Connecticut
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Are you considering moving to Connecticut?

Connecticut is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and charm. The state has dozens of beautiful lakes where you can go swimming, fishing, and enjoy the sunset.

Connecticut is home to the world-famous Yale University and several other prestigious universities and colleges. If you enjoy playing golf, the state has lots of state-of-the-art golf courses and other sport arenas.

The nutmeg state has one of the highest personal income per capita in the United States. Connecticut's economy is powered by several large industries including insurance and financial services, healthcare and bioscience, large scale manufacturing, digital media, tourism and entertainment.

If moving to Connecticut sounds like what you're interested in, we've collated all the key information you need to know about moving to the state to help you make the right decision.

Let's get started.

Demographics

Connecticut Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Connecticut.

Male vs Female Population of Connecticut

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Connecticut

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Connecticut

facts of California

Quick facts to know before moving to California

  • Connecticut got its name from the Connecticut River flowing through the center of the state. The term ‘Connecticut’ means a long tidal river.
  • Connecticut is the southernmost state in the New England region of the northeastern United States
  • Connecticut is the 48th largest state in the United States in terms of total area with 5,567 square miles. The state is 110 miles long and 70 miles wide.
  • The state has a 96-mile long coastline
  • The Dutch were the first European settlers in Connecticut.
  • Connecticut created the first written constitution in the US.
  • Connecticut was one of the Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution
  • The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine, was constructed in Groton, Connecticut, between 1952 and 1954.
  • Connecticut is home to the first publicly funded library in the US – Scoville Memorial Library, founded in 1771.
  • Music Vale, the first music school in the US, was opened in Salem in 1835 by Orramel Whittlesey.

Is moving to Connecticut right for you?

Since you're mulling over moving to Connecticut, we've compiled all the key information you need to know about the state before making up your mind.

What’s the population of Connecticut?

As of 2020, Connecticut has a population of 3,605,944, the 29th largest in the US. The state density is 739/sq mile, which is the 4th largest in the country.

How is the weather like in Connecticut?

The climate in Connecticut is continental with very cold, snowy winters and warm to hot summers, during which there are quite frequent thunderstorms. As the state is small, there is not much difference between the climates in both north and west. In winter, the temperature can drop down to - 4 °F or low. The summer is hot and sunny and the daytime temperature will touch 99/100 °F.

While Connecticut experiences heavy snowfall in winter, there may be heatwaves in summer. In summer, thunderstorms may break out in the afternoon.

How fast can you commute in Connecticut?

The average commuting time in Connecticut is 26 minutes, which is much longer than the national average. Interestingly, the average commuting time has sharply increased in Connecticut in the last 5 years. In a few counties, including Fairfield, the residents spend more than an hour behind wheels to commute one way.

move to Connecticut

Top 10 Reasons to move to Connecticut

Why should you consider moving to Connecticut? There are many reasons why moving to the constitution state is a great idea. We've listed ten reasons for moving to Connecticut to help you figure out why living in the state can be good for you.

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Connecticut, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

  • Enjoy the spectacular outdoors

    From landscapes to seascapes, Connecticut is filled with amazing outdoors to drench in scenic beauty. The towns that exude New England charm, unlimited waterfalls, maritime villages that allure you with fishing boats, art museums, cultural landmarks, never-ending trail venues – Connecticut has got everything to satisfy your thirst for the outdoors. All you need is the passion to explore them in full.

  • Explore beautiful waterfalls and endless hiking opportunity

    The crashing waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and verdant forests along with endless hiking trails make Connecticut a paradise on earth.

    Here are some of the best waterfalls that make the rough waters in Connecticut perfect to kayak or turn trickling cascades to delightful swimming pools:

    • Enders Falls, Granby
    • Wadsworth Big and Little Falls, Middletown
    • Buttermilk Falls, Plymouth
    • Roaring Brook Falls, Cheshire
    • Great Falls, Canaan
    • Campbell Falls, Norfolk
    • Kent Falls, Kent
    • Chapman Falls, East Haddam
    • Stair Brook Falls, North Branford
    • Yantic Falls, Norwich

    Connecticut is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails through high land and low, across difficult and easy terrain, offering unique insights into the state’s geology.

