Are you looking for the best places to live in Connecticut for families? Connecticut is a state that offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, beautiful scenery, and a strong sense of community. For families looking for the best places to live in Connecticut, there are many factors to consider, from affordable housing to great schools to family-friendly events and activities. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to live in Connecticut for families.
Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Families
1. Old Greenwich
Old Greenwich is the best place to live in Connecticut for families. It is a charming seaside neighborhood in the town of Greenwich with a population of 6,962 with 36.3% of the population being children under 18 years old.
Old Greenwich is a family friendly town with no shortage of things to do for families from the Annual Pumpkin Patch to the Annual OGRCC Sailboat Regatta to the Youth Program at Perrot Library to the Youth classes at the OGRCC (Civic Center).
It’s your quintessential, picture-perfect white picket fence town where you see kids bike to a neighbor’s house and dads walk to the train station.
There is a bustling downtown on Sound Beach Avenue with mom-and-pop boutiques and eateries.
Old Greenwich is also home to Greenwich’s largest Beach, Greenwich Point Park (locals affectionately call it Tod’s Point).
In the summer, Tod’s Point Beach is a community hub where families go to after work or on the weekends for impromptu playdates and beachside dinners.
However, don’t let the laid-back beach town vibe fool you, Old Greenwich is one of the richest zip codes in Connecticut with multi-million dollar homes and some of the priciest waterfront homes in the Greenwich area.
The median home value at Old Greenwich is $1,928,271, and residents earn a mean income of $348,146.
However, don’t let the median home value scare you. There are townhouses and small starter homes in Old Greenwich that are relatively affordable.
Another reason why Old Greenwich is such a great place to live in CT for families is the highly-rated schools. The Greenwich Public School District is ranked #3 Best School District in Connecticut and Old Greenwich Elementary School is ranked #14 Best Public Elementary School in Connecticut.
For families who need to commute to NYC, Old Greenwich is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. The town has its own Metro North train station that’s walkable from the main downtown area and surrounding homes. The train ride from Old Greenwich to Midtown Manhattan is around an hour.
| Mean Income | $348,146 |
| Median Home Value | $1,928,271 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 36.3% |
2. Westport
Westport is a charming coastal Connecticut town and one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families. It’s known for having the best schools in Connecticut, with Niche.com ranking it as the #1 best public school district in the state.
The town’s demographics reflect this, with 27.4% of Westport residents being children under 18 years old.
Aside from the schools, Westport is a hub for shopping and dining. It has one of the best shopping districts in Fairfield County, with downtown Westport and Westport’s Route 1 lined with restaurants and shops ranging from Tiffany & Company to Patagonia to Vineyard Vines.
There are also plenty of waterfront restaurants in Westport for alfresco dining on the Saugatuck River.
Westport is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut, including Compo Beach and Sherwood Island State Park. If you’re looking for the best places to live in CT for families with a beach, then Westport is a great choice. Compo Beach becomes a community hub for families on the weekends.
In addition to the beaches, Westport also has a lot of family events, such as the Halloween Parade, the Great Duck Race, and the Yankee Doodle Fair.
For those who need to commute to NYC, commuting from Westport is doable. The town has two Metro North train stations, and it takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to commute from Westport to NYC.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best Connecticut town to live in with your family, Westport might be the right fit for you.
| Mean Income | $346,206 |
| Median Home Price | $1,802,918 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 27.4% |
3. New Canaan
New Canaan is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families, known for its highly-rated school district. Niche.com ranks New Canaan Public Schools as the #2 school district in Connecticut, and 25.3% of New Canaan residents are children under 18 years old.
The town is host to many family-friendly events, such as the annual sidewalk sale and the Halloween Block Party. There is always something happening in New Canaan. The town is also home to many family-friendly amenities, such as Waveny Park, a 250+ acre community park with a town pool, ball fields, and trails.
Despite being located inland, New Canaan even has a beach. Kiwanis Beach is a man-made swimming pond with a sandy beach.
In addition to the town amenities, New Canaan has a bustling downtown with plenty of shopping and dining options. From JMclaughlin to Ralph Lauren, you don’t have to travel far for good shopping. Elm Street is also full of restaurants to satisfy your cravings, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy coffee shop, after-work happy hour, or gourmet dining.
New Canaan is also an easy commute to NYC, with two Metro North train stations making commuting convenient.
Overall, New Canaan is the quintessential New England town with a bustling downtown, great schools, a happening restaurant scene, and family-friendly amenities. It’s definitely one of the best places to raise a family in Connecticut.
| Mean Income | $239,209 |
| Median Home Price | $1,303,975 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 25.3% |
4. Darien
Darien, located in Fairfield County, is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families who want to be close to NYC. It’s the town above Greenwich and the second closest Connecticut town to the New York border.
