Moving to Connecticut: Ultimate Relocation Guide 2021

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Moving to Connecticut guide

Considering a move to the “Nutmeg State?” Connecticut has long been a desirable landing spot in the northeastern U.S. Home to world-renowned universities, large international companies, and beautiful landscapes, it is truly a gem in New England. Just minutes from New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, Connecticut is right in the middle of it all.

This guide will cover everything you need to know before moving to Connecticut.

Cost of Living in Connecticut

How much does it cost to live in Connecticut? Real estate in CT doesn’t come cheap. There is a high cost of living at roughly 17% higher than the national average. Housing, transportation, and food costs are also above the U.S. average while utilities are slightly below. Despite these higher costs, the quality of living in Connecticut is among the very best. Average incomes are great and youth educational opportunities are tremendous.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Connecticut? You would need more than $115k to support a family of four in most CT cities, or about $9k per month.

Property taxes in Connecticut are among the highest in the country. The state’s average property tax rate is 3rd highest in the nation at 2.14%.

All property taxes in Connecticut are administered solely by cities and municipalities. While the state does oversee the process, homeowners deal almost completely with local officials. Assessors are appointed by the local municipality to appraise property and establish its fair market value. This is required by law at least once every five years, although it can be done more frequently.

Once the fair market value of a property has been determined, the statewide assessment ratio of 70% is used. This indicates that a property’s assessed value is 70% of its market value. The homeowner pays taxes on the lower assessed value rather than the market value.

The minimum wage in Connecticut is $13 per hour, up from $1 the past year.

Housing Market Details

With a higher than average cost of living, Connecticut’s housing market follows suit. Home values across the state are 32% above the national average with a median home value of $279,238. The average rent in CT sits at $1,612 per month.

Connecticut is one of the oldest states in America and its housing market reflects this. 57% of homes were constructed before 1969, with the vast majority serving as a single-family home.

Across the state, you’ll find a healthy mix of medium-sized cities and rustic small towns, perfect for anyone’s sensibilities.

Stamford and Bridgeport are two of the closest cities to the Empire State, and specifically to New York City. Because they offer a convenient commute, these locations have some of the highest home prices in Connecticut. 

If you prefer to be a little farther away from the bustling NY area, Hartford County is a slightly more affordable option. It’s also close to the largest airport in Connecticut, Bradley International Airport in nearby Windsor Locks.

Connecticut Climate

Connecticut’s geography in the northeastern United States means it has four distinct seasons

Connecticut Snowy Weather

Connecticut has all four seasons in their full glory. Snowfall is common in the winter, and the state is blanketed in white. There are calm, bright days in the spring, when the state blossoms with tulips and daffodils, as well as many festivities like the New Haven Cherry Blossom Festival.

Summer offers hot and humid weather, but you may escape to one of Connecticut’s numerous beaches, while October delivers cool air and gorgeous golden and crimson foliage.

All four seasons have plenty to offer, but there are certain practicalities to consider before relocating.

Cold winters, bringing along the occasional snowstorm of 5 to 8 inches. Every few years there will be a large-scale snowstorm that dumps 1 to 2 feet. The average high temperature in January reaches 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spring temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit. Snow can remain on the ground through early March, and warm days will quickly turn into cool nights. By May, Connecticut sees average highs in the mid 60’s with low temperatures reaching the high 40’s.

Summers are a phenomenal time of year to go to the beach or lake. Days are mostly sunny with highs pushing the low to mid 80’s. Humidity is at its highest from July through August, when inland cities like Hartford can reach a steamy 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fall in the northeast is picturesque. By October, the leaves start turning a photogenic orange and yellow, with comfortable days that can reach the low 60’s. The humidity has fully subsided by mid-September, giving way to beautiful weather throughout most of October and November.

Transportation – Getting Around in CT

There are many local transit services to get you around Connecticut as well as flights that will take you out of state or across the country.

CTtransit is the main bus service provider in the state. It’s owned and operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, serving the state’s major cities including Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford.

There are branches operating the eastern and northeastern portions of the state including Waterbury, Meriden, and Wallingford.

Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks has flights across the United States as well as to Canada and Mexico. There are also nonstop flights to Dublin, Ireland, operated by Aer Lingus.

Amtrak’s Metro-north line will take New Yorkers or commuters to Manhattan’s Penn Station. For new residents of Connecticut, you’ll quickly find that transportation is a breeze.

Out-of-State License Transfer CT

Can I drive in Connecticut with an out of state license? New, full-time residents have just 30 days to transfer their out-of-state license to Connecticut.

To start the transfer process, the individual must first book an appointment with a CT DMV office. You will be asked to provide several materials upon arrival:

  • Current driver’s license
  • Completed application for a non-commercial driver’s license
  • Acceptable forms of identification (if US born, passport or birth certificate)
  • License fee of $84
  • Application fee of $40
  • If under the age of 18, there may be additional special requirements to complete

Employment Opportunities in Connecticut

The state has many fantastic job opportunities across several vital industries, especially in healthcare, logistics, technologies, and insurance.

