Moving to Connecticut? Brace For Apizza, Wacky Weather, Taxes, And I-95
Last Modified: January 8, 2026
Are you tired of reading Connecticut moving guides that feel more like geography textbooks, stuffed with boring stats and no personality? Life in Connecticut can't be summed up with average weather charts (insider tip: the weather changes every five seconds, wear layers) or simple demographic stats (they'd obviously miss the nuance of sacred pizza and sports rivalries). If you love leaf peeping routes that smell like your favorite candle, coastal towns where lobster rolls count as religion, or quick train rides that make NYC feel right next door, the Constitution State might just be calling you home. Our playful and witty moving guide will prepare you for the good (like catching a shoreline sunset that looks hand-painted) and the bad (I-95 traffic that turns you into a podcast scholar) so you'll actually know what it's REALLY like to live, work, and play in Connecticut.
Snappy Summary: Connecticut means high taxes, pricey housing, icy winters, and dreadfully slow commutes, balanced by strong jobs and pay, top schools, safe towns, and classic New England coast and foliage. Those who desire access to the bustling cities of NYC and Boston but also want a quieter home base find Connecticut to be ideal.
Hey, I'm Lynn
I have lived in Connecticut almost my entire life, and know the difference between shoreline charm and quiet river towns. I've sampled pizza and donuts all over the state visiting all 169 Connecticut towns. My most memorable (and probably last ever) move involved the trifecta of a hurricane, loss of power, and an August heatwave (so don't even get me started on moving horror stories!). I knit, bake, metal detect beaches, and firmly believe New Haven pizza is a food group of its own. At Snappy Scout I turn decades of CT discoveries into sage moving advice you'll enjoy reading and actually use.
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local ExpertThe Inside Scoop on Connecticut Cities
Major Cities In A Nutshell
Hartford
Hartford, perfect for: Policy wonks, insurance gigs, museum weekends.
Best known for: Insurance towers, Colt blue onion dome, Yard Goats nights.
Hartford in human form is: The quiet businessman with tattoos peeking out from his sleeve cuff.
Move here for: Steady careers, central location, historic neighborhoods.
Locals swear by: Blue Back Square sprees and Elizabeth Park roses.
Housing vibe: City life, sleepy Victorians, traditional suburbs.
The downside to Hartford is: Commuter traffic on I-84 and chunky taxes.
Local fashion forecast: Business casual, fleece, snow boots in trunk.
New Haven
New Haven is perfect for: Academics, artists, pizza snobs.
Well-known for: Yale brains and pizza battles.
City as a personality: Tweedy professor on skateboard, chugging a Monster.
Locals live here because: Walkable neighborhoods, bike lanes, decent public transportation.
Nothing's more New Haven than: Pizza debates on Wooster Street.
Home sweet home in New Haven is like: Multi-family conversions and post-war suburbs.
Don't be surprised. We warned you of: Parking wars and sirens at midnight.
What you'll wear most often: Thrift finds and concert tees.
Stamford and Norwalk
Stamford and Norwalk is perfect for: NYC paychecks, shoreline commutes, calmer nights.
Widely recognized as the place for: Hedge funds, HQs, Metro North hustles.
If Stamford and Norwalk were a person, it'd be: Sleek commuter with reusable mug and boat shoes.
Move here if you want: High salaries, elite schools, new apartments.
Locals know best: Weekend train math and Stew Leonard's runs.
Your housing options here are: Luxe mid-rises, Capes, coastal condos.
The downsides are: I-95 jams that grind sanity.
What you'll wear most often: Patagonia vests and too clean sneakers.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is perfect for: Reinvention, budget-friendly coastal living.
Best known for: Old mills and rising artist community.
If Bridgeport were a person, it'd be: A scrappy dreamer with paint-splattered boots.
Locals live here because: Affordable space, diversity, DIY scenes.
Locals swear by: Local cuisine, community appreciation.
Home sweet home in Bridgeport is like: Loft conversions, modest capes, apartment life.
Don't say we didn't warn you about: Taxes sting.
The dress code here is: Hoodies, work boots, festival tees.
