Best Cities for Retirees in Connecticut
Connecticut ranks #24 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 62.4. West Hartford is its best city for retirees at 70.4.
- Connecticut, all states
- #24 of 50
- Population
- 63,620
Connecticut for Retirees: The Full Picture
Connecticut sits at #24 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers above-average healthcare infrastructure alongside living costs that track near or above the national average (cost-of-living index: 103.6). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Connecticut's health score of 74/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79.4 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 $450,873, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 90/100. 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 | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1West Hartford | A+ | 70.4 | 75.4 | 74 | 85 | 58 | 63,620 |
| 2Milford city | A+ | 67.3 | 69.3 | 70 | 79 | 55 | 51,023 |
| 3Shelton | A | 66.2 | 66.9 | 78 | 75 | 58 | 41,889 |
| 4Naugatuck | A | 63.4 | 63.9 | 60 | 71 | 70 | 31,800 |
| 5Stamford | A+ | 62.7 | 67.9 | 77 | 70 | 40 | 137,144 |
| 6Norwalk | A | 62.4 | 67.0 | 73 | 70 | 45 | 92,187 |
| 7Bristol | B+ | 60.1 | 62.7 | 58 | 55 | 70 | 61,462 |
| 8Middletown | A | 59.6 | 63.8 | 63 | 53 | 66 | 47,958 |
| 9Torrington | B+ | 58.9 | 59.9 | 61 | 46 | 76 | 35,547 |
| 10Danbury | B+ | 57.2 | 59.2 | 69 | 55 | 54 | 87,263 |
| 11West Haven | B+ | 57.1 | 59.4 | 52 | 47 | 65 | 55,351 |
| 12East Hartford | B | 55.9 | 58.7 | 41 | 47 | 72 | 50,918 |
| 13Manchester | B | 55.7 | 57.6 | 52 | 50 | 70 | 36,759 |
| 14Norwich | B | 55.7 | 57.4 | 50 | 38 | 72 | 39,973 |
| 15Meriden | B | 55.6 | 56.7 | 49 | 47 | 69 | 60,545 |
| 16Bridgeport | C | 49.3 | 52.1 | 49 | 27 | 65 | 149,153 |
| 17New Britain | C+ | 48.8 | 53.1 | 38 | 32 | 72 | 74,223 |
| 18New Haven | C+ | 47.2 | 52.7 | 45 | 21 | 65 | 134,349 |
| 19Waterbury | D | 45.9 | 48.7 | 36 | 17 | 74 | 114,869 |
| 20Hartford | D | 43.3 | 48.0 | 30 | 12 | 71 | 121,127 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Connecticut for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connecticut a good state for retirees?
Connecticut ranks #24 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 62.4/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (90/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (24/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Connecticut?
West Hartford ranks #1 in Connecticut for retirees with a score of 70.4/100, followed by Milford city and Shelton.
What factors are most important for retirees in Connecticut?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.