2023 Best Suburbs to Live in the Hartford Area

• Town in Connecticut

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  190 reviews

Current Resident: I truly think West Hartford is the best! I have lived in CT my entire life in many different towns and cities and this is by far my favorite. Taxes and home prices are a little higher than other places, but the way the town is maintained and the outstanding school systems and downtown make it worth it! There is a great deal of diversity, and everyone is extremely nice and inviting. Given the area West Hartford is located, this is a welcomed surprise. So glad we bought a home here and I hope to stay for a long time.... Read 190 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 64,034

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Weatogue two years ago from Central Jersey. When my husband was medically retired from the military we wanted a nice quiet place to raise our 5 kids in a great neighborhood with a great school district. We found the perfect home where two houses down is the townline of Avon and Weatogue. It's perfect enough to feel like you're taking a walk through the woods yet down the road there is a strip of restaurants, shopping centers and walk-in clinics. My husband is 80% disabled and the thought of loud noises can be overwhelming for him. Here, in Weatogue, my backyard is a wooded area where we see wildlife from our kitchen window. You wouldn't even know there's a busy road a half mile away. I'm very thankful to have moved here!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,179

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Very good place to live because it is so close to the center of town where everything is happening. The stores in the center are great and the food places are fun to hang around in. 10/10 great neighborhood as well.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 8,187

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  64 reviews

Current Resident: Avon is a wonderful town with lots of fun things to do. The views of hills and mountain landscapes are breathtaking and never get old. It’s not too busy of a city, but not too remote either. I have enjoyed the past few years of living in Avon!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 18,821

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  76 reviews

Current Resident: Farmington, Connecticut is a rare American gem. Stunningly beautiful with old-New England charm, this town is replete with large homes, well-educated professionals, beautiful golf courses, parks, and Winding Trails lake and camp. The schools are top-notch and many high income, professionals who could readily afford to send their children to private schools choose to send their children to the public schools. A new high school is being built. The town and public schools are very diverse. The community is warm and safe. The homes have sufficient yards and space, with beautiful gardens and landscaping. It is located just fifteen minutes or so to fine dining in West Hartford and ten minutes to the West Farm’s mall. UConn Health Center is in Farmington if you ever needed to get to a hospital. Hartford Hospital is only twenty or so minutes away. Miss Porter’s School, a famous and historic private girls’ high school is located in Farmington. This town is a rare slice of Heaven.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 26,559

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: West Simsbury is a quaint, generally quiet burrow of the town of Simsbury. The burrow of West Simsbury is 10 minutes from Simsbury downtown at its farther point, where there is a cute single-story downtown area on its main street, and well-attended events held often throughout the year, from bar-hosted trivia nights, to Summer concerts drawing thousands of attendees. West Simsbury is owned and governed by the town of Simsbury. Simsbury's public school system is excellent, and is ranked highly in the state, with exceptional access to elective technical, science, and college-accredited courses. There are many parks in town with access to public sports fields and complexes, jungle-gyms, forest hiking areas, and a downtown dog park. There are half-a-dozen bars in the downtown area, which support the tame local nightlife, and easy access to route 44 in Avon, with 20 minute driving access to Hartford, where a more exciting nightlife is available.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,005

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Collinsville is a scenic river-front historic mill town that constitutes a section of Canton. Collinsville has a classic main street that seems to always be full of people and is home to many events and community gatherings throughout the year. A cool, funky, fun town in which to raise a family that offers great schools, local entertainment, a warm community feeling and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 3,551

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: I love Glastonbury and how much they value education and athletics. It's a great balance of the two. Glastonbury is known for its many orchards, which we went to frequently as kids and scenic rivers and waterfalls. It is also ranked as one of the best places to live and best school system in Connecticut and has a very low crime rate. Glastonbury is convenient to both NYC and Boston, making it easy to access all the amenities and attractions of the cities while still enjoying a quieter, more rural lifestyle.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 35,061

