke Village, which offers apartments for low-income elderly residents. The average home value is $585,000, likely influenced by high prices in a couple of neighborhoods on the water.

Best Places to Live in Connecticut Near the Beach

Connecticut’s shore is on the Long Island Sound and it’s a mix of beaches, bluffs, and tidal wetlands. Beaches are only about 14% of the 87 miles of coastline, and properties on the beach are costly. Some beaches are open just to town residents and others require a paid permit, so a day at the beach isn’t always, well, a day at the beach. These places to live near the beach are both relatively affordable and have proximity to public beach access.

1. Groton

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This town, home to a Naval submarine base, also boasts three well-regarded public beaches, including Esker Point Beach which has parking and changing rooms. Bordered by two rivers, Groton is also not far from Hartford, New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island. There is a range of housing options, from historic homes to modern condo apartments.

Population: 37,743

Median Household Income: $58,911

Cost of Living: 111% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,660

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.2

Average Property Tax: 1.95%

Housing Affordability: The average home value here is $370,000 and is trending upward. With an eye toward growth, the town has begun to plan for future housing expansion so it’s a market to keep an eye on. Apartment dwellers will be pleased that they can find rentals priced below $2,000 per month in this centrally located area.

2. Stratford

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Situated on Long Island Sound near the mouth of the Housatonic River, Stratford has 18 miles of coastline, two public beaches, and five marinas. Nature lovers will appreciate that the town is also close to a forest, a salt marsh, and a wildlife refuge.

Population: 52,477

Median Household Income: $82,902

Cost of Living: 117% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,000

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.7

Average Property Tax: 1.83%

Housing Affordability: Four out of five homes here are owner-occupied and average rent does top $2,000. The average home value is $394,000, above the national average but relatively affordable considering Stratford’s location at the eastern end of Connecticut’s “Gold Coast,” about an hour from New York City.

3. Clinton

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A half-hour by car east of New Haven, Clinton has a local beach and residents can purchase a beach pass for $25 per year. (Nonresidents pay steeper fees). But it is also close to Hammonasset Beach State Park, with free access for Connecticut residents. Like other beach towns, it borders the Long Island Sound and there are also marinas here. Clinton also offers a bustling outlet center, a local vineyard, and sport fishing tours.

Population: 13,399

Median Household Income: $70,887

Cost of Living: 119% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,324

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.6

Average Property Tax: 2.01%

Housing Affordability: Rents tend to go up in Clinton in the summer, reflecting the area’s popularity among seasonal visitors. But a year-round rental could probably be had for around $2,000. Average home value is $397,000. Looking further inland, toward Deep River or Killingworth, may help homebuyers find a more affordable property.

4. Stonington

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Stonington, in the southeasternmost corner of Connecticut, has everything one would want in a seaside town: a mile-long beach, picturesque seaside homes, a lighthouse museum, and a peninsula where you can experience the sunset and enjoy views of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. The population here skews older, with a median age of 60.

Population: 18,480

Median Household Income: $72,500

Cost of Living: 122% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $3,000

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.8

Average Property Tax: 1.95%

Housing Affordability: Rents here can be on the higher side when compared to Connecticut generally, but there is a healthy inventory of rental properties, and lower prices can be found inland in nearby Pawcatuck. Coastal real estate has its price, and the median home value here tops a half-million dollars, influenced by some areas where home prices are routinely measured in the millions.

5. Milford

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Milford offers a quaint downtown plus 17 miles of shoreline. Silver Sands State Park boasts the longest boardwalk in the state. Marinas, arts and crafts fairs, birdwatching … this town blends the beach with lots of other year-round activities so there is always something to do.

Population: 50,471

Median Household Income: $97,951

Cost of Living: 128% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,600

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.5

Average Property Tax: 2.38%

Housing Affordability: Although rents can be high, especially when summer rentals are factored in, there is a healthy inventory of rentals here and costs have remained relatively stable year over year. The median home value is $443,000 with even small properties near the shore commanding a higher price. As with other shore towns, look inland for more affordable options.

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The Takeaway

Living in Connecticut can be costly, but whether you want a first apartment post-college, a retirement nest, or a headquarters for your growing family, there are options available that offer the best of the Constitution State’s natural beauty, historical treasures, and arts and cultural experiences.

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FAQ

What Connecticut town has the lowest cost of living?

The Hartford area has the lowest cost of living among Connecticut cities, at 6% above the national average. Its housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are all lower than in the other large urban areas. If you are open to a smaller town, travel due west of Hartford to Torrington, which has a cost of living that is 90% of the U.S. average.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Connecticut?

The cheapest housing costs in Connecticut tend to be in smaller towns outside Hartford such as Torrington, Winsted, or Bristol.

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