A very different image comes to mind when you think about Connecticut versus when you think about, say, Alabama. It’s not that one state is superior to the other (though livability indexes may disagree ), it’s that they’re just so very different.
Connecticut conjures up images of lush forested hills, historic villages and old oak and stone architecture. You may also think of regal mansions, because Connecticut is not a cheap state; cost of living there is 13% higher than the national average and housing costs are 24% higher, according to RentCafe.com .
Though expensive, Connecticut is increasingly desirable for people relocating. Connecticut saw a net increase of roughly 81,000 people moving into the state in 2022, according to state migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
In a recent Ramsey Solutions blog , financial guru Dave Ramsey praised the beauty and accessibility of life in the Constitution State.
“The state … boasts a picturesque landscape outside its cities, with stretches of green rolling hills, breathtaking mountains and peaceful beaches to explore,” Ramsey wrote. “Plus, living in Connecticut gives you access to both New York City and Boston for business and day trips – although Boston would be a tough daily commute.”
But again, Connecticut isn’t a cheap place to live. That said, some cities within are more affordable than others. Ramsey expounded on the “best” places to live in Connecticut. He discussed the perks of these seven cities and also pulled data from various sources including Census Reporter, Zillow and Connecticut’s official state website to give a fuller financial picture.
Here’s what it costs to live in the seven best cities in Connecticut, according to Ramsey, along with population, median household income, median home value, median rent and unemployment rate. Additionally, what kind of home can you get right now for that median home value?
Greenwich is the most expensive city in Connecticut that Ramsey explored. He explained that the area is “well known for its wealthy residents, luxury real estate and proximity to New York City.” It can be an absolute fortune to live here, with the median home value weighing in at $1.6 million. You may be wondering what this steep price-tag can get you in terms of housing.
Currently, there’s a listing on Zillow for a $1,497,500 house that has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It spans over 2,600 square feet and is located on Scott Road Then, on Grey Rock Drive, there’s a listing for a 3,124-square-foot abode that boasts three bedrooms and four bathrooms with an asking price of $1,498,000.
Ramsey shouts out Westport residents for their dedication to nurturing a strong community, as well as to their efforts at conservation and the city’s high-ranking public school systems — but he also highlighted that this is a “fairly affluent” city. In fact, it’s the second priciest city on this list in terms of median home value.
What exactly can that median home value of $1.2 million get you in terms of a house in Westport? Currently, there’s a listing on Zillow for a $1,197,500 house on Wilton Road. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and spans 2,735 square feet. There is also a listing for a house on 209 Compo Road South that has an asking price of $1,125,000 that is notably smaller (three bedrooms and one bathroom), but has a calm, majestic vibe.
Fairfield
Population: 62,072
Median household income: $165,316
Median home value: $704,100
Median rent: $3,800
Unemployment rate: 2.9%
With over 62,000 residents, Fairfield is one of the more populous cities on Ramsey’s list of the five best places to live in Connecticut. It’s just several miles from the Long Island Sound coastline, according to The New York Times, so a beach lifestyle can be had here. But what about that steep $704,100 median home price? What can that amount of money buy you? Perhaps less home than you might expect.
Currently, there’s a listing on Zillow for a three-bedroom and two-bathroom house on Glover Street that spans 2,049 square feet and has an asking price of $689,900. Over on Old Stratfield Road, there’s a house listed for $649,900. It’s roughly the same size as the one on Glover, but actually has a third bathroom.
Stamford
Population: 136,197
Median household income: $89,797
Median home value: $555,700
Median rent: $2,799
Unemployment rate: 2.6%
Also situated on the Long Island Coast, Stamford gives residents gorgeous beaches and gorgeous natural scenery in general. Stamford is the most populous city on Ramsey’s list, but in terms of median home value, it is not the most affordable. What can a home budget of $555,700 get you here?
There are not a ton of listings on Zillow for homes in Stamford under $600,000, so you’ll have to do some digging. We found a listing for a three-bedroom and one-bathroom house that has an asking price of $525,000. It spans only 1,269 square feet and is located on Sutton Drive West.
Farmington
Population: 26,263
Median household income: $118,329
Median home value: $375,700
Median rent: 2,500
Unemployment rate: 2.0%
This residential suburb in Hartford County is admired for its history, outdoor recreational activities and stunning scenic beauty (lots of nature). Ramsey highlighted some key industries here including insurance, healthcare, retail and manufacturing.
What kind of home can $375,700 get you in Farmington, Connecticut? Well, not a mansion — at least not right now. Currently, there’s a listing on Zillow for a three-bedroom and two-bathroom house that measures 1,152 square feet. For moderately cheaper housing, you should look several miles away in Unionville.
West Hartford
Population: 64,088
Median household income: $124,150
Median home value: $370,500
Median rent: $2,100
Unemployment rate: 2.2%
With a population of 64,088 residents, West Hartford is one of the more populous cities on Ramsey’s list. Niche has ranked it the number one best place to live in Connecticut, giving it an A+ grade. This city is one that has both suburban and urban vibes.
The median home value here is $370,500. Currently, that can get you a nice abode on Ringgold Street. The asking price for this particular 1830 Tudor home is $349,900. It isn’t exactly a big house (though it looks like it could be from the exterior photos). Even though it sports three bedrooms and three bathrooms, it spans just 1,703 square feet.
Milford
Population: 50,664
Median household income: $104,503
Median home value: $361,900
Median rent: $2,373
Unemployment rate: 2.5%
And here we are now in Milford, which, in terms of medium home value, is the most affordable city on Ramsey’s list of best places to live in Connecticut. This welcoming, tight-knit community is known to be a pleasant one to settle down in; Niche graded it an A-.
What can $361,900 get you in terms of a house? Well, currently, there is only one listing on Zillow for a home in Milford that costs less than $389,000. That’s a three-bedroom and two-bathroom house on Naugatuck Avenue spanning 1,170 square feet. Its asking price is $299,900.
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