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Simsbury 15 years ago with my husband and young kids. We found the community welcoming and friendly and the people down to earth and understated. We feel we've made quality, lasting friendships. The town is very family-friendly. The schools here, both public and private, are fantastic. Recreation opportunities abound, with walking/hiking trails throughout the town, bike path, parks, fantastic town rec facility with pool, ice rink, golf, tennis, paddle, basketball courts, playground, etc. There's a nice selection of restaurants throughout town, ranging from casual to upscale, ethnic options, vegan/gluten-free places. Drive time to Hartford is about 25 min. Simsbury has about 25,000 residents, but it has a surprisingly small-town feel. We truly love our lifes here!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 24,467

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  91 reviews

Current Resident: I live in a Wethersfield neighborhood that reminds me of the family suburbs of a generations' past. The kids play outside and ride bikes until the street lights turn on. But now us moms can text each other to send our kids home vs. using a rotator phone! We have fire pits and roast marshmallows in the summer evenings and mornings are filled with people walking their dogs and jogging. It's close to ask the shops of the Silas Deane and Berlin Turnpike but quiet and safe at the same time.... Read 91 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 27,162

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  94 reviews

Current Resident: Great town, I have lived here for 5 years, and it was a great move! There are many activities town wide, and associated with South Windsor Schools. The school have a great staff, academics, and extracurriculars. There's a variety of well performing sports teams, and music as well, which is something that I am passionate about. I am proud to say that South Windsor meets many of my needs as a citizen and as a teenager in this town. The middle school also provides a lot of things that aren't available at most public middle schools.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 26,719

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I like that East Granby is a very welcoming community and it is in the middle of everything. You can find all of the necessities in a 5-10 minute drive. It is right outside of Hartford and it is very close to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. East Granby is becoming more of a hotspot for new families because of the small community and great public education.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 5,148

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: Newington is a town provides a safe and comforting environment for its community. It is a small and tight knit town that respects one another and has a good educational system for the youth amongst its inhabitants. However, the closeness of the people within this town can at times exclude students from foreign and neighboring school districts from feeling more inclusive within the community after recently transferring. Regardless, the educational systems provide various opportunities for its students to advance their educational journey, and effectively prepares its students for college. Lastly, this town has great housing and safe neighborhoods that enable a comfortable lifestyle for its inhabitants.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 30,493

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Tarifville is a wonderful town. It it wonderfully quiet and has great parks and recreational areas to visit. I used to live in the city and this was a refreshing change!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 1,684

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  41 reviews

Current Resident: It is beautiful, quiet, even though there has been a few car break-ins. The mayor has been wonderful and has been trying to control this issue. Neighbors are wonderful, they are all willingly to help each other. Everyone knows everyone. The cops in the town are wonderful. They are always on top of our problems. People are friendly. Everyone says hi or waves to each other in the town even if you don't know them. Community is helpful and wonderful!... Read 41 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 20,682

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Very safe location and good schools for families with or planning to have children. Everything closes early, which is bad for people who work second or third shift. Diversity is poor and there are not many businesses for shopping and dining.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 9,626

• Town in Connecticut

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  125 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Middletown for over two years and grew to love it in a short amount of time. There is a bustling downtown, good schools, and a strong local government. Being centrally located in the state also has it's perks. For instance, it is only a 30 minute drive to New Haven and about 20 minutes to Hartford. I also appreciated the friendly community. My wife and I grew to love our neighbors who always had a charming thing to say! I definitely recommend living there! We had to unfortunately move in order to get closer to our jobs otherwise we'd still be there.... Read 125 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 47,164

