Boston has become one of New England's fastest-growing cities, driven by a booming economy, a thriving tech and life sciences sector, and dozens of top universities. Naturally, with that growth comes rising housing costs. As home prices and rents continue to climb in the Boston metro, many professionals are wondering: is commuting from Connecticut to Boston a realistic option?
While not for everyone, certain towns in CT could offer a more affordable cost of living. Whether you’re looking for a small-town feel, access to outdoor recreation, or a potential long-term investment, let’s explore some of the top CT towns that could make this commute work.
What Your Commute Could Look Like
Let’s say you’ve just accepted a position in Boston, but want to take advantage of Connecticut’s lower housing costs—where might you consider moving to? Let’s take a look at some top CT candidates:
Putnam, CT
Voted a Top 15 Small Town in New England, Putnam has a historic downtown with charming restored mill buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants. It could be a great option for those who want a quintessential New England feel, while staying within range of Greater Boston.
Commute Time: About 75 minutes by car via I-395 and the Mass Pike (I-90).
Union, CT
As CT’s least-populous town, Union offers a peaceful, more rural lifestyle surrounded by Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park. Plus, it’s a straight shot up I84 to I90 into Boston, with the drive time clocking in at a little over an hour.
Commute Time: About 65 minutes by car, straight up I-84 to I-90.
Enfield, CT
Enfield resides right in between Hartford to the south and Springfield to the north, and offers suburban conveniences with proximity to both. It’s a long haul to Boston, but it’s only 15 minutes into Downtown Springfield, where there are plans to extend the Worcester Line commuter rail in coming years.
Commute Time: 90+ minutes by car, but future rail developments could provide better options.
The Verdict
Let’s be honest—a daily Connecticut-to-Boston commute means spending at least two hours on the road or train every day. That’s not a commute for the faint of heart. But for some, the trade-offs could be worth it.
As Boston’s housing costs soar, living in Northeastern CT could make increasingly more sense. Hybrid work schedules are becoming more common, and our cars are increasingly able to drive themselves.
Who knows? What seems like a long haul today could tomorrow be an option worth considering.
