Hartford County
Hartford County is the political and economic heart of Connecticut, anchored by the state capital and ringed by some of New England's most desirable suburbs. Th...
Hartford County is the political and economic heart of Connecticut, anchored by the state capital and ringed by some of New England's most desirable suburbs. The city of Hartford is home to the state legislature, a thriving insurance and financial services industry, and cultural institutions like the Wadsworth Atheneum, America's oldest public art museum. The county's inner suburbs, including West Hartford, Glastonbury, and Simsbury, consistently rank among the best places to live in the Northeast thanks to their excellent school systems, walkable town centers, and attractive housing stock.
The region offers remarkable diversity in lifestyle and price point. From the urban energy of downtown Hartford's Bushnell Park area to the pastoral horse farms of Canton and the planned suburban streetscapes of Avon, there is a community here for nearly every preference and budget. Major employers include The Hartford, Aetna, UnitedHealth, and the University of Hartford, creating a stable economic base that supports strong property values and community investment.
Why Hartford County
What makes this region stand out
West Hartford's Blue Back Square is one of New England's top mixed-use town centers
Home to the Wadsworth Atheneum, Mark Twain House, and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Excellent public school districts in Glastonbury, Simsbury, Avon, and West Hartford
Insurance Capital of the World with major corporate headquarters
Farmington Valley offers scenic cycling trails and outdoor recreation along the river
More affordable than Fairfield County while maintaining high quality of life
Key Statistics
896,000
Population
$310,000
Median Home
$1,650
Avg Rent
A-
Schools
Cities & Towns
Explore the communities that make Hartford County home
Hartford
Connecticut's capital city is experiencing a renaissance with new development, Dunkin' Park baseball stadium, and a vibrant cultural scene anchored by world-class museums.
West Hartford
Consistently ranked among America's best suburbs, West Hartford boasts Blue Back Square, top-rated schools, and a walkable center with over 200 shops and restaurants.
Glastonbury
An affluent suburb along the Connecticut River known for its apple orchards, historic Main Street, excellent schools, and the scenic Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferry.
Simsbury
A picturesque Farmington Valley town with Talcott Mountain State Park ridgeline views, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, and charming Simsbury Town Shops.
Avon
An upscale suburb at the base of Avon Mountain offering top-rated schools, Avon Old Farms prep school, and a mix of luxury homes and established neighborhoods.
Farmington
Home to the Hill-Stead Museum and Miss Porter's School, Farmington combines historic prestige with modern convenience along the Farmington River corridor.
Canton
A scenic valley town where the Farmington River attracts kayakers and tubers, Collinsville's former axe factory has become a vibrant arts hub, and rural character endures.
Manchester
A diverse and affordable community with a strong Main Street commercial district, Wickham Park, and convenient I-384 access to Hartford and the eastern part of the state.
New Britain
Known as the Hardware City, New Britain is one of Connecticut's most diverse communities with affordable housing, the New Britain Museum of American Art, and strong Polish-American heritage.
Bristol
Home to ESPN's world headquarters and Lake Compounce, the nation's oldest amusement park, Bristol offers affordable living and a strong community identity.
Enfield
Situated on the Massachusetts border, Enfield provides affordable suburban living, the Enfield Square area, and quick access to both Hartford and Springfield.
East Hartford
Pratt & Whitney's jet engine manufacturing hub, East Hartford offers affordable housing across the river from the capital with improving commercial corridors.
Wethersfield
One of Connecticut's oldest towns, Wethersfield features the Old Wethersfield historic district with 17th-century homes, Cove Park, and excellent proximity to Hartford.
Windsor
Claiming to be Connecticut's oldest town, Windsor offers historic character, the Northwest Park nature center, and a convenient location between Hartford and Bradley Airport.
Bloomfield
A diverse suburban community home to CIGNA's campus and Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, with a mix of mid-century homes and newer developments.
Rocky Hill
A quiet suburban town with Dinosaur State Park's fossil trackway, Connecticut River access, and a convenient central location along I-91.
Newington
A family-oriented town with a strong commercial corridor along the Berlin Turnpike, affordable housing stock, and good access to Hartford via Route 175.
Berlin
Straddling the Mattabesett River, Berlin offers a charming Kensington village center, moderate home prices, and the commercial Berlin Turnpike corridor.
Southington
A growing community known for its apple harvest festival, attractive town green, Southington Mountain trails, and one of the county's strongest school systems.
Plainville
A compact, affordable town with convenient Route 10 access, Norton Park recreation, and a solid community feel between Bristol and New Britain.
Living Here
Hartford County life blends cultural richness with New England charm. Residents enjoy the Farmington Valley trail system for cycling and jogging, river tubing on the Farmington River in summer, and skiing at nearby Ski Sundown in winter. West Hartford Center and Glastonbury's Main Street provide walkable dining and shopping, while the capital city offers theater at TheaterWorks, concerts at The Bushnell, and minor league baseball at Dunkin' Park. The county's central location makes it easy to reach the Connecticut shoreline, Litchfield Hills, or the Berkshires for weekend getaways.
Getting Around
Hartford is the central transit hub for the region. CTfastrak provides dedicated bus rapid transit between New Britain and Hartford. CTrail's Hartford Line offers Amtrak-operated commuter rail service south to New Haven and north to Springfield, MA, with stops in Berlin, Meriden, Wallingford, and Windsor. I-91 runs north-south through the county, while I-84 provides east-west access. Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks is just 15 minutes north of Hartford.
Browse Hartford County Properties
See what's available now in Hartford County and find your next home.