These are the calculations that many Nutmeggers end up making when choosing where to live in Connecticut: Do I want suburban life or rural life? How important is it to be close to a beach? Do I need to have easy access to the city? And how much is all of this going to cost? For Connecticut newcomers, this may sound overwhelming, and even if you have the means to afford to live wherever you want, there will be trade-offs. Here are five steps to take when picking a Connecticut town to live in:
- Know your Connecticut counties
- Get to know the towns
- Figure out what matters to you most
- Spend some time in the towns you’re interested in before you commit
- Contact a real estate agent
Know your Connecticut counties
Before you can pick a town to live in, you’ll need to pick a county. Connecticut has eight: Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tollard, and Windham.
Where you actually land will depend on a few different factors, but each county has its pros and cons. Fairfield, for example, is the closest to NYC, has many coastal towns, and is generally one of the wealthiest counties in America.
Litchfield, on the other hand, is sleepier and more rural, with plenty of single-family homes spread acres apart. It’s known for its rolling hills and New England charm, as well as a weekend getaway destination for NYC residents.
The best way to get to know these areas is, of course, by visiting, but you can also read local publications (County Times, CT Post, Hartford Courant, etc.) to get a feel for each place.
Get to know the towns
Once you’ve identified a county that feels right for you, it’s time to brush up on the towns within it. There are 169 towns throughout Connecticut, each one with its own unique “personality”. Figuring out the best fit for you will involve some research — the internet is your friend! Each town has their own website, so take a look at events that are scheduled, or information about community organizations and culture.
Figure out what matters to you most
You might want to seek out towns that serve your specific needs. Two of the biggest and most obvious factors people take into account when searching for a new place to live are location and price. However, you may be planning to start a family, so schools may be an important factor for you. Or, maybe you want to be close to a beach or have access to hiking trails near your new home.
Before you start your search, put together a list of factors that are non-negotiables, meaning factors that you’re not willing to give up when looking for a home. If space and price are your biggest concerns, you may end up living in a town that’s a bit further from New York City; if you’re interested in a location with lots of amenities and things to do, you’ll almost certainly end up paying more.
Once you’ve figured out your most important factors, it’s time to do some research. Websites like Zillow and Realtor.com are good places to start getting a sense of neighborhoods in the towns you’re interested in, as well as types or homes and prices.
Spend some time in the towns you’re interested in before you commit
Let’s say you’ve done your research, and you’ve found a town that has everything you want: it has a vibrant downtown, it’s close to parks, it has adorable mom and pop shops. Great! Now it’s time to visit. It’s important to get a feel for what it’s actually like to live there. Plan repeat visits to the town, and, if you have the time, visit in different seasons. Some Connecticut towns are bustling mini metropolises during the summer months, but become sleepy, quiet places come late Fall.
Call a real estate agent
All the research you’ve done is a great start to choosing the right town to live in. However, there is nothing like getting an expert opinion. A real estate agent in the area you want to live will be able to provide invaluable information and details on not just the town, but also each neighborhood within that town. And, of course, the agent will help you find the right property for you!
Want to learn more about towns in Connecticut? Check out our neighborhood guides here.
++++