    Here are the 10 best hiking trails to explore in Connecticut:

    • Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Southington
    • Bear Mountain Trail, Salisbury
    • Sleeping Giant Tower Trail, Hamden
    • Wadsworth Falls Trail, Middletown
    • Saugatuck Trail, Weston
    • Macedonia Brook Loop, Kent
    • Chauncey Peak Trail, Meriden
    • Vista and Devil's Oven via Orange Trail Loop, East Haddam
    • Hemlock Hills & Pine Mountain Trail, Ridgefield
    • Lake Mohegan Loop, Fairfield
  • You'll enjoy local culture, history, arts, and entertainment

    Connecticut has a rich past and it is still preserved intact. You can’t throw a stone in Connecticut without hitting a historic landmark, or art museum, or a center of culture. There is an abundance of historical and cultural spots in the state to explore the local history and culture.

    Here are a few places to get familiar with the local culture, history, and arts in Connecticut.

    • Yale University Art Gallery
    • Yale Center for British Art
    • Philip Johnson Glass House
    • Mystic Seaport Museum
    • Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
    • The New British Museum of American Art
    • Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
    • Hill-Stead Museum
    • Bruce Museum
    • Connecticut Freedom Trail
    • Railroad Museum of New English
    • Allis-Bushnell House
    • Avery-Copp House
    • Burnham–Hibbard House
  • Get the chance to explore the Connecticut Wine Trail

    The Connecticut Wine Trail is a unique collection of about 40 vineyards and wineries with wine tasting rooms where you can sample their portfolios and learn more about winemaking. Each winery offers farm-fresh products and permits you to watch the preparations.

    Some of the wineries in the Connecticut Wine Trail include:

    • Aquila's Nest Vineyards, Newtown
    • Bishop's Orchards Winery, Guilford
    • Chamard Vineyards, Clinton
    • Connecticut Valley Winery, New Hartford
    • DiGrazia Vineyards, Brookfield
    • Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford
    • Haight-Brown Vineyards, Litchfield
    • Hawk Ridge Winery, Watertown
    • Holmberg Orchards & Winery, Gales Ferry
    • Hopkins Vineyard, Warren
  • Great communities, neighborhoods and towns

    Connecticut is a charming state with a rustic mix of coastal towns and rural havens and this part of New England takes pride in its list of neighborhoods mostly safe and neat. The communities here are highly amiable and peace-loving.

  • You'll experience all four seasons in Connecticut

    Connecticut is a four-season state and there is an equal distribution of summer, winter, spring, and fall. The state experiences moderate snowfall in cold winters while summers are hot and humid.

  • Connecticut has a low crime rate

    Connecticut is relatively a safe state in the US and reports fewer crimes in comparison with other states. The recent years have seen a systematic drop in the crime rate, by about 6%, but property crime rates show no sign of decrease.

  • Connecticut has one of the highest personal income per capita in the U.S.

    Connecticut has the country’s highest personal income per capita, at $79,771, which further increased by 3% in the last year. This makes Connecticut one of the richest states in the US.

  • It's the perfect mix of urban and rural living

    Connecticut is a perfect fusion of both urban and rural. While the cities are highly urbanized with skyscrapers and Fortune 500 companies, the rural parts are drenched in scenic beauty. The captivating waterside scenes, crushing waterfalls, and verdant forests make the rural landscape appear a postcard.

  • Connecticut is home to beautiful beaches

    Connecticut’s vast shorelines offer a wide selection of saltwater beaches to explore. With no big waves, the beaches are relatively calmer and safer than many beaches outside the state.

