Four Connecticut Cities Among Top 100 Best Places to Live: Norwalk, Hartford, Danbury, New Haven

Since March 2020, more than 42% of the U.S. population has either moved or considered moving, according to recent data.  And as individual priorities for day-to-day living evolved during the pandemic, the annual Top 100 Best Places to Live In America analysis by the website Livibility was conducted, with four Connecticut communities earned a place on the list – Norwalk, Hartford, Danbury and New Haven.

That quadruples the number of Connecticut cites earning a slot in the ranking from a year ago.

Norwalk was the highest ranking Connecticut city or town, at number 59.  Described as an “incredibly diverse city with people from all walks of life,” Norwalk is highlighted for providing residents “a high quality of life, with access to great schools, distinct neighborhoods and robust health care offerings. Rounded out with beaches, parks, historic sites and the Norwalk River, this city is full of beautiful scenery and lots of outdoor recreation options.”

Hartford was not far behind, ranked at number 69 on the “Best Places to Live” list.  Connecticut’s Capital City was described as “an arts and culture heavy-hitter, home to spots like The Mark Twain House & Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Founded in 1635, Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the country (where) residents enjoy a low cost of living, a wide range of housing options, access to higher education and lots of new development.”

Danbury placed number 85 in the rankings, described as an historic city with hat-industry renown, now home to “84,000 diverse residents, great shopping, tons of parks and open spaces, top-notch health care and lots of arts and entertainment options.”

New Haven was number 87, earning a place in the top 100 for offering “a high quality of life, thanks to its thriving restaurant and bar scene, arts and cultural offerings, walkable downtown and outdoor recreation opportunities.” 

Livability analyzed more than 1,000 small to mid-sized cities on factors like safety, affordability, economic stability, outdoor recreation, accessibility, and community engagement.  Topping the list nationally were Madison, WI; Ann Arbor, MI; Overland Park, KS; and Frederick, MD.  Top rated in New England were Quincy, MA at number 6; Framingham, MA at number 22; Portland, ME at number 44 and Worcester, MA at number 52.

A year ago, the lone Connecticut community to make the top 100 list was New Haven at number 62.