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  26 reviews

Current Resident: Cromwell has a small town feel but it is very convenient to most places in Connecticut via I-91 and Route 9. For a community of under 14,000, we have a lot available to us right in town regarding shopping and dining options. There is a good mix of big box retail/grocery stores, chain restaurants, and mom and pop stores/restaurants. It's a great town for young families and first time home buyers with a good sense of community. Our kids are not school-aged yet, but I've heard great things about the district and quite a few kids live in our neighborhood; we probably had close to 100 trick-or-treaters last Halloween.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 14,252

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Canton! I highly recommend hanging out in Collinsville, check out Lasalle for something to eat and Collinsville Canoe and Kayak in the summertime! It's really pretty here and our schools are pretty great.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 10,131

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  39 reviews

Former Resident: I was born in the neighboring town of Middletown but lived in Portland. I wouldn’t of had it any other way, so safe so pleasant and just a quaint small town with it’s beautiful people. Absolutely looking forward in going back home. Best place ever.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 6,224

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.65 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: This town is the best! Rural, yet 15 minutes from the capital city. 5000 residents, yet its own k-12 school system. For those who appreciate that investment in your school system is an investment in both your children and your property value, an award winning school system is a no-brainer. As a resident for the past 32 years I am still considered a new-comer; a recognition of this town's heritage and pride. I have lived in New York, Florida, and in other locations in Connecticut. I am proud that Bolton in my home.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 4,839

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: Burlington is such an amazing town! It offers an amazing small town feel, that’s just filled with wonderful neighborhoods and people! I have lived here my whole life and spend so much of my free time here. All side roads are never very busy (I mean like 2 cars per hour), which is just perfect for an easy walk, run, or bike ride without having to drive anywhere! The Johnnycake Mountain neighborhood and Taine Mountain neighborhood offer stunning panoramic view of the northwest hills!!! Burlington provides a spectacular isolated feel, but is very close to many stores, restaurants and more in the nearby towns of Bristol, Torrington, Canton, Avon, Simsbury, Farmington, West Hartford and more! Burlington is perfect for families! I love it here!!!... Read 27 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 9,511

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  109 reviews

Former Resident: I’m a former resident of Windsor, CT, having lived in the Deerfield section of town, from 1964 to 1974. I attended the old Deerfield School for two-years, moving to Junior High at the old L P Wilson Junior High, then graduating from Windsor High School, Class of 1973. I enjoyed Windsor and feel very fortunate and proud to have grown-up in a quintessential New England town where people help one another and share a fierce loyalty to their community. Windsor has always been a well managed town that had the foresight to diversify it’s Grand List with a broad spectrum of industry, offering top-notch town services, but kept it’s property taxes (mill rate) low. A great family community, with affordable housing. I miss Connecticut, New England , and especially Windsor, with many fond memories.... Read 109 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 29,424

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  193 reviews

Current Resident: Manchester is known as the “City of Village Charm.” No matter your age or your interests, there is something for everyone in town to take part in. From top notch parks and recreation programming to abundant opportunities for exploring nature through the many parks and trails, Manchester has it all. A must do is a visit to Case Mountain to see the falls and then watch the sunset from the top. If you like shopping or you’re a “foodie” the opportunities are endless! We have everything from simple (but exceptional) local businesses to the average chains. Whatever your preference, Manchester has it. Most people are friendly and welcoming. Manchester has a rich history in silk production. The Cheney Mills, no longer used for silk, have been preserved and transformed into apartment homes. The mansions where the Cheney Family lived are also still in town, a reminder of our towns roots.... Read 193 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 36,832

• Suburb of Hartford, CT

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  108 reviews

Current Resident: Southington when I was a student at the public schools to the Southington of Now is very, very different. First of all, there's actually things to do here now! You have gaming/arcade places, candy shops, wellness shops, nightlife, and everything in-between. Plenty of farms to provide fresh produce. I would say it's a good town for kids to adults. Not sure about the elderly. However, you definitely need a car. That's the major problem. No public transportation really, expect if you're the elderly. So, unless you life close to downtown or the bike path, you'll need a car or to be driven everywhere.... Read 108 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 43,474