Thinking about moving to Connecticut? You are not alone! Nearly 95,000 people moved here last year. With the 3rd-highest per capita income and 201,500 jobs projected by 2030, it’s the place to be if you are relocating in search of new opportunities.
Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. This blog is your ultimate relocating to Connecticut guide—packed with real tips, local insights, and everything you need to get started. Let’s dive in!
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AT A GLANCE:
- Connecticut has the 3rd-highest per capita income, with 80,000 job openings in 2025 and over 200,000 more by 2030 in healthcare, finance, biotech, and education.
- The state serves nearly 486,990 students across 169 districts, ranks 5th nationally for education. Top universities in Connecticut include Yale and UConn.
- Connecticut’s four seasons bring warm summers and snowy winters, ideal for enjoying its coastline, forests, and charming towns.
- The cost of living is about 13% above the national average but remains more affordable than nearby New York and Boston, with cheaper housing inland.
- Close to NYC, Boston, and Providence, Connecticut offers easy access to big cities alongside scenic suburban and rural life.
3 Reasons to Move to Connecticut
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Connecticut, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Job Opportunities in Connecticut
Connecticut’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities in health care, educational services, manufacturing, finance, and biotech sectors. Connecticut currently has around 80,000 new job openings.
Major employers in the state include Amazon, Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, and Yale New Haven Health. Additionally, jobs like nursing, retail workers, engineers, and skilled trades are in high demand. The Constitution State aims to add 201,500 new jobs by the end of 2030.
2. Education in Connecticut
With over 486,990 students across 169 school districts, Connecticut ranks 5th nationally for its education system. Best schools in Connecticut include Staples High School, known for college prep excellence, and Connecticut IB Academy, ranked #1 in the state.
For higher education, Connecticut is home to several prestigious institutions such as Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and Wesleyan University. The state also funds the Roberta Willis Scholarship Program and multiple grants for college students.
3. Climate in Connecticut
Connecticut has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The summers are usually warm, with temperatures ranging between 66°F to 84°F. However, the winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging between 13°F -36°F.
On average, Connecticut receives approximately 80-90 days of sunshine annually. Plus, the state can experience hurricanes, nor’easters, ice storms, and flash flooding, especially in winter and hurricane season.
Pros and Cons of Living in Connecticut
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to CT:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Connecticut has a great location—close to NYC, Boston, and Providence, easily reached by train or car. | 1. The cost of living is higher than the national average, so housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation can be pricey. |
| 2. Connecticut is home to several top-rated educational institutions like Yale and UConn. | 2. Property, income, and sales taxes in Connecticut are among the highest in the country. |
| 3. If you enjoy nature, Connecticut offers beautiful scenery and four distinct seasons to experience. | 3. Winters here can be tough, bringing plenty of snow and cold weather. |
| 4. The job market is booming, especially in finance, biotech, and healthcare sectors. | 4. Traffic congestion during rush hour, especially on highways, can be frustrating. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Connecticut ✅
Before entering the Connecticut housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Vehicle Registration & Driver’s License: After moving to Connecticut, you have 60 days to register your vehicle and 30 days to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license. Keep in mind, this process may include a VIN check and an emissions test.
- Moving to Connecticut With Guns: Open carry of firearms is banned. To carry a concealed firearm, you must obtain a state-issued pistol permit, which requires training and a background check. The state does not allow out-of-state permits.
- Recreational Marijuana: Adults aged 21 and over can possess up to 1.5 ounces in public and grow up to 6 plants at home. However, you can only purchase up to ¼ ounce at a time from the licensed shops.
- Moving Permits: If you are hiring a professional mover, make sure that they have a mover’s license in Connecticut. Additionally, oversized trucks may need special permits, which are only valid during certain hours and not allowed on weekends or holidays.
- Bringing Pets to Connecticut: If you’re moving to Connecticut with a dog or cat, make sure they have a health certificate and a rabies vaccination that’s no older than 30 days. Keep in mind, you are legally liable if your pet bites or injures someone.
Cost of Living in Connecticut
The cost of living in Connecticut is 13% higher than the U.S. average. However, it’s still a budget-friendly choice compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% higher than the national average, respectively.
How to Move to Connecticut?
Here is the step-by-step guide for making your relocation to Connecticut seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re planning to go with a professional mover, you can expect to pay around $134 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you prefer to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000–6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Utilities in Connecticut?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity and Gas: The electricity will be provided by either Eversource or United Illuminating. Both utility companies offer the setup or transfer of your service online. To get started, you will need your new address along with a valid ID.
- Water & Sewer: These services are usually managed by the city municipality’s utility department. Check your new city’s website to find out who provides water services and how to set it up.
- Internet and Cable: Internet and cable service providers vary depending on your location. Major internet providers in Connecticut include Xfinity, Frontier, and Cox. Visit their respective websites to check the availability and compare packages.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be 5 years old by January 1st for kindergarten and 6 for first grade. You will have to provide the child’s birth certificate, proof of immunizations, a recent health assessment, and proof of residency.
- For Older Students: For older students, you will need transcripts and a transfer/withdrawal form from their previous school in addition to the documents mentioned above.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers and special cases are usually managed by the local school districts. Some districts have dedicated help centers to guide you through everything.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you are already working remotely and moving to Connecticut, you can continue with your current job. Just make sure to ask your employer for state-specific tax and employment rules.
- Find a New Job: Connecticut has lots of job options in healthcare, education, insurance, and tech. Use websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or the CT Hires portal to find openings. However, if you work for the state, you can apply for transfers through the JobAps website.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Stamford, New Haven, and Hartford, the average rent ranges between $200 – $274,100[2], depending on the neighborhood and nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in Connecticut, on average, homes for sale in Norwalk cost around $653K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Waterbury and New Britain offer affordable options with median housing costs of $275K[2] and $292K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Connecticut?
Yes, you should definitely move to Connecticut. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Connecticut isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Connecticut’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Connecticut is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Connecticut, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Connecticut
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Connecticut, long before the moving boxes are packed.
