In Connecticut, assisted living facilities are inspected by the State Department of Public Health. Connecticut’s senior living facilities may include Alzheimer’s care centers, continuing care retirement communities, adult day care, and more. For those seniors who don’t require major medical or personal assistance, Connecticut offers a range of senior independent living communities including home health care, life care communities, senior condos and townhouses, and more.
As a destination for senior retirement living, Connecticut has mixed reviews. On the one hand, it’s a beautiful state—offering larger cities as well as picturesque New England towns nestled within green valleys. It has an extensive coastline, as well as plenty of opportunities for boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other activities for active seniors.
In addition, Connecticut is near several major metropolitan centers—including New York City and Boston. Perhaps this is one reason why the state’s cost of living tends to be higher than the rest of the country—because so many wealthy transplants from these areas move to Connecticut for its beautiful landscapes and picturesque towns.
However, Connecticut is not the most friendly state when it comes to retirement taxes. All out-of-state government and federal civil service pensions are fully taxed in Connecticut, although 50% of military retirement pay is exempt. Those who receive Social Security payments are exempt if they fall within certain requirements—including earning federal adjusted gross income of less than $60,000 per year.
While Connecticut’s tax burden is high, it’s a very picturesque state—and quite close to all the entertainment you could want in Boston and New York City. If you’re considering finding senior housing in Connecticut, here are some areas to consider.
New Haven
The second-largest town in Connecticut, New Haven was founded in 1638—and its original eight streets, laid out in a four-by-four grid, are considered a National Historic Planning Landmark. New Haven is the home of Yale University, one of the top universities in the world—and a major center for cultural events and entertainment.
Hartford
Hartford is a dynamic town that offers plenty of shopping and recreation, including the distinctive rose gardens at Elizabeth Park and hiking trails at the Metropolitan District reservoirs. Three major colleges are located in Hartford: St. Joseph College, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Hartford.
Guilford
Guilford is a fairly small town compared to Hartford and New Haven. There’s a strong sense of community here, and residents speak of the high quality of life and friendliness of neighbors as good reasons to consider moving here.
Middletown
Located along the Connecticut River, Middletown is the home of Wesleyan University. It offers several cultural centers, including the Green Street Art Center, a venue that offers events, classes and workshops on a range of artistic subjects. There’s also the Connecticut aMAIZEing Maze—with over two miles of pathways through a cornfield. The town’s strict limits on residential growth ensures that the town stays small. Crime rates in Middletown are quite low.
Connecticut is a beautiful place to retire—with beautiful rural landscapes, attractive New England towns, and a real small-town feel. It offers rolling hills, forests, and beaches—and plenty to do for active seniors. In addition, Connecticut is a fairly sophisticated place, with restaurants, art galleries, cultural entertainment, shopping, and other attractions in its bustling downtowns.
But Connecticut has its downside, too. Taxes on retirees are high, as are cost of living and property values. Still, every retirement decision requires a trade-off. Check out our listing of retirement living communities in Connecticut, including assisted living facilities, independent living, senior condos and apartment complexes, and more. You’re sure to find a senior housing option in Connecticut that fits your medical needs and lifestyle.
