Central Connecticut

Overview

Central Connecticut is a great location for active adults and retirees seeking to live in a 55+ community. Known for its Connecticut River Valley and Greater New Haven region, Central Connecticut provides plenty of things to do for retirees and adults aged 55 and better. Beautiful natural landscapes, art and culture, history, and shopping are just a few of the attractions available in Central Connecticut active adult communities. Central Connecticut also has a mild climate so active adults and retirees can experience activities in any kind of weather.

Climate & Geography

Central Connecticut has a four-season climate that offers active adults living in age-targeted communities a variety of weather options all year long. Central Connecticut has a humid continental climate that experiences temperatures in the summer in the high 80s and winter in the low 30s. Rain and snowfall precipitation is fairly even throughout the year as well.

Central Connecticut consists of Hartford and Litchfield counties as well as the Greater New Haven area. Central Connecticut includes towns like Burlington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, Berlin, and Southington. The Connecticut River Valley lies in the middle of the region and provides a great sightseeing destination for adults 55 and better.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Central Connecticut attracts many active adults and retirees due to its rich history and culture. Sights such as the Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, CT offer tours of these historic homes that have been beautifully restored. Architecture lovers can visit the Hatheway House in Enfield, which is one of the largest 18^th century homes in the state.

There are also plenty of outdoor attractions near 55+ communities in Central Connecticut like parks and forests, nature centers, gardens, and scenic hiking trails. Active adults can visit Bushnell Park that s known for having a restored 1914 carousel or the Science Center of Connecticut in West Hartford, which is a hands-on museum that features live animals and science exhibits. There is also a Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill where 2,000 dinosaur tracks were uncovered during a building excavation in 1966. The Connecticut River Valley boasts picturesque riverboat cruises, and in Essex active adults can ride a vintage steam train and riverboat along the Connecticut River Valley.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Cost of living in a Central Connecticut 55+ community is generally higher than the national average in the state of Connecticut, but places like Hartford in Central Connecticut have a slightly lower cost of living index when compared to the overall state. The cost of living in Hartford is 20.4% less than the Connecticut average, and 6% greater than the national average. The state levies a sales tax on goods of 6.35% and Central Connecticut homeowners pay the second highest on property taxes.

Healthcare

Age-restricted communities in Central Connecticut have many top-rated hospitals and healthcare facilities that are close by. The Hospital of Central Connecticut with locations in New Britain and Southington offer excellent medical facilities as well as Mt. Sinai Hospital and Yale-New Haven Hospital.