    Some of the best beaches in Connecticut are:

    • Ocean Beach Park
    • Rocky Neck State Beach
    • Calf Pasture Beach
    • Compo Beach
    • Harvey’s Beach
    • Jennings Beach
    • Sherwood Island State Park
pros

What's the pros and cons of living in Connecticut?

With breathtaking landscapes, unlimited but calm beaches, never-ending trailing tracks, and verdant forests, Connecticut is more of a postcard state.

To add more charm, Connecticut is also one of the richest states with the highest per capita income per person. But is the ‘Nutmeg State' the best place to relocate to?

Making a move is a big life decision and you need to consider everything to pull it off right. This includes knowing the realities of living here. Before making up your mind about moving to Connecticut, consider the honest pros and cons of living in the state.

Pros of living in Connecticut
  • You'll have easy access to 2 major cities, New York and Boston
  • Connecticut has the most beautiful fall foliage in the U.S.
  • You'll experience moderate winter
  • Small towns and communities with services within reach
  • Great school system and the home of Yale University
  • Enjoy breathtaking moments outdoor
  • Connecticut's fall colors are absolutely stunning
  • Get the chance to explore the Connecticut Wine Trail
  • Craft breweries are growing rapidly across Connecticut
  • Outdoor dining is like a local culture in Connecticut
  • Connecticut has lots of great neighborhoods and communities
Cons of living in Connecticut
  • High tax rates
  • Nightlife isn't so exciting
  • Connecticut is one of the smaller states and so many things are missing
  • You'll have to pay state income tax and property tax on your car
  • The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average
  • Unemployment rate is gradually rising
  • Connecticut has the fourth-highest property tax levy in the U.S.
  • You'll have to pay fuel taxes in Connecticut
  • Connecticut's traffic is terrible
  • Connecticut only has a few big cities

What's the best place to live in Connecticut?

There are many beautiful neighborhoods and places to stay in Connecticut. If you eventually decide to move to Connecticut, you should be interested in the best places to stay in the state.

To help you get started, we've curated the best places to stay in the state considering metrics such as population, median home values, and unemployment rates. Below are the 10 best places to stay in Connecticut.

'
Place Population Median Home Value Unemployment Rate
Shelton 41,155 $345,200 5.3%
Middletown 46,473 $227,000 5.6%
Milford 52,349 $$306,100 5.3%
Bristol 60,308 $195,900 6.1%
Groton 9,109 $207,900 7.3%
Stamford 129,026 $526,700 6.8%
Norwalk 88,436 $$427,300 7.2%
Naugatuck 31,481 $182,300 6.9%
Meriden 59,864 $172,200 6.4%
Torrington 34,737 $155,700 6.5%

Connecticut Cities Moving Guides

What's the cost of living in Connecticut?

The cost of living in Connecticut is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Connecticut's cost of living is rated 107.8, according to Best Places. Housing is considered the most significant factor in the cost of living in Connecticut. We've curated important information about Connecticut's housing market to give you a better idea of the cost of living in the state.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Connecticut.

How is the rental market like in Connecticut?

Renting a home or an apartment in Connecticut can be a good option. Up to 30% of residents in Connecticut are renters and 2.2% of homes and apartments in the state are available to rent. Here's a simple curated breakdown of Connecticut's rental market:

  • Average rental cost for a home in Connecticut is $1,665. US is average is $1,470
  • Connecticut Studio Apartment is $883. The U.S. average is $821
  • Connecticut 1 Bedroom is $1066. The U.S. average is $930
  • Connecticut 2 Bedroom is $1327. The U.S. average is $1,148
  • Connecticut 3 Bedroom is $1685. The U.S. average is $1,537
  • Connecticut 4 Bedroom is $ $1956. The U.S. average is $1791

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How is the housing market like in Connecticut?

More than 70% of Connecticuters are homeowners. Buying a home in Connecticut seems like a good decision for many residents of the state. More so, homes are fairly affordable in Connecticut.

Buying a home could be a great idea if you're moving to Connecticut. So, we've curated the key data about the state's real estate market to help you get started.

