If you’re thinking about a move to CT, you may be like many people who come searching for idyllic, small-town charm, and there’s no better place to find it than on Main Street. Just about every town has one, but they’re not created equal.
What makes a great Main Street?
It isn’t just the architecture, and it certainly isn’t in the name of the street. A Main Street is the town center, lined with a mix of shops, restaurants, and local businesses, where people walk because it’s the best way to get around. It’s not just nice to visit – it’s also nice to live near. And Connecticut, even with its reputation for suburbia, is home to many of them.
Here’s a look at the 5 Most Livable main streets in our state.
5. Chester
Main Street through Chester, CT - Photo by VisitCT
Main Street running through Chester Center is about as small-town New England as it gets, complete with picturesque historic storefronts and charming character. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in timeless appeal. Explore its many restaurants offering unique dishes from locally-sourced ingredients.
4. Mystic
West Main Street through Mystic, CT - Photo by Family Destinations Guide
Well-known as a historical seaport, Mystic is a local tourist hotspot during the summer months, and for good reason. Its many boutique shops and restaurants along the main thoroughfare of West Main Street attract visitors from across New England, so it only reasons that it's not just a great place to visit, but also a wonderful place to call home. Outside of peak season, locals say that Mystic still retains a tight-knit community feel.
3. Milford
River Street in Downtown Milford - Photo by Fadein
Located west of New Haven, Milford has seen a revitalization of its downtown due to planning & investment as of late, and its South Broad Street continues to be a fantastic place to live. On one side is Milford Green, a park spanning several blocks, and on the other, a diverse selection of dining & amenities. It crosses with River Street to create a town center where nearly everything you need for day-to-day life, including the train station, is within a short walk.
2. Middletown
Main Street through Middletown - Photo by DowntownMiddletown.com
While a slight departure from the ‘small town’ feel, Middletown’s Main Street has too many cool bars, trendy cafes, and just about everything else you could want, making it impossible to leave off this list. For craft cocktails, check out Conspiracy, a (not so) hidden speakeasy, or The Forbidden Llama for some Peruvian-American fusion. Plus, with Wesleyan University just a few blocks away, the area keeps an especially lively atmosphere throughout the school season.
1. West Hartford
Farmington Avenue through West Hartford Center - Photo by We-Ha.com
A list of the best Main Streets in Connecticut can only be topped by Farmington Avenue, connecting West Hartford Center with Blue Back Square to create a highly-livable, walkable area. With an ideal combination of everyday stores, workplaces, and nightlife, WeHa’s crown jewel offers an unparalleled lifestyle, making it no wonder that the town consistently tops lists of CT’s best places to live.
A decade ago, proximity to work often dictated where people lived. But with the rise of remote work, that equation has shifted dramatically for many. Today, more people have the flexibility to prioritize quality of life, and many of them are choosing walkable main streets.
Is your next move to one of CT’s most livable main streets? With 10 offices across Connecticut, an experienced agent at Century 21 AllPoints Realty is ready to help you take that first step. Find an Agent