Moving to Hartford? With a rich history, affordable homes, green spaces, and more, Connecticut’s capital is a fantastic city to settle down. Here are the five best places to live in Hartford for families!
Asylum Hill
- Home Price: $105,808 median purchase price; $794 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Hartford neighborhoods
Located in western Hartford is the historic Asylum Hill neighborhood, named for the original presence of now-named American School for the Deaf (relocated to West Hartford after 1921) built on the hilltop. This Hartford neighborhood is known for its stunning array of mansions, public buildings, and opulent homes in Italianate, Queen Anne, Victorian, and Colonial Revival styles. In addition to great schools like West Middle School and Hartford Public High School, Asylum Hill residents love the neighborhood’s easy access to parks, restaurants, and shops. With downtown only a six-minute drive away, residents can take advantage of convenient transportation options like the CT rail and CT transit. If your family is searching for city life with a touch of historical charm, Asylum Hill is a highly desirable neighborhood.
Things to Do in Asylum Hill
Join a guided tour to learn about Mark Twain’s history and his past works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, at The Mark Twain House & Museum. Take your little ones and fur babies out for a walk or a picnic at Liam E. McGee Memorial Park. Drive downtown to ride the carousel with your kids, attend an event like Yoga In Our City, and catch a free outdoor movie at Bushnell Park. Catch a film screening with your loved ones, like Renaissance Gyal, or a performance like Requiem For An Electric Chair, at Hartbeat Ensemble. Order takeout and try the Kent Special Pizza, Greek Pizza, or BLT Pizza at Kent Pizza. Chow down on Chinese favorites like Shrimp Fried Rice, Beef Lo Mein, or Sweet & Sour Chicken at Peking Garden. Munch on delicious Puerto Rican dishes like Steak Empanada, Carne Frita Mofongo, or Shrimp Jibaritos at Syps Grille. Or satisfy your tastebuds with dishes like the California Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Francese, or Tortellini A La Vodka at Red Rock Tavern.
Blue Hills
- Home Price: $191,067 median purchase price; $995 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Hartford neighborhoods
Looking for a quiet neighborhood in Hartford? Nestled in the north end of Hartford lies Blue Hills! This neighborhood is known for its peaceful streets, shaded sidewalks, and the large Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery, operating since 1874. This Hartford neighborhood boasts a blend of Colonial Revival, Victorian, American Foursquare, and Mid-Century Modern homes. But what draws families to Blue Hills is the natural beauty, with lavish forests and meandering rivers creating a breathtaking landscape all year long. With its tight-knit community and convenient location, family-friendly Blue Hills is truly a great place to live in Hartford for young adults and growing families.
Things to Do in Blue Hills
Begin your day with a relaxing walk and let your kids run around at Pershing Park Playground. Practice your swing at one of the batting cages and sign your kid up for baseball camp at D-Bat Bloomfield. Grab your family and friends to play a game of basketball or plan a picnic at the 694-acre Keney Park. Spend a day with your little ones by signing up for events like Dungeons & Dragons, Children’s Book Week author reading, or Storytimes at Town Hall at the Bloomfield Public Library. Share a Chicken Pesto Pizza, Shrimp Scampi Pizza, or Florentine Pizza at Gino’s Pizza and Ranch House. Devour classic dishes like Baked Ziti with Meatballs, Lasagna with Meat, or Buffalo Wings & Fries at Mr. Pizza House. Get a taste of Roast Pork Chop Suey, Beef with Garlic Sauce, or Szechuan Chicken at Jumbo Buffet Chinese. Or go out for date night and enjoy craft beers like the Sizzling Hippie, Hop Meadow IPA, or Super Duper Double Citra at Thomas Hooker Brewery.
Sheldon Charter Oak
- Home Price: $88,450 median purchase price; $903 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Hartford neighborhoods
Just south of Downtown Hartford, you can find Sheldon Charter Oak, which holds great significance to Hartford’s history—established in 1623 as a Dutch trading post, the Sheldon Charter Oak neighborhood is home to several notable landmarks like the Charter Oak Monument and Charter Oak Cultural Center. But history isn’t all Sheldon Charter Oak has to offer! With convenient access to Downtown Hartford and nearby parks, Sheldon Charter Oak residents can enjoy a blend of urban and suburban life. Parents can choose from a number of great schools for their little ones, including Betances Elementary School and Richard J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts. With great walkability, transportation options, and a low crime rate, this neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods in Hartford for families to live in.
