Site Ranks Top 10 Towns for Young Families in Connecticut

Consumer advocacy site NerdWallet has released a list of top towns for young families in Connecticut, and Hartford County dominates the top 10.

The study pulls data from the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey and factors in home affordability, growth and prosperity pertaining to average family income, family friendliness and quality of education.

The top 10 rank as follows:

  1. Simsbury: Located just outside of Hartford, this 345-year-old town is known for its high-quality schools and relative affordability. Families can enjoy spending time outside on the 84-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
  2. Trumbull: Situated in Fairfield County, Trumbull's location allows for an easy commute to New York City, as well as employment opportunities at local companies. Trumbull schools are highly rated.
  3. Kensington: This section of Berlin is known for its affordability and easy access to Hartford, which is less than 15 miles away. Kensington is located on the New Haven-Springfield commuter line, which is set to launch in 2016.
  4. Glastonbury: Residents of Glastonbury have seen an 85 percent increase in average family income since 1999. The town is known for its schools and proximity to Fortune 500 companies such as United Technologies and Aetna. Glastonbury maintains a small-town vibe with events such as the annual Apple Harvest Festival, 40 years strong.
  5. Orange: Despite relatively high living expenses, Orange is home to quality schools. More than a third of families living in Orange have children under the age of 18. The town hosts the annual Orange County Fair, a tradition that began in 1898.
  6. Wethersfield: The second-oldest town in the state is home to a large number of families with young children. The average family income has jumped 89 percent since 1999.
  7. Newington: Families in Newington enjoy a lower cost of living. The town is located just seven miles from Hartford but maintains a strong sense of community with its annual Waterfall Festival, which celebrates a 16-foot natural waterfall in Mill Pond Park.
  8. Winsted: Residents of Winsted enjoy close proximity to Bradley International Airport. The town, which contains "the gateway to the Berkshire Mountains," is located in the northwest hills of Connecticut.
  9. Portland: The smallest of the top 10 towns, Portland is home to just over 5,600 residents. Despite its small size, Portland is rife with history. It was one of the country's most important brownstone suppliers in the 1800s, evidences by quarries that line the downtown section.
  10. North Haven: Located 10 miles from Yale University, North Haven is home to Quinnipiac University's graduate programs. Families can enjoy hiking, rock climbing and horseback riding in nearby Sleeping Giant State Park, which is located in Hamden.

Learn more about the study and see the full list of top 47 towns online.

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