What are the largest employers in Connecticut? 

Some of the biggest companies in the state include United Technologies, Aetna, XPO Logistics, Carrier, Xerox, and Amphenol.

What is a good salary in CT?

Salaries across Connecticut are highly competitive. The average annual salary in CT is $47,639 while the top earners make $75,495. Cities like Bridgeport demand a higher income to sustain a comfortable living standard, while places like Hartford require an income that’s closer to the state average.

What is the unemployment rate in Connecticut?

The COVID situation in Connecticut was not unlike other states, negatively affecting the unemployment rate across the state. CT’s unemployment rate as of May 2021 is 8.1%.

CT Schools and Universities

Some of the most prominent academic institutions in the world are located in Connecticut. This includes Yale University, one of the historic Ivy League colleges. Other major universities include Eastern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

There are also several affordable, high-quality community colleges situated throughout the state including Gateway Community College, Capital Community College, and Middlesex Community College.

Four-year high-school graduation rates in Connecticut are 88%, among the highest in the country.

Top Reasons to Move to Connecticut

If you couldn’t tell already, there are some fantastic opportunities waiting for you in the Constitution State. Here are the best reasons why you should move to CT:

Low Crime Rates

Is CT a safe state? Connecticut is known to be one of the safest states in America. It’s crime rate per 1,000 residents is just 16.1, with a violent crime rate of 1.84 which is 3 whole points below the national median. These rates continue to decrease, even while several other states’ crime rates are increasing.

Four Seasons

If you like all the elements thrown at you, Connecticut is the perfect place to call home. You’ll get plenty of rainfall in the spring and summer, followed by a fair share of snowfall in winter.

This is the place to be for those who are adventurous.

Fun Activities

Here are a few of the top sights and activities to enjoy in Connecticut.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Dubbed the nation’s top maritime museum, the Mystic Seaport Museum offers a look into the past with stunning exhibits that include collections of classic sailing vessels. There is also an entire 19th century seafaring village located within this museum.

 

Gillette Castle State Park

The Gillette Castle State Park sits between the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, CT along the Connecticut River. The enormous residence was originally constructed by William Gillette, the actor who famously portrayed Sherlock Holmes on stage.

 

The Mark Twain House & Museum

Mark Twain House

Located in the capital city of Hartford, this home turned museum was built in the American High Gothic style of the 19th century and was the property of Samuel Langhorne Clemens and his family from 1874 to 1891.

 

Mohegan Sun

One of the most popular casino resorts in the northeast, Mohegan Sun sits in the foothills of southeastern Connecticut and is a common getaway for locals and tourists alike. The 34-story casino sits on the Thames River not far from the town of Norwich, CT.

 

Best Places to Live in CT

Are you still in the “trying to decide where to live” phase? Here are the top places to live in Connecticut.

 

West Hartford

With a population of 63,063, West Hartford is a small, inviting community just a few miles outside of Hartford, CT. It’s quaint downtown area is simply known as “The Center.”

West Hartford is home to University of Hartford.

 

Avon

Avon is an upscale community that has been named the 3rd safest town in America. It has 18,338 residents and is situated in the Farmington Valley region within Hartford County.

 

Farmington

Farmington has a population of more than 25,000 residents and a median home value of $332,000. This is a fairly densely populated suburban area and it’s close to other important cities in Connecticut, including Hartford. Just a few minutes away from Bradley International Airport, Farmington is great for people who need to frequently travel. This town has the unique distinction of being equidistant between New York City and Boston (about 2 hours from each).

Simsbury

Yet another great little suburb of Hartford, Simsbury has 24,799 residents and some of the highest rated public schools in the state. Although it’s close to the hustle and bustle of more heavily populated cities, Simsbury feels like somewhat of a retreat from the madness. With many delicious restaurants including the popular Harvest Café and Bakery, there is always a fun outing waiting for you.

 

Hartford

Hartford CT Skyline

The capital of Connecticut is a great place to be for many career opportunities. Its population is still relatively small, with roughly 123,000 residents. It’s a young city, with a median age of 30.7 years, and it’s clear to see why. Housing prices hover around the mid $250’s, which makes for great starter home purchasing potential.

 

Middletown

Middletown has a population of 46,511 with a median home value of $231,300. It’s a fantastic option for families who want to live in a more small town environment, especially those who work remotely and don’t need to commute.

New Haven

This university town has a population of 130,529, and is a great place to live if you work in the legal or healthcare fields. Local colleges include Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Gateway Community College. Moving to New Haven presents many great opportunities for young professionals.

Want to Start Moving to Connecticut?

Start the relocation process by contacting the top CT movers. Whether you’re moving in from out of the state, within the state, or across town, RT Relocation will help you with every step of your move. We are the top moving company in Greater Connecticut.