Connecticut is a quintessential New England state with sprawling farms, rolling hills, colorful foliage, and historic homes. Along with its elegant charm, the Nutmeg State is part of the tri-state area with easy access to New York City and New Jersey, along with Boston to the north. There’s a reason so many people love to call Connecticut home.
If you’re looking to move, whether in-state or across the country, it’s important to know which towns and cities are worth checking out. Take a look at our roundup of up and coming Connecticut cities you should consider moving to below.
Darien
Darien lies along Connecticut’s jagged Atlantic coast, where waves from Long Island Sound crash onto its shores. While homes can come with a hefty price tag, this small town has direct access to New York City through public transportation, making it a popular suburb for working metropolitans. Darien is also home to numerous job opportunities, two public beaches, and in-town neighborhoods that are perfect for raising a family.
Greenwich
As with most Fairfield County towns, Greenwich also comes with above-average home values. This is due to its close proximity to New York City and its neighboring town of Stamford that attracts wealthy Wall Street investors and hedge fund workers to settle down. Located along the coast, Greenwich has a historic coastal center with unique boutiques, mom and pop shops, and state-of-the-art cuisine.
If you’re in the tri-state area looking to move, you may be wondering if people are starting to move apartments again, despite the current coronavirus pandemic. While the times are unprecedented, people are still packing up their belongings and finding new homes and apartments to live in. Greenwich is no exception, especially with 33 percent of its residents being renters.
Ridgefield
The rustic hills throughout Ridgefield boast impeccable scenes of fall foliage in the later months. Located along the Connecticut-New York border, Ridgefield offers a small-town feel and a strong community spirit and rural charm. Throughout Ridgefield, you’ll find old colonial homes, numerous ponds perfect for fishing, and plenty of parks for picnicking. For a day by the water, Mamanasco Lake or Rainbow Lake.
New Canaan
New Canaan is known for its combination of beautiful country scenery and some of the best cuisine the area has to offer. If you’re looking for a place to call home that has farm-to-table dining options, New Canaan is the place to be. Here, you’ll find restaurants run by world-renowned chefs such as Farmers Table and Tavern at GrayBarns. You may even find yourself dining next to a New York City celebrity, as New Canaan is a popular weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
Stamford
Located along the Connecticut shore, Stamford is another up and coming town you may want to consider moving to. This working-class town has plenty of boatyards, marinas, and shops and restaurants to peruse and dine at on the weekends. As for the environment, you can find yourself living in the wooded hills in the north or along the pebble-laden shores in the south, depending on your preferences. With a growing economy, plenty of work opportunities, and a plethora of fun activities to do, living in Stamford can be a dream come true.
Norwalk
If you’re looking for one of Connecticut’s best-kept secrets, head on over to Norwalk. Located on the Connecticut coast, Norwalk is a sprawling suburb filled with pride and a warm sense of community that welcomes anyone with open arms. You’ll find a walkable center, maritime heritage, and plenty of quaint stores to buy handcrafted garments and home decor pieces. You can even spend time at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk for a day filled with aquatic life.
Cheshire
Cheshire, part of New Haven County, provides a suburban feel and holds onto much of its agricultural past. You’ll find plenty of parks, restaurants, and shops to enjoy around town, along with welcoming residents that are passionate about their community. Cheshire boasts a wide array of home styles, including colonials, townhomes, ranch-style, and saltboxes.
New Haven
Home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world (Yale), New Haven is a popular place to be. Not only is it the birthplace of President George W. Bush, but it is the state’s second-largest city, has plenty of nightlife, and mouth-watering pizza. If you move to this city, you’ll find residential neighborhoods with historic colonials and brick masterpieces. Living costs are affordable, and there are over 40 public schools throughout the city for children to attend.
Wilton
Many younger residents are flocking to Wilton, as it offers a mix of suburbia and a rural feel that makes Wilton feel like home. Wilton is also filled with many parks and country clubs that serve as excellent weekend activities the family will enjoy. As a homeowner, you’ll find Wilton attractive as home appreciation has been on the rise over the past decade, making it a worthwhile investment for the future.
Fairfield
Beautiful scenery, coastal waters, and solitude are just some of the reasons why Fairfield is an up and coming town to call home in Connecticut. Fairfield is mostly known for its education systems. The public schools in Fairfield are not only great academically, but athletically, too. Fairfield is also home to the prestigious Fairfield University, which is known for its rigorous studies and competitive Division I athletic programs. The homes throughout Fairfield can be either luxurious or quaint, making this an excellent area for all types of homebuyers.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Connecticut is one of the best places to live. It offers rustic charm, lush forests, rolling hills, and a picturesque shore along the Atlantic Ocean. In each town, you’ll find historic homes that pay homage to New England’s long history, as well as expanding modern cities like Darien, Hartford, and Stamford. With plenty of job opportunities, affordable home prices, and a warm sense of community, any town you decide to settle in will be welcoming.
Author Bio
Samantha Rupp holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is the managing editor for 365businesstips.com. She lives in San Diego, California and enjoys spending time on the beach, reading up on current industry trends, and traveling.
