CT city makes national list of ‘Best Places to Live’. Competition was very tough.

27.05.2024 18:24

Of course two of the Connecticut city’s favorite visitor destinations got prime mention.

For Hartford, that means the Mark Twain House and Museum and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.

After all, both of those people were famous Hartford residents whose names live on due to their literary genius.

But those are just two places that help Hartford make the list by U.S. News and World Report of the “Best Places to Live.”

We suspect Nutmeggers won’t take too kindly to Hartford only coming in at No. 148 on the list, as the city is the seat of state government, has sports team, an immense amount of things to do, and lots of famous businesses. But yes, the competition on this list was tough. And Hartford also weighed in at a higher No. 56 on the list of “Best Places to Retire.”

In terms of so-called “best places” competition, Naples, Florida came in first, with U.S. News noting it’s “nestled between the edges of the Everglades and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico sits Collier County, home to Naples, Immokalee and Marco Island, as well as a range of distinctly Florida flavors.”

But Connecticut wins too, according to the ranking, “Even as one of the oldest cities in America, Hartford, Connecticut, has a lot to offer, both old and new.

“Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Hartford has many cultural gems hidden amid rolling hills and wooded neighborhoods. In the centuries since its founding, Hartford has been home to several notable historical figures, including renowned authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, (yes, we all knew that already.)

Now, “Hartford’s central business district is home to several historic attractions and entertainment venues, along with nearby vineyards, state parks and ski slopes, which provide plenty of recreational opportunities throughout the year,” according to the new ranking.

Hartford skyline July 26, 2023. (Aaron Flaum/ Hartford Courant)
Douglas Hook
City of Hartford skyline from Bushnell Park. (Douglas Hook / Hartford Courant)
Hartford, Conn. skyline, 2022.
Douglas Hook
Photo taken from Riverside Park looking at the Hartford skyline. (Douglas Hook / Hartford Courant)
Mark Mirko/Mark Mirko
Hartford, Ct. - 12/29/2020 - The sunsets behind the Hartford skyline. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com
Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant
A railroad bridge spans the Connecticut River between East Hartford to the left and Hartford to the right. The Hartford skyline appears in the background. The Riverwalk will extend from Hartford to the Windsor town line, not far from the waterfront.
Peter Marteka / Hartford Courant
The skyline of Hartford can be seen through the canopy of trees along the Connecticut River at Riverside Park in June 2017. (Courant file photo)

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And, the ranking notes, “Hartford attracts people from all walks of life, and its population is fairly diverse. The surrounding suburbs are great alternatives to urban living for families who can afford them.”

But there are many people who are seeking to live in Hartford, and clearly relish the idea of city life.

And amid things to do in the city? The list is nearly endless.

Think sports? There is a lot off opportunity for sports fans here.

And education? Yes, there’s that too.

Room for growth? In many ways, that is what Hartford is all about these days.

Great food choices? An abundance in the city and close by.

So even though Hartford came in at No. 148 on a list of 150 places, there are plenty of reasons the city is really is the top of the best places.

Of note. U.S. News said, “To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.” For more information on how we rank, read the Best Places to Live methodology.