Moving to Hartford, CT [The Ultimate Relocation Guide]
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Founded in 1635, Hartford is among the oldest cities in America. Many of its original features still exist today, including some of the oldest public parks in the country and the world-famous Mark Twain house. It’s the perfect cross-section between vintage Americana and modernity, with many opportunities for professionals and their families.
Get the lowdown on moving to or living in Hartford, Connecticut, the capital of the Nutmeg State. Whether you’re in the initial planning stages of a move to Hartford or you already reside in the area, this guide will show you all the ins and outs as you navigate the area.
Cost of Living in Hartford, CT
Living in Hartford isn’t cheap. The overall cost of living is 17% higher than the national average, and this is largely due to the expensive housing costs (more on that in a minute). Hartford’s median household income is $34,338.
Food and grocery prices land right around the national average and might be slightly less compared to Boston or New York. The average price of milk in Hartford, CT is $3.38/gallon and a loaf of bread costs $2.40.
Real Estate Market
Housing prices in Hartford, CT are well above the national average. The monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is $1,900 per month and the median home value is $233,800 which is $17,000 above the national average.
Neighborhoods
Hartford has a population of 123,628, and some of its most popular residential areas span well beyond the city center. The city limits run north to south along the Connecticut River and contain many inviting neighborhoods for newcomers to call home.
Little Italy
Located around the area of Franklin Avenue and Brown Street, “Little Italy” is one of the most densely populated sections of the city of Hartford. Most residents in this neighborhood live in 2 to 4 bedroom apartments.
Albany Avenue
This upscale community west of the city center is among Connecticut’s most expensive neighborhoods. The median home value is $489,408, making it more expensive than 81% of areas in the U.S.
It is home to Saint Francis Hospital, which was established in 1897 and is the largest Catholic hospital in New England.
Sheldon Charter-Oak
Located south of downtown Hartford, Sheldon Charter-Oak is one of the most historically significant sections of the city. It got its name for being the location where colonists hid the Royal Charter from the British. In 1662, they placed it within a large white oak tree.
Asylum Hill
Known for its classic Victorian architecture and large corporate insurance offices, Asylum Hill is a historic community that’s recently become a mainstay for Hartford’s top insurance companies.
Companies like The Hartford have based their corporate headquarters here, inviting a slew of wealthier residents to the area. As more young professionals flock to the area, there’s been a surge in new developments, providing a modern take to an older community.
Downtown Hartford
For the younger population, downtown Hartford is the place to be. There are tons of eclectic bars and restaurants along the Front Street District that provide the perfect after-work hangout spots. This is the main entertainment section of downtown.
The downtown area is home to the Connecticut State Capitol building, The Mark Twain House & Museum, Dunkin’ Donuts Park, and the Connecticut Science Center.
Frog Hollow
Welcome to Hartford’s most New York-style neighborhood. Frog Hollow offers a taste of Brooklyn with its old-school brick apartment buildings and rich history of being an immigrants’ landing spot.
Columbia Street and Park Terrace have some of the most charming row houses in the Northeast. The neighborhood is just a short walking distance from several Connecticut state government offices and courthouses, so it’s a great residential location for government workers.
Demographics
Hartford, CT’s racial makeup is 34.7% African American, 33.1% white, 2.93% Asian, and 29.27% other. The city has a diverse history and continues to attract a variety of cultural backgrounds in the healthcare, technology, and insurance sectors.
Best Restaurants in Hartford
If you’re looking for a place to grab some grub, Hartford has a collection of great restaurants for all to enjoy. Here are the best options in Greater Hartford.
Max Downtown
Located on Asylum Street, this fine dining restaurant is the perfect spot for entertaining clients. Peruse an extensive wine list and order some savory entrees including prime cuts of meat and seafood.
Salute
In the mood for Italian? Salute is your answer. Choose from amazing pasta options or enjoy happy hour deals at the bar after work.
Republic Gastropub
The Republic Gastropub is a low-key, chic venue for grabbing a few beers with friends. It’s conveniently located on Capitol Avenue, just a few blocks from the Bushnell Performing Arts Center and Pulaski Circle.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ
Do you want a great Kansas City-style barbecue option near you? It’s a prime spot for families, networking opportunities, and other occasions.
Top Schools & Universities
Connecticut’s capital city is home to some of the area’s best schools and universities. For kindergarten through 8th grade, the highest-rated schools are Stem Magnet School at Annie-Fischer and Achievement First Hartford Academy Inc., with a 7/10 and 6/10 score from greatschools.org.
For advanced educational opportunities, there’s Trinity College, a private liberal arts university with a variety of degree programs, and Capital Community College to get your college career underway.
Biggest Employers
The “insurance capital of the world” lives up to its name, with several of the country’s largest insurance providers calling Hartford home. Here are the biggest companies in the area:
- The Hartford
- The Traveler’s Companies Inc.
- Aetna Inc.
- University of Connecticut
- Pratt & Whitney
- Cigna Corporation
Climate
Hartford, Connecticut’s climate is characterized by long, cool winters and warm, humid summers. January is the coldest month with highs in the mid-’30s and lows around 18 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month with highs in the mid-’80s and lows in the mid-’60s.
On average, Hartford receives 49 inches of rain per year, which is 11 inches above the national average. There are 113.2 days of rainfall each year, with the most rainfall coming in May.
Transportation
Getting around Hartford or to the suburbs is fairly easy thanks to CTtransit, which operates a series of local bus routes to get you through town for less. For those who’d like a more expedited approach, the CTfastrak is Connecticut’s first Bus Rapid Transit system that uses a system of bus-only roadways to ensure you get to your destinations faster.
Hartford is also fairly walkable, since most of the city’s primary neighborhoods are within a few blocks along the Connecticut River. Walk Score gives Hartford a 71 rating which is well above the U.S. average. Most grocery and convenience stores are easily walkable.
Interstate 84 takes drivers directly to Boston in 90 minutes while Interstate 91 can help you get down to New York City in about 2 hours.
Bradley International Airport is only 15 minutes north of Hartford with domestic flights available throughout the U.S.
Crime Rate
Any major American city has its issues with crime. Here’s the lowdown on Hartford’s crime rate.
Is Hartford CT safe?
The crime rate in Hartford, CT is higher than in other cities within the state and the violent crime per capita is 2-3x higher than the U.S. average. Meanwhile, property crime is about twice the national average.
What are the bad areas of Hartford CT?
The highest crime rate areas within Hartford, CT are South Green, Clay Arsenal, and Parkville. Among the safest areas are Sheldon Charter-Oak, Downtown, West End, and Blue Hills.
Is Hartford CT a Good Place to Live?
There are many pros and cons to living in Hartford, CT. It’s an ideal place to call home if you work in the insurance or healthcare industries and it has several inviting neighborhoods for both singles and families.
Moving to Hartford can be an easy process if you hire the right team of professional movers to get you there. Whether it’s a commercial or residential move, packing or moving services, RT Relocation’s experienced team of Connecticut based professionals will deliver the goods. Whether you are coming to or going from West Hartford, New Haven, or elsewhere to Hartford, you need to trust the skills and reliability of experienced movers.
