The Complete Guide to Retiring in Connecticut
Connecticut’s cultural scene and access to outdoor activities make it a popular location for retirement. Individuals also love the strong safety records and variety of small towns and villages.
In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of retiring in Connecticut as well as provide you with some of the best cities for your retirement.
What to expect from retiring in Connecticut
If you choose to live in Connecticut, you’ll experience all four seasons. Winters can be cold, but the summers are warm. If cold weather is a deal-breaker for you, you might consider moving to a coastal area, which has milder winters and less frost.
The Connecticut River runs up the middle of the state and is home to flatter areas and the largest cities. If you travel further northwest, you’ll run into hilly areas, like Bear Mountain. Connecticut is also well-known for its forest areas, including Topsmead State Forest. This landscape is perfect for walks and hikes. Plus, Connecticut’s lakes and rivers are great for fishing, boating, and river cruises.
Connecticut also has plenty to offer history and culture lovers. Yale University Art Gallery is a popular option, whereas the Mark Twain House & Museum is a must for literature lovers. Connecticut also hosts many festivals each year. These events celebrate art, history, music, and food.
The pros and cons of retiring in Connecticut
There’s a lot to enjoy about retiring in Connecticut, but there are also some drawbacks. Let’s explore these a bit more:
Pros:
Connecticut has a diverse outdoor landscape. If you love outdoor activities, like hiking and fishing, this will appeal to you.
Retirees love Connecticut’s small, quaint towns and the peace that they feel from living there.
There’s plenty to do. Local colleges offer classes for seniors. Also, local museums and historical sites provide even more learning opportunities.
It’s easy to access health care services. Plus, you’re close to larger cities like Boston and New York for further health care access and amenities.
Cons:
Connecticut has a higher cost of living than the national average. If you’re on a strict budget, affordability can be an issue.
Property taxes are high in Connecticut, which can also impact your budget.
Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the northern and inland areas of the state. Nor’easter storms can also sometimes bring heavy snow and strong winds.
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour. Traffic can also be heavy in the summer months near the coast.
How retirement taxes work in Connecticut
Although Connecticut has a higher cost of living, some tax savings and deductions are available to seniors. Below, we’ll provide more details about how taxes work for seniors in Connecticut.
Social Security taxes: If you file individually and your adjusted gross income is under $75,000, you won’t pay Social Security taxes. For people filing as a couple, those with adjusted gross incomes of under $100,000 don’t pay taxes on Social Security.
Pensions and retirement exemptions: Connecticut has a sliding scale for exemptions. This means that you may be eligible for a total or partial exception based on your adjusted gross income.
Property tax credits: Connecticut provides property tax credits for individuals who are over the age of 65.
Estate and inheritance taxes: Estate taxes only apply to estates that are valued over $13.61 million. There are no state inheritance taxes in Connecticut.
Property taxes: While tax credits are available, Connecticut has higher property taxes compared to the national average. The average effective property tax rate on real estate in Connecticut is 1.92%, and the median annual property tax payment is $6,575.
Is it expensive to live in Connecticut?
Connecticut is a more expensive place to live. Compared to the national average, the cost of living in Connecticut is 13% higher. Housing costs are 19% higher than the national average, and the average cost of rent is 12% higher. The average cost of a house in Connecticut is about $414,000, and the average monthly rent in Connecticut is $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment. The cost of utilities is also significantly higher than average.
According to the U.S. News and World Report Affordability Rankings, Connecticut ranks #40 in affordability and #41 in cost of living. In general, urban areas tend to be more expensive than rural areas.
How does retiring in Connecticut compare to Massachusetts or New York?
The cost of living in Connecticut can be a bit more affordable than in Massachusetts or New York. Connecticut also has more affordable housing. Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York have four distinct seasons. However, Connecticut summers can be less humid, making them more comfortable.
Retirees looking for a slower pace of life might prefer the more rural areas in Connecticut. The close access to New York and Boston still provides easy access to the city.
Best places to retire in Connecticut
Although Connecticut has a higher cost of living, there are more affordable options as well. Higher-end places to retire in Connecticut include:
Greenwich: A city with upscale housing that is located close to major cities like New York City and Long Island. It offers a coastal lifestyle with access to golf courses and high-end dining.
Darien: A city located near New York City, offering access to the amenities of New York City but with a slower-paced lifestyle. Local beaches provide walking trails and opportunities for boating, tennis, and kayaking.
Westport: A small city with beach access, fine dining options, art museums, and theaters.
More affordable options to retire in Connecticut include:
Hartford: The state capital, Hartford, gives you access to city life at more affordable prices. Elizabeth Park and Riverside Park are popular destinations for nature walks.
Bristol: A smaller city that is affordable, with multiple golf courses, walking trails, and senior centers. Bristol is also home to Lake Compounce, America’s oldest amusement park.
Middletown: Middletown is a budget-friendly community with plenty of parks and walking trails. The local university also offers several cultural activities and performances to the public.
Senior health in Connecticut
Connecticut was ranked as the 5th healthiest state in America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Seniors often say that healthcare services are easy to access in Connecticut. The state also has several highly rated hospital systems, including Yale New Haven Health and UConn Health.
Medicare in Connecticut
There are about 741,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Connecticut. This makes up approximately 19% of Connecticut’s population. Approximately 56% of these individuals are on a Connecticut Medicare Advantage plan, while the remaining 43% are on Original Medicare.
If you want to learn more about Medicare in Connecticut, you can speak with a Chapter Medicare Advisor. Call us at (855) 900-2427 or schedule a free consultation.
Retiring in Connecticut
While the cost of living in Connecticut is higher, it’s easy to access healthcare services and other amenities located in major cities. There’s also lots to do, including outdoor activities, learning something new, and relaxing in the peace and quiet of a small town.