New London and Groton
New London and Groton is perfect for: Nautical enthusiasts, quiet routines.
Well-known for: Shipyards, historic battles.
City as a personality: Disciplined sailor who gardens on the weekends.
Move here for: Steady defense jobs and mellow neighborhoods.
Nothing's more New London and Groton than: Spending the day out on the fishing boat.
Your housing options here are: Capes, ranches, porch-wrapped colonials.
Be prepared for: Salt in the air, dive-bombing seagulls, seasonal tourism.
Local fashion forecast: Navy & Coast Guard apparel, Carhartt jackets, work boots.
Waterbury
Waterbury, perfect for: Commuter families, Brass City pride.
Well-known for: Easy highway hops and traffic.
Waterbury in human form is: The next-door neighbor - helpful and chatty.
Move here if you want: A central location.
Locals know best: The cross leads home and how to avoid the Mixmaster
Housing vibe: Hilltop capes and city living.
Don't be surprised. We warned you that: I-84 is never finished.
What you'll wear most often: Hoodies, work jackets, sensible boots.
Danbury
Danbury is perfect for: City lovers that want backyards.
Best known for: One of the few thriving malls still around.
If Danbury were a person, it'd be: Your friend who knows all the best places to eat.
Locals live here because: Everything is nearby, city, farms, lakes, fabulous food.
Locals swear by: Sunday dinners with friends and family.
Home sweet home in Danbury is like: Traditional suburbs and townhouse clusters.
The downside to Danbury is: Route 7 traffic and mall crowds.
The dress code here is: Weekend casual.
Eat Like a Local
Pizza with a Foxon Park soda (Birch Beer for me)
Lobster Roll, CT style (warm w/ butter)
New England Clam Chowder
Steamed Cheeseburgers
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local Expert
Fun Facts
Fun Facts You Might Not Have Known About Connecticut
Think you really know Connecticut? It's a state with New Haven "apizza" that could make Naples blush, literal hidden gems from old mines, and endless stone walls that wind through every forest. Let's run through the facts, stats, and nutmeg shenanigans that showcase what makes Connecticut's aura eclipse the coasts.
- Common nicknames for Connecticut: The Constitution State, The Nutmeg State.
- Local reality check: Just suburbia? Try rugged woods, coastal getaways, and diverse cities.
- You're most likely moving from: New York City, Westchester, Long Island, or Boston, chasing space.
- Strangely large concentration of: Hedge funds in Greenwich, pizza obsessives, colonial town greens with gazebos, antique shops.
- Music scene: Hartford's Bushnell Park jazz, New Haven indie, The Meadows Music Theatre summer festivals, PeoplesBank Arena, Foxwoods, & Mohegan Sun concerts.
- You'll have to see it to believe it: New Haven apizza rivalries judged by lifelong loyalties.
- Unique geography: Shoreline beaches, traprock ridges, glacial lakes, hillside orchards, and the Connecticut River valley - classic New England.
- Connecticut is home to: Yale University (New Haven), ESPN (Bristol), Mystic Seaport (Mystic), Mark Twain House (Hartford).
- Well known for its: Pizza, prep schools, fall foliage, apple cider donuts, Gilmore Girls.
- Fun history fact: Fundamental Orders were adopted in 1638 & 1639, often called the first written constitution, giving Connecticut its "Constitution State" nickname.
- Celebrity sightings: Meryl Streep in Salisbury, Martha Stewart around Westport, Kevin Bacon in Sharon.
- Noteworthy Census stat: About 3.6 million residents across 169 towns per 2023 Census estimates.
- Most interesting sub-culture within Connecticut: New Haven apizza purists debating Sally's, Pepe's, and Modern.
- Population: 29th by population, 48th by land size
- Connecticut is roughly the same geographic size as: Montenegro or the Bahamas
Locals Know Best
Join your local library. Most have museum passes that get you in for free or with a discount.
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local ExpertMost Likely Personalities to Love (or Hate) Connecticut
Is Connecticut right for me? If you're a foodie, coffee snob, or Wall Street exec, you'll feed off of Connecticut's food scene, calm coastal vibes, and access to NYC. If you prefer spending your weekends at the rodeo or catching gnarly waves, our little state might be an epic disappointment.
