Deja Vu: West Hartford Among 'Best Places To Live': Report

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford has been named the best place to live in Connecticut and the Northeast for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report, earning a national ranking of No. 49 in the publication’s 2026-27 Best Places to Live list.

The annual rankings evaluate more than 850 U.S. cities using public data and resident opinions.

U.S. News identified 250 communities as top places to live based on four factors: quality of life, value, desirability and job market.

West Hartford received the highest national ranking among the communities that placed first in their respective northeastern states.

Other top-ranked communities in the region included Newton, Mass. (No. 116 nationally); Massapequa Park, N.Y. (No. 118); Pittsburgh, Pa. (No. 311); Warwick, R.I. (No. 348); Clifton, N.J. (No. 518); Nashua, N.H. (No. 554); Bangor, Maine (No. 572); and Burlington, Vt. (No. 740).

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 50 communities in the nation is a tremendous honor for West Hartford,” West Hartford Mayor Shari G. Cantor said in a statement.

Cantor said the ranking reflects the town’s quality of life, schools, neighborhoods, economic opportunities and community atmosphere.

“This ranking validates what residents have long known—that West Hartford offers an exceptional quality of life, strong schools, vibrant neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and a welcoming community spirit,” Cantor said. “I want to thank our residents, businesses, educators, public safety professionals, town employees, and community organizations whose collective efforts make West Hartford such a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. We are proud to see our community recognized on both a regional and national stage.”

West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith said the recognition highlights the town’s long-term investments in municipal services, infrastructure, and economic development.

“This recognition by U.S. News & World Report affirms the strength of West Hartford as a community and the effectiveness of our long-term commitment to providing exceptional municipal services, maintaining high-quality infrastructure, and fostering a vibrant local economy,” Ledwith said.

Ledwith also credited residents, businesses, community organizations, elected officials, and town employees for helping make West Hartford a highly ranked community.

“Being ranked #1 in Connecticut and #1 in New England reflects the collective efforts of our residents, businesses, community partners, elected officials, and Town staff,” he said. “Together, we have built a community that offers an outstanding quality of life, strong public services, and a welcoming environment for people of all ages. We are honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to ensuring that West Hartford continues to be one of the nation's most desirable places to live.”

The rankings were released May 19.

Additional information about the methodology and results is available through U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live report.