10 Best Places To Call Home In New England In 2025
Although initially a tough place for early settlers due to its harsh winters, it’s safe to say New England has, for centuries, been one of the best places to call home on the North American continent. As early as the 1620s, this region attracted English people, who established some of the continent’s earliest colonies, including the Plymouth Colony, where the Thanksgiving tradition was born. In 2025, this region remains an amazing place to call home. In addition to being blessed with unrivaled natural beauty amplified by its four distinct seasons, New England is known for its excellent healthcare and for consistently ranking as the safest region in the country. Most states in this region, particularly New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island, have continued to top the rankings of safest places in America. Moreover, this region is full of history, impressive architecture, unique cuisine, and affordable homes, all of which contribute to an overall high quality of life. With that said, here are the 10 best places in New England to call home in 2025.
Newington, Connecticut
Newington is a charming town, around eight miles from Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. Residents here enjoy easy access to some of the best medical facilities in the region, including Bel-Air Manor, which is known for providing top-notch residential healthcare for seniors. Plus, the town is loaded with recreational opportunities, with Mill Pond Park leading in that aspect. This park has a beautiful pond ideal for fishing, and sporting facilities such as basketball courts and soccer fields. There’s even a waterfall in the park, along with walking trails and picnic areas. Elsewhere, Lucy Robbins Welles Library offers a wide variety of books and magazines, and a quiet atmosphere. Notably, parking is free in Newington, and there’s plenty of ample space around town. And again, just a short drive from town is Hartford, where one can catch a baseball game at Dunkin’ Park or explore Mark Twain House & Museum, home of one of America’s greatest authors. More cool attractions in the nearby capital of Connecticut include the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, which contains a diverse collection of artworks, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European Baroque art, and more. Not to forget, Newington is incredibly affordable, with an average home value of around $362,500 in September 2025, significantly lower than the state average, which currently sits around $429,000.
North Adams, Massachusetts
This small town in Massachusetts is one of the coziest destinations in New England to call home. For arts enthusiasts, particularly, this town will be a delight as it hosts the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the largest of its kind in the US. Better known as MASS MoCA, this museum features indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, as well as multiple galleries containing artworks ranging from photography to painting, sculpture, and more. Art aside, North Adams has several natural attractions, including Windsor Lake, which is ideal for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Just beside the lake is the Historic Valley Campground, which has well-equipped campsites, a playground, a disc golf course, and hiking trails. North Adams also hosts the Cascade, a beautiful waterfall that can be explored via a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail that also winds through a hemlock-beech forest and along a stream. Additionally, the Appalachian Trail runs through town, allowing residents to easily hop on the trail to explore either direction. As if that’s not enough, North Adams hosts multiple events year-round, one of which is the FreshGrass Festival held in September at MASS MoCA and featuring endless bluegrass and roots music. All of these can be enjoyed alongside an incredibly affordable housing market with average home values currently at around $256,000, far below the state average of $647,505.
Berlin, New Hampshire
Berlin is one of New Hampshire’s best-kept secrets, perfect for those who love tranquility, natural scenery, and adventures. To begin, this town hosts the Jericho Mountain State Park, where a charming Jericho Lake sets the stage for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The park even includes campsites, cabins, a visitor center, and dozens of miles of ATV trails, making it a paradise for ATV riding and snowmobiling in winter. Near town, one will find the Nansen Ski Jump, one of the largest in the area. This ski jump is in Nansen Wayside Park, which is also a cool place to picnic and fish or boat on the Androscoggin River. Moreover, Berlin is in proximity to more exciting attractions such as the Moose Brook State Park, where opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, and fishing abound. Back in town, Fagin’s Pub is always open to offer delicious meals and cold brews. When it comes to housing affordability, Berlin is among the top choices in New England, with a housing market averaging at $188,633 in September 2025. This is far below the state average, which is presently around $502,000.
Torrington, Connecticut
Torrington is one of the larger towns in New England, with many appeals that make it a worthy choice for residence. For starters, the town has one of the lowest crime rates in the US, and homes cost around $288,000 on average, significantly lower than the state average of $429,761. Torrington is also full of recreation and hosts the Warner Theatre, one of the state’s top performing arts venues. Burr Pond State Park, one of the town’s top attractions, is a paradise for outdoor adventures, featuring an 85-acre pond that’s great for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also has picnic areas, campsites, and multiple trails, including the 2.5-mile Walcott Trail that winds around the pond and the 2.1-mile John Muir Trail that leads to the Sunnybrook State Park. This park is equally exciting as it offers trails that wind through lush trees and opportunities for fishing on the East Branch Naugatuck River. Elsewhere in town, the Stillwater Pond State Park provides more natural scenery and activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Furthermore, Torrington is home to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, a 109-bed facility providing acute care. The town also has several marketplaces to delight shopping lovers. The Wright’s Barn & Flea Market is just one of them, offering everything from vintage artifacts to homemade foods.
Johnston, Rhode Island
Johnston is a charming town that appeals with affordability, convenience, and recreational opportunities. Located a short drive outside Providence, homes in this town are currently priced at $445,330 on average, which is below the state average of $490,597. Meanwhile, the town’s crime rate is significantly low, and it is near some of the best hospitals in the region, such as the Roger Williams Medical Center, which provides a wide range of services, including specialty and acute care. When it comes to recreation, Johnston is an absolute delight as it hosts attractions such as the Salisbury Farms and Dame Farm & Orchards, both of which offer pick-your-own activities, fresh produce, and impressive natural scenery. Dame Farm, particularly, is in the Snake Den State Park, which also features walking trails that wind through flowers and lush trees. Furthermore, the Johnston Memorial Park is in town and presents opportunities to stroll, jog, picnic, or enjoy sports such as basketball, tennis, and baseball.
