Travel + Leisure Names Top 10 Best Places to Live in Connecticut

Real estate experts weigh in on the Nutmeg State's most desirable towns and cities.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Travel + Leisure magazine has released its list of the top 10 best places to live in Connecticut, based on input from real estate experts. The list includes towns and cities known for their vibrant communities, access to amenities, and appeal to both young buyers and retirees.

Why it matters

This ranking provides valuable insights for those considering relocating to Connecticut, highlighting the state's diverse range of desirable living options. The list showcases the state's appeal, from its charming small towns to its more dynamic and cosmopolitan communities, catering to a variety of lifestyle preferences.

The details

The top 10 best places to live in Connecticut, according to Travel + Leisure, are: 1) New Canaan, 2) Milford, 3) Woodbury, 4) Westport, 5) West Hartford, 6) Litchfield, 7) Old Saybrook, 8) Southbury, 9) Wilton, and 10) Middlebury. The publication praised these towns and cities for their resilient housing markets, access to transportation, top-ranked schools, cultural offerings, and small-town charm.

  • Travel + Leisure released its list of the top 10 best places to live in Connecticut on February 25, 2026.

The players

Travel + Leisure

A popular travel magazine that publishes an annual list of the best places to live in various regions of the United States.

Dan McCamblau

A realtor with Brown Harris Stevens in Westport, Connecticut, who provided insights to Travel + Leisure about the appeal of certain towns in the state.

Christina Zainc

A realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes, who also shared her perspectives on desirable Connecticut towns with Travel + Leisure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“New Canaan earned the No. 1 spot on the list for its "resilient housing market," according to Travel + Leisure. Westport-based Brown Harris Stevens Realtor Dan McCamblau told the publication that the town also has a "quintessential New England charm with a true storybook feel, paired with award-winning schools, a vibrant restaurant scene and one of the best commutes to New York City.”

— Dan McCamblau, Realtor, Brown Harris Stevens (Travel + Leisure)

“Milford was named to the list, earning the No. 2 spot. The shoreline town earned praise from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes Realtor Christina Zainc for its "direct train access to NYC at a more affordable price point" and having "beautiful summers and peaceful off-seasons.”

— Christina Zainc, Realtor, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes (Travel + Leisure)

“Westport is easily one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan towns in the state, and its housing market continues to reflect that appeal," McCamblau told Travel + Leisure. "Between its top-ranked schools, exceptional dining, cultural offerings and access to Compo Beach, it delivers a lifestyle that few towns can match.”

— Dan McCamblau, Realtor, Brown Harris Stevens (Travel + Leisure)

“Wilton has a 'rural, nature-forward feel' and praised the doughnuts at Rise Doughnut.”

— Dan McCamblau, Realtor, Brown Harris Stevens (Travel + Leisure)

“Middlebury for its 'award-winning schools and small-town charm,' according to Travel + Leisure. Zainc told the publication that the town 'draws many young families who tend to stay long-term.'”

— Christina Zainc, Realtor, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes (Travel + Leisure)

What’s next

Travel + Leisure plans to continue monitoring the Connecticut housing market and may update its list of the best places to live in the state in the future.

The takeaway

Connecticut offers a diverse range of desirable living options, from charming small towns to more dynamic and cosmopolitan communities. This list highlights the state's appeal to a variety of homebuyers, showcasing towns known for their resilient housing markets, access to amenities, and strong sense of community.