Niche.com has released its list of the best places to live in Connecticut, and West Hartford earned the top spot.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford has earned the top ranking in Niche.com’s list of the “2020 Best Places to Live in Connecticut” – the third year in a row the town has been ranked No. 1 on this list.

Niche gives West Hartford an overall grade of A-plus, a ranking which is a “comprehensive assessment of the overall livability of an area” based on multiple data sets. “This grade takes into account several key factors of a location, including the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics, and access to amenities in an attempt to measure the overall quality of an area,” Niche.com states.

“Wow, No. 1 in Connecticut; that’s pretty neat,” Town Manager Matt Hart told We-Ha.com. “This is a testament to West Hartford’s residents, businesses, nonprofits, public schools, state representatives, and town government all working together to create a special place. I know that we’re not going to slack off, and we’ll all keep collaborating to build on our diversity and to continue to make West Hartford a welcoming place for all. If you’re looking for a new home or place to locate your business, West Hartford undoubtedly has a place for you.”

“We are always appreciative to be recognized for our hard work and achievements,” Mayor Shari Cantor said when she learned of the accolade. “But during these difficult times our focus is on helping our residents and businesses withstand the impacts of COVID, and promoting fairness and justice for all,” she added.

Housing, cost of living, schools, diversity, crime, health and fitness, jobs, availability of nightlife as well as family and outdoor activities, weather, and commute are all factors incorporated through quantitative and qualitative methods from multiple public data sets as well as reviews.

“Living in West Hartford offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In West Hartford there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in West Hartford and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in West Hartford are highly rated,” the Niche.com write-up states.

In addition to the overall grade, West Hartford’s schools and health and fitness were graded A-plus, as was family life. Nightlife and outdoor activities received an A, diversity received an A-minus, housing and commute were rated  B-plus, and crime and safety a B-minus. West Hartford’s weather and cost of living received a C-plus grade.

West Hartford’s complete report card can be found here.

The nearby communities of Avon and Simsbury were No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in the 2020 ranking. The top 10 also included (in order) Southport, Weatogue, Westport, Farmington, Fairfield, Ridgefield, and Newfield (a section of Stamford).

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.