Personality Fit Guide
| Personality | % | Recommended Cities | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foodie | 95% | New Haven, Hartford, Mystic | Frank Pepe's Pizzeria, Parkville Market, Mystic Oysters. |
| Coffee Snob | 93% | New Haven, West Hartford | Willoughby's, J. Rene, GIV Coffee fuel debates. |
| Wall Street Exec | 92% | Greenwich | Hedge fund row, Metro North dash to Midtown. |
| PTA President | 91% | Westport, Glastonbury, Darien | Staples Wreckers, Darien Blue Wave, school pride everywhere. |
| Stay at Home Mom | 89% | Fairfield, Simsbury, Cheshire | Playgrounds, Lake Compounce weekends, library passes. |
| College Student | 88% | New Haven, Storrs, Middletown | Yale vibes, UConn Huskies, Wesleyan Spring Fling. |
| Farmer's Market Regular | 87% | Coventry, New Canaan, West Hartford | Coventry Farmers' Market, New Canaan baguettes, West Hartford veggies. |
| Garden Club Lifetime Member | 85% | Hartford, Litchfield, Old Lyme | Elizabeth Park roses, White Memorial blooms, Florence Griswold gardens. |
| Binge Shopper | 84% | West Hartford, Danbury, Clinton | Westfarms, Danbury Fair, Clinton Crossing sprees. |
| Craft Beer Fan | 83% | Stratford, Salem, Hamden | Two Roads, Fox Farm, Counter Weight tastings. |
| Hipster | 81% | New Haven, Bridgeport Black Rock | Cafe Nine shows, Barcade bragging, Black Rock vinyl. |
| Tech Bro | 80% | Stamford, New Haven | Stamford fintech, Yale biotech, District New Haven coworking. |
| Dog Momma | 78% | Hamden, Westport, Groton | Sleeping Giant trails, Winslow Park romps, Bluff Point hikes. |
| CrossFit Regular | 76% | Norwalk, Avon, New Haven | Boxes everywhere, Murph on Yale Bowl stairs. |
| Yoga Instructor | 74% | Mystic, West Hartford | Sea breezes at Enders Island, The Yoga Shop. |
| Adventure Junkie | 70% | Kent, Hamden, Lebanon | AT in Kent, Sleeping Giant climbing, Mooween mountain biking. |
| Retired Military | 68% | Groton, New London | Submarine Force Museum, USCG Academy camaraderie and services. |
| DIYer | 66% | New Britain, Norwich, Waterbury | Hardware heritages, reclaimed mill projects. |
| Vintage Thrifter | 64% | New Haven East Rock, Putnam, Collinsville | East Rock estate sales, Putnam antiquing, Collinsville treasures. |
| Minimalist | 60% | Stamford Harbor Point, New Haven Downtown | Walkable condos, city life, Yale art. |
| Gamer | 58% | Uncasville, Ledyard, Manchester | Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods tournaments, Dave and Buster's Manchester marathons. |
| Retired Snowbird | 45% | Madison, Milford | Hammonasset & Silver Sands - summers soothe before flights to Palm Beach to avoid harsh winters. |
| Homesteader | 42% | Woodstock, Litchfield | Quiet Corner acres exist, taxes pinch, farmers markets ease costs. |
| Beach Bum | 38% | Madison, Westbrook | Hammonasset sands charm, but Long Island Sound waves stay tame. |
| Surfer Dude | 34% | Fairfield, New London | Jennings Beach fun, but swells whisper compared to Jersey. |
| Cowboy | 30% | Goshen | Goshen Fair broncs entertain, but daily ranch life is rare. |
What Makes Connecticut Feel Like Home
The sound of seagulls. No matter how deep into the state you go, seagulls are still prevalent since Connecticut is such a small state. The sound of them is so familiar and brings to mind memories of salt air and waves crashing, or twigs snapping under my feet as I hike along a riverside trail.
