Best Affordable Places to Live in Connecticut in 2025

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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.

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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. New Britain boasts some beautiful historic districts as well as a vigorous rental market. 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.

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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. 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.

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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.

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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. 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.

Just north and west of New Haven, Woodbridge is conveniently located for families who want easy access to regular commuter trains to New York City, but who also desire proximity to the forest, the beach, and other outdoor recreation. Families also like the town’s well-rated public schools, rural feel, and historic homes. 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.

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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.

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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. And the cost of living is 13% lower than in Connecticut as a whole.

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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.

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Avon is popular with retirees as well as with families. A strong local health care 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. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.