  • The median home value in Connecticut is $259,855
  • Connecticut home values have gone up 1.4% over the past year
  • Connecticut's home values are predicted to fall by 2.3% within the next year
  • The median list price per square foot in Connecticut is $173
  • The median price of homes currently listed in Connecticut is $309,900
  • The median price of homes that sold in Connecticut is $258,600
  • In Connecticut 2.6 homes are foreclosed (per 10,000). U.S. value is 1.2
  • 11.2% of Connecticut homeowners are underwater on their mortgage

Median House Price in Connecticut vs USA

Median Rent Price in Connecticut vs USA

Cost of Living by Categories in Connecticut vs USA

How is the job market like in Connecticut?

Connecticut's job market is powered by several industries and thousands of employers. We've handpicked all the key information you need to know about Connecticut's job market to help you understand how the economy works in the state. If you're mulling over moving to Connecticut, here are all the key information you need to know about the state's job market:

What's the median salary in Connecticut?

Moving to Connecticut will most likely mean starting a new job and earning a different amount of income. If you're wondering how much you'll most likely earn in the state, Connecticut has one of the highest median household incomes in the United States. Here's a simple breakdown of the average income of Connecticuters:

  • The average hourly job pay in Connecticut is $17 per hour
  • The median household income in Connecticut is $76,106
  • The average household income in Connecticut is $109,693
  • Connecticut's Per Capita Income is $43,056
  • Connecticut's high-income household is 11.9% (making above $200,000 per year)

What are the biggest companies in Connecticut?

These are the top 10 biggest companies in Connecticut.

  • United Technologies
  • XPO Logistics
  • Amphenol
  • Otis Elevator Company
  • Stanley Black & Decker
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Carrier
  • Western Connecticut Health Network
  • Xerox

What's the top career options in Connecticut?

Moving to Connecticut could mean changing your career and choosing one of the fastest growing job options in the state to stand a better chance of getting a job. We've handpicked the top 10 fastest growing jobs in Connecticut to help you make a good choice. Here they are:

  • Operations Analyst
  • Web Developer
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Business Analyst
  • Personal Care Assistant
  • Home Health Aid
  • Software Engineer
  • Computer Numerical Controller Machinist
  • Software Developer
  • Industrial Mechanic

Top Industries in Connecticut

Connecticut's economy is driven by several large industries. If you're considering moving to Connecticut, then you should know the leading industries in the state. The following are the top five major industries in Connecticut

  • Insurance and financial services
  • Healthcare and bioscience
  • Large scale manufacturing
  • Digital media
  • Tourism and entertainment

What's the best company to work for in Connecticut?

There are thousands of great companies to work for in Connecticut. While it's impossible to list all of them here, we've listed just a few of them from various industries. This will give you an idea of the best companies to work for if you're moving to Connecticut.

  • Carrier Corporation
  • Bridgewater Associates
  • Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
  • Starwood Capital Group
  • Alexion Pharmaceuticals
  • Purdue Pharma
  • Gartner
  • Kaman
  • Cigna
  • Scott + Scott

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Connecticut, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

What's Connecticut's unemployment rate?

How soon can you get a job if you're moving to Connecticut? The unemployment rate in Connecticut is slightly higher than the United States average.

  • Connecticut's unemployment rate is 4.2%. The US average is 3.9%.
  • Connecticut's job market has increased by 0.0% over the last year
  • 10 years future job growth is predicted to be 28.3%. U.S. average is 33.5%
  • The maximum unemployment weekly benefit in Connecticut is $649

Number of Households by Income Level in Connecticut

Median Income in Connecticut vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Connecticut vs USA

Is Connecticut Tax friendly?