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local Expert
Things To Do
Fun Things to Do Around Connecticut
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Connecticut? If you like the idea of paddling across quiet coves, spending time strolling through village greens, and admiring fall foliage, Connecticut is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from seaport wharves to ivy quads and give you a sampling of Connecticut's history, shoreline, and arts.
- Go outside & hike: Trek Sleeping Giant's Tower Trail in Hamden or take in the view of the Connecticut River from Gillette Castle (keep an eye out for bald eagles).
- Spend time on the water cooling off: Paddle to the Thimble Islands from Stony Creek in Branford.
- Maybe you should go chasing waterfalls: Climb along the cascades at Kent Falls State Park or capture some great shots at Devil's Hopyard.
- This is the scenic ride for you: Drive Route 7 through the Litchfield Hills to Kent.
- This is the iconic road trip to take: Follow Route 169 through colonial villages and farms, from Norwich to Woodstock.
- Underground Adventure: East Granby, descend Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine. Look up for bats!
- Historic Forts: History buff? Tour Fort Trumbull overlooking New London's harbor, then cross the river to Groton's Fort Griswold.
- This is what locals do on the weekends: Pizza plans? Devour New Haven apizza along Wooster Street.
- For the Sports Fans: Cheer on the UConn Huskies at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, the Connecticut Sun (WNBA) in Uncasville, or the Yard Goats in Hartford.
- Pick your own farm to table fare: Spring to fall, Lyman Orchards in Middlefield and Bishop's Orchards in Guilford always have something ready to pick. But don't skip the dozens of smaller family-run farms throughtout the state!
Hidden Gem Spotlight
The Village of Essex. Most people visit the town for the train ride, but the village itself is beautiful.
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local ExpertTaxes, Politics & People
The Essential Connecticut Trifecta
<strong>State Income Tax</strong>: Progressive 2% to 6.99%; lower brackets reduced in 2024; credits phase out.
<strong>Property Taxes</strong>: High mill rates in Hartford, New Haven, & Bridgeport; suburbs like Greenwich, Westport lower.
<strong>Connecticut politics are</strong>: Solidly blue statewide; cities deep Democratic; Fairfield County suburbs moderate; eastern towns mixed.
<strong>Nutmeggers are</strong>: Politely reserved, town-focused, preppy coastal pockets w/ maritime history, surprisingly neighborly, dry humor.
<strong>The religious breakdown is</strong>: Catholic largest; many mainline Protestant; sizable Jewish community in West Hartford, Stamford; rising unaffiliated.
Weather
Connecticut Weather: All the Facts, None of the Stats
Is it going to sleet, thunderstorm, or maybe something worse? The summers are fry-an-egg hot and muggy, and the winter's nor'easters loud and icy. Here's what else is going on around Connecticut that will impact the time you spend outside.
- Summer temps be like: Lobsta' roll sauna mode (Inland bakes while the coast gets some natural AC).
- Winter lows are: Making me wonder why I live somewhere that makes my face hurt.
- The humidity makes me: Feel like a steamed clam.
- Unique weather patterns: Nor'easter winds might give you a neighbor's trampoline; a predicted minor snow event can turn into 3 feet of snow, always stock up for French toast (milk, eggs, bread).
- Local weather fashion tip: Always wear layers.
- Bugs be like: I want your blood! Mosquitos and ticks and gnats, oh my!
- You're stuck indoors again today because: Freezing rain turned the driveway into an ice rink.
- Green thumb enthusiasts love: Hydrangeas that match the shutters, backyard tomatoes bursting, and fighting off deer and woodchucks.
- Your friend with allergies is always saying: "I don't know why my eyes are so itchy," as they inhale every lilac bush they pass.
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Connecticut
Winter: Listening to the snow fall on the trees. And spending weekends in warm museums.
Spring: Nature waking up and everything getting green and colorful again. Visiting beautiful parks.
Summer: Spending days along the shore and in the water. There are dozens of boat excursions to try in the sound.
Fall: The smell of crisp leaves, sipping hot apple cider, and eating freshly made apple cider donuts.
Lynn NelthroppConnecticut Local Expert