East Providence, Rhode Island
East Providence is among Rhode Island’s larger towns, offering many pleasures for far less. With average home values of $432,568, this town’s housing market is below the state average. And that is despite being home to fun attractions such as the historic Crescent Park Carousel, which was first built in 1895 and still offers exciting rides. East Providence also hosts the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, where families with children, especially, can spend quality time bouncing, flipping, sliding, and just having fun. For outdoor activities, the Sabin Point Waterfront Park is in town, providing access to fishing on Narragansett Bay. More facilities in the park include picnic tables, a playground, walking paths, and a basketball court. Furthermore, Bold Point Park sits on the town’s waterfront, serving as an open-air venue with impressive views of Narragansett Bay and Seekonk River. The park is also just a cool spot to relax on a bench and soak in the scenery. On the matter of healthcare, the town has several medical establishments, like the highly-rated Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care, which provides a wide range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of major & minor illnesses.
Brattleboro, Vermont
Vermont is a charming state famous for its enchanting fall colors, outdoor attractions, covered bridges, and vibrant art scene. All of these features can be enjoyed in Brattleboro, alongside an affordable housing market, with homes selling for $326,829 on average, significantly lower than the state median, which is $400,423. While living here, those who love art can always visit the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center to browse through interesting artworks or attend a lecture, workshop, concert, or performance. For farm enthusiasts, Brattleboro is home to the likes of Robb Family Farm and Retreat Farm, all offering immersive agriculture-based experiences. At the Retreat Farm, guests can interact with animals, enjoy live music, taste wine, and engage in art activities. The farm also has approximately 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking through meadows and wooded areas. Meanwhile, Robb Family Farm provides maple syrup and maple products for tasting and purchase, plus tours are offered to see the production of the beloved syrup. Elsewhere in town, the Creamery Covered Bridge is a delight to just walk through and admire. Built in 1879, this bridge is notable for being the last surviving 19th-century covered bridge in the area.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, is a unique place to call home in New England. With a population of around 8,000, it is the country’s smallest capital, yet it hosts many facilities, from nature parks to cultural establishments like the Lost Nation Theater, one of the best regional theaters in the country. Living in this town is an opportunity to regularly admire the Vermont State House, one of the oldest and best-preserved state capitols in the US. This structure was built in the 1850s in the Greek Revival architectural style, and it is open for tours. Residents in Montpelier also get to enjoy plenty of events year-round, including one of the region’s largest Independence Day celebrations, which is usually held on July 3. Meanwhile, those who love shopping are in luck as the town is just six miles from the Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop, a picturesque establishment with a variety of maple products, cheese, and other appealing products. The farm is also just a great place to picnic, interact with animals, and learn about maple syrup production.
As for adventure buffs, the Hubbard Park in town has over seven miles of hiking and skiing trails, while the North Branch River Park features around five miles of multi-use trails and a nature center. The average home value in Montpelier is $424,083, about average for the state. These home prices are fair considering what the town offers, including proximity to top-notch hospitals, such as the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Massachusetts has the most expensive housing market of all New England states, with an average home value of $647,505. Yet it hosts Pittsfield, where the average home value is $306,643, one of the lowest in the region. In addition to its affordability, the town is lined with things to see and do, further making it a worthy place to call home in New England. One can find the interesting Hancock Shaker Village in this town, which preserves the history of the Shakers, a religious sect known for simple living, convulsive behavior during worship, and spiritual revelations. The village now serves as a living museum, featuring a 1826 round barn, exhibits, working artisans, and tours. The historic Colonial Theatre is also in this town to keep everyone entertained with impressive architecture and electrifying performances, including musicals and comedy. For nature lovers, the Mass Audubon Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary is in town, with three miles of trails that wind through woodlands and along the Housatonic River, offering opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.
Come winter, Pittsfield becomes a paradise for adventurers as it is home to Bousquet Mountain, one of the top ski resorts in New England. This resort features a vertical drop of 750 feet, alongside twenty trails, two lifts, a snowtubing park, and other cool features.
New London, Connecticut
Located on the Thames River and Long Island Sound, New London is one of New England’s charming coastal gems, ideal for residency. This town is an absolute delight, especially because of its long list of attractions, one of which is the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, home to over 19,000 objects from ancient times to the present. This art museum alone is a strong reason to settle here, as it would take a while to explore the extensive art collection that includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, pottery, decorative arts, and furniture from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Sitting at another part of town is the Garde Arts Center, one of New England’s finest performing arts centers, with a history dating to 1926. At this meticulously designed venue, one can catch a variety of events, including dance, concerts, theater productions, and film festivals year-round. For history buffs, New London is home to the Fort Trumbull State Park, which offers an immersion into America’s military history. Things to see in the park include a 19th-century living quarters, gun emplacements, and cannon, plus there’s a fishing pier on site for a memorable fishing experience on Long Island Sound. In addition, residents in this town have plenty of options for exploring the waters, including the Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise, which offers tours of multiple lighthouses and historic mansions.
Despite all of these pleasures, homes in New London cost $310,190 on average, lower than the state average of $429,761. Plus, the town is home to the highly-rated Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care, which attends to non-life-threatening conditions.
New England is an amazing place to call home, and these towns are among the region’s best places to choose from. These towns have been carefully curated for their laid-back atmospheres, natural scenery, affordable housing, and exciting attractions. They are also among the safest places in the country, making them ideal for retirees and families with children. Moreover, these New England towns are never too far from some of the country’s best hospitals, meaning easy access to quality healthcare for residents. From Montpelier to Torrington, these towns are worthy places to reside in 2025.
