Known for being one of the oldest cities in the country, Hartford is the historically rich capital of Connecticut and a beautiful place to settle down. Explore this friendly community, enjoy a rich culture, and take advantage of easy access to other New England hubs by moving to Hartford.
City Overview
With over 124,000 people within the city limits and over 1.2 million in the metropolitan area, Hartford is a center of activity in Connecticut. Getting around is easy and convenient, thanks to robust bus service and rapid transit systems. In the process of creating a high-speed rail line, the city will give residents access to major metropolitan regions throughout New England. If you’re not a fan of mass transit, you’ll still find it easy to get around Hartford by foot and bike. It has been designated a “Walk Friendly Community” because of its policy practices and city design.
Though it’s known as the Insurance Capital of the World, Hartford, CT is also widely recognized for its historic landmarks. The Mark Twain House is one of the most popular sites in the region. Stand where the renowned author crafted honed his writing skills and crafted his most beloved books, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Referencing Hartford, Mark Twain wrote, “Of all the beautiful towns it has been my fortune to see this is the chief.”
Real Estate Outlook
As you plan out your move to Hartford, developing an understanding of the area’s real estate market is crucial. Compared to other communities in Connecticut, Hartford is quite affordable when it comes to housing. The average home cost in Hartford, $125,800, is just over half the average home cost in Connecticut, $239,600. If you’re considering investing, there is no shortage of historic multi-family homes in the region to rent.
Space isn’t as allusive as it is in other historical cities. While there are plenty of smaller homes and apartments available throughout the city, there are also sprawling mansions that cover more than 4,000 square feet. Even small starter homes generally have well over 1,000 square feet and plenty of parking.
If you plan to rent instead of buying, there’s good news. Rental costs in Hartford, CT and West Hartford fall well below statewide averages. You could get a studio or one-bedroom place for less than $1,000 per month, but plan on spending at least $1,200 or more for a two-bedroom apartment. Parking options vary across multi-family homes and large apartment buildings, so keep that in mind while looking for a new home.
Hartford Communities
Hartford is home to dozens of distinct neighborhoods, each of which has its own unique charm and culture.
Downtown Hartford
One of the most popular neighborhoods in Hartford, CT is downtown Hartford, which should come as no surprise. Offering prompt access to local dining options, cute family-owned shops, and a wide range of entertainment options, downtown Hartford is popular for professionals and families alike.
West End
West End is another in-demand neighborhood in Hartford. Sitting on the border between Hartford and West Hartford, it provides convenient access to the amenities of both communities while providing some protection from the hustle and bustle of downtown city life. The area is defined by its beautiful two-story and three-story homes that give a nod to the city’s historic origins.
Asylum Hill
Those drawn to the city because of its literary history and traditions will likely find Asylum Hill attractive. Located alongside the downtown region of the city, Asylum Hill was home to Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Charles Dudley Warner, and other great minds of the time. Asylum Hill is where you’ll find Victorian homes creating an aristocratic feel. As companies have started to move operations to Asylum Hill, residents have enjoyed the benefits of businesses moving to the area, including shorter commute times, faster access to services and entertainment options, and more foot traffic.
Other prominent and established neighborhoods in Hartford include Frog Hollow, Sheldon Charter Oak, South End, Blue Hills, Behind the Rocks, and Barry Square.
When you’ve picked the perfect neighborhood for you, stop by the local Cubesmart facility and let our friendly staff help ensure the move goes smoothly.
Things to Do
You’ll find a wide variety of destinations and activities to spend your time on in this city. Many of Hartford’s quintessential restaurants are found in the downtown area. Thanks to the highly developed public transit system, downtown restaurants are always just a ride or two away. Enjoy outdoor music in a rustic atmosphere at Max Downtown, which is one of the most well-known restaurants in all of Connecticut. For the most beautiful views of the city, take a trip to twentieth-floor ON20 and gaze at the Connecticut River as you eat.
Those looking forward to a grownup night out after moving to Hartford will love checking out the bar scene in Hartford. Try creative cocktails in a quirky, vintage environment at Little River Restoratives, drink in style at L BAR, or try new brews with your friends at Hog River Brewing Company.
When it’s time to explore Hartford, CT with the whole family in tow, keep it educational with a trip to Connecticut Science Center. Kids can interact with over 100 hands-on exhibits, learn from experts via the 3D digital theater, and participate in educational labs. The Imagine Nation Museum and Mystic Aquarium are also wonderful places to make priceless memories with your little ones while encouraging their curiosity and creativity. Help your kids burn off extra energy with a trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park or Pump It Up, a play center with inflatables and indoor playgrounds.
When you live in New England, you learn to take advantage of beautiful weather when it’s available. If the temperature is just right, get fresh air at the city’s many parks. Surrounded by downtown attractions and buildings, Bushnell Park is a beautiful oasis in the city. Walk on wide, paved paths at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. When you want to take a break from the fast pace of life in the city, a day at Riverside Park is in order.
Don’t forget that Hartford is conveniently located near many other New England cities. You’re just a two-to-three-hour train ride from New York City and a 1 1/2 hour drive from Stamford. New Haven is less than one hour away and Farmington is about 15 minutes by car.
Reasons to Move to Hartford
One of the key benefits of living in Hartford, CT is its low cost of living. While the cost of living may be higher than what you find in similar-sized cities throughout the United States, it’s considerably lower than Connecticut as a whole. As a result, you get to enjoy the history and culture of this area in an affordable area.
You’ll love experiencing all four seasons after moving to Hartford. While some may not love the snowstorms that New England is known for, others relish the new activities and sights that come with every change of season.
For people with children or people who hope to have children, Hartford schools are a big plus. Hartford School District supports dozens of schools throughout the city from conventional elementary, middle, and high schools to charter schools, magnet schools, and STEM-focused institutions. No matter what your child’s strengths are, you can find a Hartford, CT school that makes the most of them.
Hartford has several thriving industries that provide job opportunities to those who call this metropolitan area home. Some of the most established industries in Hartford, CT include construction, transportation, manufacturing, insurance, and health services.
Regardless of what brings you to Hartford, CT, you’re sure to find plenty to love about this historic city. The variety of neighborhoods and home styles ensures you’ll find a home your family loves. If storage is an issue as you plan your move, note that Hartford is home to several CubeSmart storage facilities. Within the northern stretches of the city, there are several facilities running from the western border to the eastern border. These offer convenient storage solutions to residents of North Meadows, Upper Albany, Clay Arsenal, and Blue Hills. South of the downtown area, there are a handful of storage facilities serving neighborhoods like South End, South Meadows, and South Green.
You can rent a unit if you need a short-term solution while you settle in, providing a convenient place for your moving company to deliver your items. Long-term storage units are an option if you need it for a permanent part of your home organization plan. No matter what you want to accomplish with your storage unit, CubeSmart has solutions for people moving to Hartford.