If you're moving to Connecticut, how much will you be paying in taxes? Your tax payment should be among the key things to consider before making up your mind about moving to Connecticut. Below is a simple summary of the most important taxes in the state:

  • Connecticut income tax is 3% - 6.99%
  • Sales tax in Connecticut is 6.35%
  • Connecticut average effective Property tax rate is 2.07%
  • Connecticut gas tax is 39.31 cents per gallon of gasoline, and 46.5 cents per gallon of diesel

What is Connecticut most known for?

Connecticut, the constitution state, is known for many things. If you're mulling over moving to Connecticut, below are the key things the state is mostly known for:

A private Ivy League university in New Haven, Yale University is the third-oldest higher education institution in the US. More than 12,000 students study at Yale’s 14 constituent schools.

  • Yale University

    A private Ivy League university in New Haven, Yale University is the third-oldest higher education institution in the US. More than 12,000 students study at Yale’s 14 constituent schools.

  • The Connecticut River

    The 406-mile Connecticut River flows through four states and is the longest river in New England. The river flowing from the Canadian border to the Long Island Sound is abundant in cold-water habitats. It is a major recreation source in Connecticut where people kayak, raft, swim, and boat at various places across the state.

  • Seafoods

    Seafood lovers should never miss the opportunity to explore the culinary delights served in Connecticut. Menus offered at cafes and restaurants include lobster dinners, lobster rolls, fried clams, fried soft shell crabs, scallops, and nearly any other dish you can imagine.

  • Lighthouses

    Connecticut’s lighthouses are the most photographed in New England. The lighthouses here include those from Revolutionary War-era beacons to lights that guided over a century of maritime history.

    Some of the spectacular lighthouses in the state include:

    • Ledge Lighthouse
    • Stonington Harbor Light
    • Penfield Reef Light
    • New Haven Harbor Light
    • Sheffield Island Light
    • Saybrook Baywater Light
  • Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe houses

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a historic house museum in Hartford and a National Historic Landmark that was once home to Harriet Beecher, an author. Situated next to it is the Mark Twain House & Museum, another National Historic Landmark, that was the home to author Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family.

  • Groton Submarine Base

    The 687- acre submarine base has been in use since 1868. It is home to 116 attack submarines and there is a full Navy base in Groton.

  • Shopping

    Connecticut is one of the richest states in the US and it is natural for the state to be a hot shopping destination. With hundreds of small boutiques and artisan galleries, farm-fresh gourmet markets, and world-class designer outlet centers, Connecticut is open for everyone to shop till they drop.

    Some of the best shopping venues in Connecticut are:

    • Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market
    • Tanger Outlets Foxwoods
    • Anna Pearls Curiosities
    • Stonington Village Farmers’ Market
    • The Center & The Square
  • The first written constitution

    The ‘Fundamental Orders’, the first constitution in American colonies, was adopted in Hartford, Connecticut in 1639. It is considered to be the first written constitution in western tradition and this gave Connecticut the nickname ‘the Constitution State’.

  • Nutmegs

    Connecticut is officially nicknamed ‘the Nutmeg State’ and the residents are called Nutmeggers. The origin of the name dates back to the colonial era when the early inhabitants had the reputation of being so ingenious and shrewd that they were able to make and sell wooden nutmegs.

  • Insurance capital

    Hartford, the capital of Connecticut is also famously nicknamed ‘the Insurance Capital’ as the city has traditionally been the center of the insurance industry. Major insurance giants such as Aetna, Conning & Company, The Hartford, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, The Phoenix Companies, and Hartford Steam Boiler are based in Hartford and Prudential Financial, United Healthcare, and Lincoln National Corporation have operations here.

  • Mystic Seaport

    Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the US with a large collection of sailing ships and boats. Spread over 19 acres, the museum has more than 60 historic buildings. The museum also runs a maritime academy.

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What are the best Schools & Universities in Connecticut

If you're moving to Connecticut, you'll most likely be interested in the best schools in the state. Whether you have school age kids, or looking to start a family, or just need a great place to stay, living in an area with great schools often pays off in the long run.

We've compiled a list of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in Connecticut as well as the best colleges and universities. Here they are:

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