One of the reasons Darien is a great place to live is its highly-rated public school system. Niche.com ranks Darien Public School as the #4 School District in Connecticut, and 32% of Darien’s residents are children under 18 years old.
Aside from excellent schools, it’s also easy to commute to NYC from Darien. With two Metro North train stations in Darien, you can get to midtown Manhattan in just over an hour.
Darien is a Connecticut beach town, home to two beautiful beaches along Long Island Sound – Weed Beach and Pear Tree Point Beach. Darien residents are lucky to have the beach lifestyle at their doorstep.
But it’s not just a sleepy beach town. Darien is slowly becoming a shopping and dining hub in Fairfield County. Downtown Darien has undergone a transformation with the new Corbin District, featuring a new town square, shops, and restaurants. There is also the new development, Darien Commons, which is a hub of shops and restaurants, including the new Seamore’s and Van Leeuwen.
Overall, Darien is truly one of the best towns to live in Connecticut for families, with an easy commute to NYC, beaches, a restaurant scene, great shopping, and excellent schools.
| Mean Income | $424,355 |
| Median Home Price | $1,656,964 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 32% |
5. Wilton
Wilton is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families, known for its quiet residential lifestyle and excellent schools. Many families are drawn to Wilton for its schools, which consistently rank among the best in Connecticut. According to Niche.com, Wilton Public Schools is the #5 best public school district in the state.
The town is also host to many family-friendly events, from the Wilton Library Children’s programs to Family Movie Nights at the Park to 4th of July Fireworks Celebrations. Wilton is the quintessential residential suburb, quiet and away from the hustle and bustle.
Wilton has a small downtown area with local mom-and-pop stores, as well as stores on Route 1. Plus, it’s just a few minutes away from the retail chain stores in Norwalk.
Even though Wilton is inland, residents have a beach to go to in the summer. Merwin Meadows Park is home to a swimming pond with a beach, grills, and playgrounds.
Getting to NYC is also easy from Wilton, with a Metro North train station for commuters. It takes an hour and a half to commute from Wilton to NYC, which is manageable if you can work from home some days.
Overall, Wilton is one of the best Connecticut towns for families, with great schools, a quiet suburban lifestyle, family-friendly events, and amenities.
| Mean Income | $208,955 |
| Median Home Price | $1,013,265 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 21.3% |
6. Glastonbury
Glastonbury is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families, located just 15 minutes from Hartford.
It’s one of the best suburbs of Hartford for families, with an excellent school district. According to Niche.com, Glastonbury Public Schools is ranked as the #6 Best School District in Connecticut.
With a population of 35,159, Glastonbury is a family-friendly Connecticut town with many amenities and events for families. The town hosts many family-friendly events, such as the Twinklin’ Pumpkins Event, Youth Fishing Derby, Children’s Performances, and “Kidding Around the Center” (a family event).
Glastonbury is also home to many family-friendly amenities, including several public pools, private pool clubs, and a country club.
Despite being located inland, Glastonbury families have a beach to go to – Eastbury Pond, a swimming pond with a sandy beach. In the winter, the pond turns into an ice skating pond.
Glastonbury is also an affordable Connecticut town for families. The median home price in Glastonbury is $415,387, making it an attractive option for families looking for a great place to live without breaking the bank.
Glastonbury has a bustling downtown that is walkable and lined with many restaurants and shops.
Overall, with its excellent schools, close proximity to Hartford, affordable housing options and family-friendly amenities, it’s no wonder why Glastonbury is considered one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families.
| Mean Income | $159,100 |
| Median Home Price | $415,387 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 20.8% |
7. Ridgefield
Ridgefield is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families, especially for those looking for an affordable town with great schools in Fairfield County. Ridgefield offers both affordability and great schools, with a median home price of $888,313.
Niche.com ranks Ridgefield School District as the #7 Best School District in Connecticut, and 24.8% of Ridgefield residents are children under 18 years old.
Ridgefield is the quintessential New England town, with a charming downtown lined with shops and restaurants reminiscent of the fictional town of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, a popular TV series.
Despite its inland location, Ridgefield families can also enjoy the lake life with private lake associations and the town beach, Martin Park Beach. Martin Park Beach is at Great Pond, a spring-fed swimming pond with a sandy beach and lifeguards. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Great Pond.
There is no shortage of family-friendly events in Ridgefield, from Sandcastle Building competitions at the town beach to the Annual Giant Pumpkin Weighoff to the annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest to Family programs at Ridgefield Library.
Living in Ridgefield and commuting to NYC is doable (especially if you can work from home a few days a week). It takes around an hour and 30 minutes from Ridgefield’s Branchville Metro North station to NYC.
