Livability has included West Hartford as No. 16 on its ranking of the ‘Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast.’

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford is the only Connecticut town listed among the “Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast” and has earned the No. 16 spot overall according to a ranking just released by Livability.com.

Livability is, according to its website, a nearly 30-year-old resource that provides data-driven rankings and specializes in small- to mid-sized cities. They rank places based on a variety of metrics, including education, health, food, retirement opportunities, college towns, and more.

“The rich history and natural beauty of West Hartford, CT, an affluent suburb just five miles outside of Hartford, is one reason it’s known as one of the best places to live in the Northeast,” Livability’s description of the town states.

Noted in the write-up is The Center with its “lively shops, restaurants, and boutiques” as a focal point of the town, and the annual Celebrate! West Hartford celebration and the town’s highly-rated public schools along with entertainment options are also highlighted. Elizabeth Park, and the proximity to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail are also mentioned.

The much-larger city of Pittsburgh leads the current list of the Northeast’s best places to live, a list that separated out the regions from its “Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.” Overall there were five places each in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts on the Northeast list, four each from New York and New Jersey, and two each from New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Like Connecticut, only one town from Maine and Vermont made the list.

Livability states that their overall analysis was conducted in partnership with Ipsos through an exclusive study that examined more than 50 data points focused on 2,300 cities throughout the country.

According to Livability, characteristics used in the ranking were developed through a survey of more than 1,000 adults throughout the country regarding what they value in a prospective home community. Affordability – a top-three factor mentioned by seven out of 10 – as well as local amenities were found to be key factors and priorities.

“People are thinking about where their money goes the furthest right now, as remote work continues for many, and affordability is harder and harder to find,” Livability Editor in Chief Amanda Ellis said in a news release. “We highlight the amazing small and mid-sized communities across the U.S. and it’s often these places that stand out when it comes to offering affordability alongside amenities and opportunities.”

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