![Connecticut city named as one of the top contenders in national ‘Best Places to Live’ rankings Connecticut city named as one of the top contenders in national ‘Best Places to Live’ rankings](https://i0.wp.com/www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2019/07/01/FYGZF3V5O5HVXNUGF3EJOZNGQU.jpg?w=1024&h=670&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
Of course, two of the Connecticut town’s favorite tourist destinations got a prominent mention.
For Hartford, that means the Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.
After all, both people were famous Hartford residents whose names live on thanks to their literary genius.
But those are just two places that help Hartford make the US News and World Report list of “Best Places to Live.”
We suspect Nutmeggers won’t be too happy that Hartford is 148th on the list, since the city is the seat of state government, has a sports team, an immense amount of things to do, and many famous businesses. But yeah, the competition on this list was tough. And Hartford also ranked 56th highest on the “Best Places to Retire” list.
In terms of the so-called “best places” competition, Naples, Florida came in first, with US News noting that “nestled between the edges of the Everglades and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico lies Collier County, home to Naples, Immokalee and Marco Island, as well as a variety of distinctive Florida flavors.”
But Connecticut also wins, according to the ranking: “Although it is one of the oldest cities in the United States, Hartford, Connecticut, has a lot to offer, both old and new.
“Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Hartford has many cultural gems hidden among hills and wooded neighborhoods. In the centuries since its founding, Hartford has been home to several notable historical figures, including renowned authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe (yes, we all knew that already).
Now, “Hartford’s central business district is home to several historic attractions and entertainment venues, along with nearby vineyards, state parks and ski slopes, providing many year-round recreational opportunities,” according to the new classification.
And, as the ranking notes, “Hartford attracts people from all walks of life and its population is quite diverse. “The surrounding suburbs are great alternatives to urban living for families who can afford it.”
But there are many people looking to live in Hartford and they clearly enjoy the idea of city life.
And between things to do in the city? The list is almost endless.
Do you think about sports? There are many opportunities here for sports fans.
And education? Yes, there is that too.
Room for growth? In many ways, that’s what Hartford represents these days.
Great food options? An abundance in the city and nearby.
So even though Hartford ranked 148th on a list of 150 places, there are plenty of reasons why the city really is at the top of the best places.
Of note. US News said: “To top the list, a place had to be a good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.” To learn more about how we rank, read the Best Places to Live methodology.
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