So, why Southington of all places in the U.S.? Because its zip code of 06489 showed up as number two on Realtor.com’s “Hottest Zip Codes of 2023” (Realtor.com is our partner site). This list of the top 10 hottest zip codes shows where homebuyers find value in the vicinity of high-priced metros. And, in case you’re wondering, number one is Gahanna, OH, and number three is Ridgewood, NJ.
What Are Realtor.com’s Hottest Zip Codes of 2023?
These hot zips offer a considerable bang for your buck with larger-than-average homes at lower-than-average prices. This alone makes moving to cities, like Southington, CT, worth it for some. According to Niche, Southington gets an overall grade of B, with high marks for public schools, housing options, diversity, nightlife, and family-friendliness.
Typically, 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, and so much more. These are the criteria we’ve used to look at Southington, CT, and the other cities featured on Realtor.com’s Hottest Zip Codes of 2023.
What Are the Pros of Living in Southington, CT?
There are many positive aspects of living in Southington, including the many natural wonders for outdoor enthusiasts — mountains, parks, trails, the picturesque Lake Compounce (and its associated amusement park), the popular Mount Southington Ski Resort, and more. The recently revitalized historic downtown is home to many small businesses and restaurants, the schools are considered very good, and the sense of small-town community is strong. There are family-friendly events all year round, and the town’s rich heritage has produced some unique architectural gems.
Are you wondering where Southington is? Or how big it is, exactly? Southington is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut. It’s located about 20 miles southwest of Hartford, CT, about 80 miles northeast of New York City, NY, 105 miles southwest of Boston, MA, and 77 miles west of Providence, RI. The town rests in a valley, with two mountains on its east and west sides.
Southington includes the areas of Plantsville, Marion and Milldale, each of which has its own post office and distinct architecture. The Marion section of Southington is one of the most historic places in the town because it was the site of an encampment by the troops during the American Revolutionary War.
Although Southington was formally established as a town in 1779, its roots go back to a much earlier time, when the first settlements appeared as early as 1698. The settlement of South Farmington later became known by its shortened version, Southington.
Southington also has the nickname of “The Apple Valley” due to the many orchards that dot its landscape. It has a population of 43,753, according to the latest available U.S. Census data (as of July 2022).
Do you think that moving to Southington, CT, is in the cards for you? Then, here is a rundown of what you need to know before moving.
The Cost of Living in Southington, CT
The cost of living in Southington is 108.9%, which is higher than the national average of 100 but lower than the cost of living in Connecticut (111.8%). This is determined by comparing the cost of living in Southington to the costs of living in other cities around the United States. If a city’s index score is higher than 100%, then the cost of living is above average. When the index score is lower than 100, you’ll find a below-average cost of living.
The Job Market in Southington, CT
Southington’s economy is supported by jobs in manufacturing, retail, and local businesses such as Carbone Auto Group and Tri-City Electrical. Southington has an unemployment rate of 6.7% (compared to the U.S. average of 6.0%). Most recently, Southington has seen the job market increase by 0.3%. Future job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 30.2%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 33.5%.
Salaries in Southington, CT
As of 2021, the median household income for Southington was $104,963. It’s higher than the median household income for Connecticut ($83,572) and higher than the national median household income of $70,784 (all 2021 numbers, the latest available).
The median salary in Southington works out to be approximately $82,000. The state’s minimum wage rate is $15, which is higher than the federal rate of $7.25 per hour.
Buying a Home in Southington, CT
In August 2023, the median listing home price for Southington was $387,200, with 133 active listings and 22 median days on the market. The median listing home price per square foot was $200. In July 2023, the median home sold price was $440,000.
Renting a Home in Southington, CT
There are fewer rentals than properties for sale in Southington. Last time we checked, there were 12 apartments and houses for rent. Realtor.com lists the average rental price as $1,700 per month. This cost is lower than the median asking monthly rent of $1,759. According to Realtor.com, as of August 2023, the studio rental cost was $1,445 per month, and a one-bedroom was $1,642.
The Schools Available in Southington, CT
Southington, CT, School District has several highly rated schools. There are 19 schools in total, with 6,350 students. GreatSchools rates Southington’s public schools in a range of 6–7 out of 10. The GreatSchools rating is based on a variety of school quality indicators, including test scores, college readiness, and equity data. Niche.com gives the Southington School District a B+ grade.
To find top-rated schools in Southington, CT, you can use Moversnearyou.info’s School Ratings Tool, which features GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.
While there are no higher education institutions in Southington, there are dozens of colleges and universities serving the area, including Yale and Southern Connecticut State University, both located in New Haven, CT.
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Get up to 4 free quotes from top quality moversThe Taxes in Southington, CT
The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Southington, Connecticut, is 6.35%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The Connecticut sales tax rate is currently 6.35%. The County sales tax rate is 0%. The Southington sales tax rate is 0%.
The average property tax is 2.2%, which is higher than the state’s 1.96%. Both are higher than the average property tax rate in the United States, which is 1.1%.
Getting Around in Southington, CT
Southington, CT, gets a high walk score of 74, which is considered “very walkable.” This means that most errands can be accomplished on foot. The bike score is 55, meaning there’s at least some infrastructure like bike lanes.
Public transit options include several bus routes operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) plus some privately owned vanpools for those who want to carpool to work. The closest airport is located in nearby Hartford, for both commercial and private flights.
As for the average one-way commute, it is 23.7 minutes in Southington, which is shorter than the national average of 26.8. Residents predominantly drive to work (80.8%), 5.2% carpool, 1.2% walk, 0.7% take public transit, and only 0.2% bike.
The Weather in Southington, CT
In Southington, CT, the warmest month of the year is July, with 83°F as the average maximum temperature. Winters tend to be harsh, with the coldest month being January, with an average maximum temperature of 37°F. The best time of the year to visit is during the months of May-September, with temperatures averaging 68°F to 79°F.
Things to Do in Southington, CT
Although Southington is a small town, there’s plenty to do indoors and out. Nature lovers can enjoy the many parks, trails and bodies of water, not to mention the surrounding mountains. The Quinnipiac River flows through the town. It is also home to the Mount Southington ski area, which has drawn visitors since the 1960s. The quaint downtown areas of Southington and Plantsville are home to thriving local eateries and small businesses. There are history tours, too.
Lake Compounce Amusement Park is a popular destination that draws thousands of visitors each year. Recreation for all ages also includes playgrounds, swimming pools, public golf courses, and the Southington Linear Trail which is part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
While there are family-friendly events on the town’s annual calendar throughout the year, the biggest event is the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, a six-day event that takes place over the course of two weekends each fall. This annual event is one of the largest and longest running festivals in the Northeast and typically draws a crowd of over 100,000 people. The Festival is one of Connecticut’s top tourist events, where visitors enjoy the foliage, entertainment, activities, specialty foods, crafts, and fun for all ages.
FAQs About Moving to Southington, CT
Ready to Move to Southington, CT?
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