7 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the original 13 states of the United States of America. Consequently, it played a pivotal role in the founding of America and shaped some of the core principles of its democracy. It is conveniently located between Boston and New York, making it a prime hub for commerce, while its scenic and diverse landscapes attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the Northeast. Despite this high volume of people traffic, Connecticut ranks 48th for violent crime in the country; only Maine and New Hampshire have lower rates. These are the safest small communities to settle in Connecticut.
Weston
Weston is a residential community in southwestern Connecticut, roughly 45 miles from New York City. It boasts a high-performing educational system, vibrant arts community, an abundance of natural spaces, and consistently low violent crimes, with aggravated assault and homicide lower than the state and national average throughout the last five years. The town’s natural beauty is maintained at the Devil’s Den Preserve. At 1,800 acres, it comprises woodlands, wetlands, rock ledges, and ridges, making it an ideal location for hiking and birdwatching.
The Lachat Town Farm is open year-round, hosting a myriad of community-based events including: winter markets, yoga classes, and knitting circles. The Weston Historical Society offers historical and cultural public programs for all ages, showcasing Weston’s history and its connections to natural and world events.
Darien
Darien is located along the shores of Long Island Sound, offering a mix of cultural attractions, sandy beaches, and public parks. Pair that with consistently low homicide rates below state and national levels, and, only a few spikes in aggravated assault on par or above the state level, and you have a safe small community to settle in. Pear Tree Point Beach Park offers on-site facilities, including a boat launch with a float, as well as opportunities to relax on the sand.
Cherry Lawn Park is a scenic spot located in the center of Darien. Comprising 26.5 acres, the park features game fields, gardens, a playground, a pond, and a small walking trail system. The Darien Arts Center has been a hub of artistic expression, education, and community engagement in Darien for over 50 years. They offer arts programming and classes for all ages across various mediums, including dance, visual arts, and music.
Cheshire
Cheshire is a small community located in central Connecticut. It has historically been and continues to be deeply rooted in agriculture, with many active farms, including Drazen Orchards, which, in addition to peaches, plums, pears, and blueberries, also grows a variety of different apples, allowing visitors to pick their own. Cheshire has a steady homicide rate, with levels in the last five years lower than state and national levels. While their aggravated assault levels had one brief spike in 2023, their levels have remained below state and national levels, too.
Cheshire is not without its ample outdoor opportunities. Roaring Brook is one of the best hiking areas in town, featuring two separate trails that navigate through different terrain. Cheshire is also home to the unique Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum, which houses almost 80,000 items, including toys, lunchboxes, and games.
New Canaan
New Canaan is a charming small town on Connecticut’s coast with an acclaimed downtown, known for hosting an annual holiday stroll where shops and boutiques stay open late, offering visitors and residents a unique experience. New Canaan also has lower aggravated assault levels than state and national rates, and has had consistently low homicide rates in the last five years, other than a minor spike in 2021.
The Glass House is a National Trust Historic Site and the former home of architect Philip Johnson. It features a permanent collection of 20th-century paintings and sculptures, as well as periodic temporary exhibitions. Grace Farms comprises 80 acres of natural landscape and is a premier spot in New Canaan for programming in music, visual arts, and performing arts, while encouraging connection through architecture and nature. Waveny Park is open seven days a week and features meadows perfect for picnics, 3.5 miles of woodland trails to explore, and a pond ideal for relaxation.
Ridgefield
Ridgefield is located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. It has a highly rated educational system and is consistently recognized as one of Connecticut’s safest towns. Aggravated assault levels in Ridgefield are lower than state and national levels, and over the past five years, homicide levels have remained consistently low, except for one spike in 2024.
The town also boasts a historic charm, which can be explored at the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center, a four-acre site in the heart of Ridgefield that preserves and interprets hundreds of years of local and national history. Ballard Park has been the site of many events, including concerts, parties, and town events. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a historic theatre with renowned acoustics, making it an optimal venue for both musical performances and live theater. Adding to the historic charm, the lobby is decorated with hand-painted murals depicting landmark scenes of Ridgefield.
Simsbury
Simsbury is renowned for its charm and abundance of natural beauty, offering access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Simsbury has a picturesque downtown, where historic homes line the streets alongside fine restaurants and unique boutiques. It flexes aggravated assault levels lower than state and national levels, and usually lower homicide levels, apart from a few minor spikes in the last five years.
Simsbury is home to the Pinchot Sycamore, the largest tree in Connecticut, which is nestled in a small park on the Farmington River. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring Talcott Mountain State Park. It is the only place to access the Heublein Tower, an architectural landmark nestled within the natural landscape. At the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the Connecticut landscape, and as far as into the mountains of New Hampshire.
New Milford
New Milford is a blend of small-town and country living, with the picturesque New Milford Town Green located in the heart of downtown. It is a hub of year-round activity, hosting concerts, holiday parades, and arts festivals, which bring the whole community together. New Milford boasts a strong community alongside a low crime rate. Within the last five years, aggravated assault levels have fallen below the state and national threshold, while homicide has remained constantly low, other than a couple of spikes in 2023.
Candlewood Lake, the state's largest lake, is accessible from New Milford and is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the water, whether that be fishing, swimming, or boating. Enjoy a meal at the Cookhouse, great for any occasion, with its casual atmosphere and high-quality dishes.
Safety in Connecticut is prevalent throughout the state. Its proximity to central United States cities fuels its economy and provides stability and job security. Its landscape offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for relaxation, and its charming small towns boast a strong sense of community. These are the seven safest small communities to settle in Connecticut.
