These hot zips offer considerable bang for your buck with larger-than-average homes at lower-than-average prices. This alone makes moving to cities, like Hartford, CT, worth it for some. With a population of 122,576 residents, Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and is located in Hartford County. Nearby, West Hartford, a suburb of Hartford, is considered the top place to live in Connecticut, with highly rated public schools and a high standard of living. It has high marks for families, diversity, and housing.
Of course, when considering where to move, keep in mind that wherever you decide where to live, you’re looking for a place that fits your personality, life circumstances, preferences, and interests. Factors to consider before moving include the cost of living, real estate markets, things to do in that area, how high (or low) the taxes are, and so much more.
So, do you think Hartford, CT might be a good fit for you? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know before moving to Hartford, CT, including how much you can expect to pay for a house.
The Cost of Living in Hartford, CT
Let’s start with East Hartford, CT. This area of the city has a livability score of 64 out of 100. This is determined by comparing the cost of living in Hartford to the cost of living in other cities. If a city’s index score is higher than 100 percent of the national average, then the cost of living is above average. If a city’s index score is lower than 100, then its cost of living is below average.
East Hartford’s cost of living is 13 percent lower than Connecticut’s 122. Then, its real estate prices are 39 percent lower than the Connecticut average, and its rental prices are 12 percent lower than the Connecticut average.
For West Hartford, the rundown goes as follows: The livability score is 82, which is considered exceptional. The cost of living is 3 percent higher than the Connecticut average. Similarly, real estate prices are 18 percent higher than the state average. And finally, the rental prices are 13 higher than the Connecticut average. However, West Hartford gets high rankings for its schools and community perks.
The residents praise West Hartford for being family-friendly. The median age of Hartford, CT (in both the East and the West suburbs) is 30.6. Meanwhile, 50 percent of the population has children under 18. Each side of Hartford gets significant praise from its residents for the abundance of amenities. So, they can enjoy ample shopping opportunities, dining experiences, and various entertainment options.
The Job Market in Hartford, CT
The job market in Hartford, CT is currently healthy. The area’s most important economic sectors include manufacturing (e.g., aerospace is big), engineering, insurance, financial services, and healthcare.
CBIA, Connecticut’s largest business organization, reported last November that as of October 2022, Connecticut showed 10 straight months of job market growth. And the Connecticut Department of Labor’s monthly report reported 4,300 jobs gained as of October 2022.
According to the online marketplace Zippia, the top five employers in Hartford, CT are Aetna, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Co., United Healthcare Insurance Company, LAZ Parking, and The Hartford. Other than the hot job market, the median job commute for the residents of Hartford, CT is only approximately 22 minutes.
Salaries in Hartford, CT
The median household income in Hartford is $37,477, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This is significantly lower than the median household income in Connecticut ($83,572) and the US ($69,021).
Despite this, the average annual salary for Hartford, CT is $82,000. The most popular occupations in Hartford, CT are Software Engineer, Project Manager, and Mechanical Engineer.
Buying a Home in Hartford, CT
Realtor.com’s housing forecast for 2023 and economic overview both noted that the ongoing high cost of housing will be a major factor shaping the decisions of households choosing how and where to live and whether they rent or own their home. The real estate market in Hartford showed 6.5 percent sales growth and 8.5 percent growth, with a combined growth of 15 percent. Factors, such as buyers moving where it is affordable like across the state or state lines, contributed to Hartford’s status as a top housing market in 2023.
According to Realtor.com’s research, “homebuyers from New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. were leading the wave of out-of-state views in the third quarter of 2022. With a median price of $372,000 in November 2022, Hartford’s homes offered a significant value proposition, compared not only to the high price of houses in New York City ($669,000) but also the national median of $415,750.”
Need moving services? We're here to help!
Get up to 4 free quotes from top quality moversRenting a Home in Hartford, CT
If you plan to rent instead of own, you can find an affordable apartment or house. Best of all, there are plenty of choices. According to Realtor.com, the median rent in Hartford is $1,430 per month. This is lower than the national average of $1,708 for a one-bedroom apartment.
The Schools Available in Hartford, CT
The city has 26 school districts. Out of them all, Niche.com ranked the Glastonbury Public Schools District as the number one in Hartford County, giving it an A+ and praising it across most categories, such as academics, teachers, administration, college prep, and so on.
The Taxes in Hartford, CT
The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Hartford, CT is 6.35 percent. This is the total of state, county, and city sales tax rates. On the other hand, the county sales tax rate is 0%.
According to Taxe-Rates.org, the median property tax in Hartford County, CT is $4,310 per year for a home worth the median value of $247,400. Hartford County collects, on average, 1.74 percent of a property’s assessed fair market value as property tax. For most Hartford County residents, the tax accounts for about 5.23 percent of their yearly income.
Getting Around in Hartford, CT
The Walk Score for Hartford, CT is 67, which is considered “somewhat walkable.” This means that you can get to some places on foot, but you will need a car to get to most places. The most walkable neighborhoods include Downtown, South Green, and Parkville.
Meanwhile, Hartford’s transit score is 53, meaning that public transportation is better than in many other cities but is still limited. The bike score is slightly higher at 54.
The Weather in Hartford, CT
In Hartford, the summers are warm. The winters are very cold and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 21°F to 84°F and is rarely below 6°F or above 92°F.
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Hartford for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September. So, make all of your plans with this in mind.
Things to Do in Hartford, CT
The state capital is home to unique museums, well-maintained parks, art galleries and centers, and notable restaurants. Top attractions include the Connecticut State Capitol, the Mark Twain House & Museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Stowe Center, Bushnell Park, and the Rose Garden in Elizabeth Park.
First, the Mark Twain House & Museum was home to Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. There, he wrote his most important works. Next, the Wadsworth Atheneum is the first public art museum in the United States. It features the largest collection of Hudson River School paintings in the world, Pilgrim-era artifacts, and much more. Third, the Stowe Center is a 21st-century museum and program center, offering interactive and engaging tours and programs. Lastly, Bushnell Park is the first public park in America, famous for its 2oth century carousel.
Hartford boasts a dining scene that is both a nod to its historical New England traditions and reflective of its contemporary, innovative spirit. Cuisines range from classic Italian to farm-to-table fare. Top-ranked restaurants in Hartford include Carbone’s Ristorante, Costa del Sol, and Max Downtown. There is also a plethora of annual music, food, and cultural festivals, including a jazz festival and the Hartford Taste Festival.
Moving to Hartford, CT: The FAQs
Ready to move to Hartford, CT?
For more information about moving to Hartford, CT, check out the resources available at Moversnearyou.info, such as the City Profile Report feature. Simply enter the zip code or the state and city of your potential move to get the free report with city demographics, real estate information, and quality of life factors.
When looking for the best moving company, refer to Moversnearyou.info’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. Good luck, and happy moving!