Things to Do in Sheldon Charter Oak
Enjoy a tranquil walk, let your kids cool off at the splash pad, or practice your breaststroke in the pool at 114-acre Colt Park. Spend the day fishing while having a picnic at Charter Oak Landing. Show your support for the Hartford Athletic (USL) professional soccer team by catching a game at Trinity Health Stadium. Go for a quick run around the park and enjoy the breeze from the Connecticut River at Great River Park. Munch on Truffle French Fries and share a box of Nevin’s Pizza, Anna’s Favorite Pizza, or Nevin’s Bianco Pizza at Nevin’s Pizza Bar. Get a taste of Colombian cuisine with dishes like Arepa Rellenos Carne y Queso Hogao, Bohio, or Pandebono at Donde Julio Restaurant. Devour Wild Caught Grilled Shrimp, Fried Chicken with Waffles, or the Inside Out Grilled Cheese Jerk Chicken at Guilty Kitchen Restaurant. Or bring your friends to live music and delicious food like the Tavern Burger, Philly Cheesesteak, or Classic BLT at Arch Street Tavern.
South West
- Home Price: $158,543 median purchase price; $821 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Hartford neighborhoods
Thinking of relocating to Hartford and want a quiet area to live in? South West has plenty of green space and outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy. With low crime rates, quiet streets, and a variety of park options in and around the neighborhood, you’re sure to find something to love living here. This safe, affordable Hartford neighborhood offers homes in a variety of architectural styles, including Tudor Revival, Victorian, and Colonial. If you and your family are looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, then South West neighborhood is a great start!
Things to Do in South West
Explore the 3,000-acre woodlands or work on your long-distance running on the 30-mile paved and gravel roads at MDC Reservoirs. Have a friendly basketball game or work on your soccer shooting skills at Hyland and Rocky Ridge Park. Spend the day with your kids while soaking in the sun at Forster Heights. Work on your swing and putting game at a top-notch golf course in Hartford like Goodwin Park Golf Course. Savor Mexican dishes like Empanadas, Chorizo Norteno, or Tamal at Coyote Flaco. Share an Empire special pizza, or try their Chicken parmigiana and Ravioli at Empire Pizza House. Enjoy mouthwatering Puerto Rican food like Costillas, Alitas de Pollo, or Papas Locas at El Sitio. Or consider delicious Chinese dishes like Beef Mei Fun, Sesame Beef, or Old Orange Chicken at New View Restaurant.
West End
- Home Price: $228,300 median purchase price; $894 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Hartford neighborhoods
For those looking to settle away from the hustle and bustle—but want quick access to Downtown Hartford—the West End neighborhood might be the one for you. Many of the local shops and eateries in West End are situated along Farmington Avenue, the neighborhood’s busy main street. The neighborhood also features a variety of events organized by the West End Civic Association throughout the year—like 100 Neighbors Who Care, which helps build a strong sense of community among residents. With its convenient location, low crime rate, and friendly community, it’s no wonder West End is a sought-after neighborhood for families.
Things to Do in West End
Stroll through the rose gardens, admire the tropical plants in the greenhouse, attend seasonal tours, or check out free outdoor summer concerts at Elizabeth Rose Park. Explore the history of Connecticut through a variety of exhibits like Making Connecticut or Inn & Tavern Signs of Connecticut at the Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library. Browse and buy fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts at West End Farmers’ Market. Harvest your own fresh produce at Evergreen Community Garden. Begin your day with a cup of Cafe au Lait and a Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich or Breakfast Burrito at Tisane Euro Asian Cafe. Consider trying the Grandaddy Mo, Blueberry Mom’s Pancakes, or Egg Mcmoreland at Mo’s Midtown Restaurant. Enjoy a hearty meal of Shrimp Parmigiana, a Chicken Cutlet Pita, or the BBQ Texas Burger at Sisson Avenue Wings & Pizza. Or indulge in different dishes from around the world like the Kefta Kebab, Chicken Curry with Chick Peas, or Baba Ghanoush w/ Pita at Tangiers International.
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