Best Cities for Retirees in Connecticut
Connecticut for Retirees: The Full Picture
Connecticut ranks #16 nationally for retirees, making it a middle-of-the-pack destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's below-average fiscal health (38/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 9.9% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Connecticut's health score of 94/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 79.7 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.9% of income. The 6.99% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.79% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
At $415,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 89/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Hartford | A+ | 65.3 | 66.5 | 74 | 84 | 55 | 63,809 |
| 2 | Shelton | A+ | 65.3 | 66.1 | 78 | 80 | 48 | 41,402 |
| 3 | Milford city | A+ | 63.6 | 64.2 | 70 | 80 | 54 | 50,749 |
| 4 | Stamford | A+ | 61.3 | 64.2 | 77 | 69 | 43 | 136,212 |
| 5 | Norwalk | A | 59.9 | 62.2 | 73 | 66 | 47 | 92,460 |
| 6 | Naugatuck | B+ | 59.0 | 59.1 | 60 | 69 | 56 | 31,634 |
| 7 | Bristol | B+ | 58.5 | 59.7 | 58 | 61 | 62 | 61,129 |
| 8 | Middletown | A | 57.6 | 61.1 | 63 | 50 | 60 | 47,646 |
| 9 | Danbury | B+ | 57.4 | 58.4 | 69 | 54 | 53 | 86,125 |
| 10 | Torrington | B | 54.2 | 56.0 | 61 | 45 | 60 | 35,481 |
| 11 | West Haven | B | 53.6 | 54.9 | 52 | 49 | 60 | 55,147 |
| 12 | Manchester | B | 53.5 | 54.0 | 52 | 46 | 62 | 36,561 |
| 13 | Norwich | B | 51.1 | 53.2 | 50 | 41 | 64 | 39,992 |
| 14 | Meriden | C+ | 51.0 | 52.6 | 49 | 44 | 63 | 60,418 |
| 15 | East Hartford | B | 50.6 | 53.4 | 41 | 42 | 64 | 50,798 |
| 16 | Bridgeport | C | 46.2 | 48.2 | 49 | 24 | 60 | 148,006 |
| 17 | New Britain | C | 44.7 | 49.1 | 38 | 32 | 64 | 74,064 |
| 18 | New Haven | C | 41.8 | 47.2 | 45 | 16 | 60 | 135,307 |
| 19 | Waterbury | D | 39.0 | 43.0 | 36 | 15 | 59 | 114,994 |
| 20 | Hartford | D | 37.6 | 42.9 | 30 | 12 | 63 | 119,674 |