Overview
Cheshire is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut. Located in an area surrounded by greenscapes and plenty of interesting natural features, the town also has a suburban culture with quiet neighborhoods and many local amenities like clubs and facilities that make it easy to find new hobbies.
Climate and Geography
The climate in Central Connecticut is categorized as humid continental, which features four distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. Residents can expect higher-than-average amounts of rain and snow, and approximately 198 sunny days throughout the year.
The town is situated in the Central Naugatuck Valley, which is dominated by hilly terrain and densely wooded areas, with a number of brooks and small bodies of water interspersed throughout its borders.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Some of the top attractions in Cheshire include Barker Character Comic and Cartoon Museum, Roaring Brook Park, Bartlem Park, Drazen Orchards, Cheshire Hollow Farm, and Cheshire Historical Society. The town also offers various programs for the community including transportation services into and out of town. The Cheshire Senior Center offers many programs and social services.
There are plentiful parks and outdoor spaces within the town where residents can get outside and enjoy nature, and additional outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing, can be found at the nearby Naugatuck State Park.
Cheshire is also within driving distance of Hartford and New Haven, providing the perfect opportunity for day trips and weekend getaways to enjoy everything these cities have to offer.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Cheshire is higher than the state and national average. This is primarily due to the high cost of housing and homes, while other factors like groceries, utilities, and transportation are just slightly higher than the national average.
The effective income tax rate is as low as three percent and as high as 6.99 percent. Retirement income including Social Security benefits are fully exempt for taxpayers with limited income. Other retirement income like military pensions and railroad retirement benefits are fully exempt. Qualifying homeowners 65+ can also receive property tax credits as well as additional municipality tax reliefs.
Health Care
There are several health care options in the surrounding area of Cheshire. Among them are various hospitals recognized by U.S. News for high performance in many procedures and conditions. The closest hospital is St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, about six miles away. Other choices include the Hospital of Central Connecticut, Middlesex Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, all within 20 miles.