Overall, Ridgefield is truly one of the best towns in Fairfield County for families, with the combination of affordable homes, great schools, and a family-friendly town that makes it one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families.
| Mean Income | $219,188 |
| Median Home Price | $888,313 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 24.8% |
8. West Hartford
West Hartford is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families, located just 18 minutes from Hartford. It’s one of the best suburbs in Hartford for families, with an urban vibe and a bustling downtown that’s perfect for families who want to be close to shops and restaurants.
West Hartford is also a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of restaurants on Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road. Plus, it’s an affordable town with a median home price of $394,258. There is a wide variety of housing options in West Hartford, from starter homes to homes on large lots to apartments, making it easy for families to find a home that fits their budget.
Aside from affordable home prices, West Hartford also has great schools, with Niche.com ranking it as the #5 best school district in the Hartford area.
There are many family-friendly events in West Hartford, from the annual Family Fishing Event to Westmoor Park’s Annual Farm Day to West Hartford’s Halloween Stroll to the Holiday Stroll. Families will not be bored.
Overall, West Hartford is perfect for families who want great schools, a vibrant town, and affordable homes. It’s one of the best places to raise a family in Connecticut.
| Mean Income | $148,179 |
| Median Home Price | $394,258 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 22.3% |
9. Greenwich
Greenwich is the best place to live in Connecticut for families who commute to NYC, located right on the New York-Connecticut border. The commute into NYC is unbeatable, with four Metro North train stations in Greenwich and just a 45-minute ride to midtown Manhattan.
Families move to Greenwich for its excellent schools, with Niche.com ranking Greenwich Public Schools as the #3 Best School District in Connecticut. It’s no surprise that 26.4% of Greenwich’s residents are children under 18 years old.
Greenwich is also home to some of the best beaches in Connecticut, with two public beaches and two private islands. Byram Beach is a beautiful beach with a town pool, splash pad, playground, and concession stand.
Greenwich is also home to an upscale shopping scene that rivals the best, with Greenwich Avenue often dubbed the “Rodeo Drive of Connecticut.” Families who love good food will also be happy to know that there is no shortage of great restaurants in Greenwich, from Italian food to the best happy hours on the Avenue to celebrity chef Jean Georges’ newest restaurant.
While Greenwich is on the pricier side, with a median home price of $1,719,154, the good news is that its housing options are very diverse. Families can find affordable home prices in the Byram section of Greenwich with a median home price of $746,950 and the Pemberwick section of Greenwich with a median home price of $966,269. So, it’s possible to live in Greenwich – it’s just a matter of finding the right home that fits your budget!
Overall, Greenwich is truly the best town to live in Connecticut for families who commute to NYC, with its excellent schools, unbeatable commute, beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and diverse housing options.
| Mean Income | $314,450 |
| Median Home Price | $1,710,154 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 26.4% |
Check out the Best NYC Suburbs for Families
10. Simsbury
Simsbury is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families who want to be close to Hartford, located just 28 minutes away. It’s one of the best suburbs of Hartford for families and an affordable town with a median home price of $382,385.
One of the main draws for families moving to Simsbury is its excellent schools, with Niche.com ranking the Simsbury School District as the 13th Best School District in Connecticut.
Simsbury is a quintessential New England suburb with a small-town feel and is one of the best places to raise a family in Connecticut. It hosts a variety of family-friendly community events, from the Memorial Day Parade to the annual Spooktacular Chili Challenge and Simsbury Celebrates, a post-Thanksgiving family event.
Simsbury is also home to Flamig Farm, a beloved local farm with family-friendly attractions like a petting zoo, hayrides, camps, and the iconic giant Eggs (spelled backwards!).
Not to mention, Simsbury is one of the most picturesque towns in Connecticut, particularly during the stunning Fall Foliage season. Plus it’s one of the most bike-friendly towns in the state!
Great schools, family-friendly community and affordable home prices- no wonder Simsbury consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families.
| Mean Income | $180,484 |
| Median Home Price | $382,385 |
| Percentage of Children Under 18 years old | 25.6% |
Best Towns to Live in CT for Families: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Connecticut offers a variety of great places to live for families, and the towns highlighted in this article are just a few of the best options. When considering a move to Connecticut, it’s important to do your research by visiting the towns, touring the schools, and talking to local residents. By doing so, you’ll get a better sense of which town is perfect for your family. With its excellent schools, beautiful scenery, and strong sense of community, Connecticut is a great place for families to call home.
Source: The information presented in this article are based on data from the US Census American Community Survey, Niche.com and residential housing market data. The median sales price is the average residential sales data for 12 month period ending June 2023.
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