New Haven, Connecticut

What's the cost of living in New Haven, CT?

Some expenses in New Haven, including transportation, health care and utilities, are higher than the national average. Yet housing costs are lower than the national cost, and the cost of living remains fairly consistent with the rest of Connecticut. New Haven remains more affordable than nearby New York City and Boston. 

What's the best way to get around New Haven, CT?

Those who live close to the city center can rely on their own two feet to get around. Meanwhile, the local bus system offers more than two dozen routes throughout New Haven County. The Metro-North Railroad is the most trafficked rail line in the country, and it's just one of several options for tourists, commuters and anyone else traveling between New Haven and New York City. And a new commuter rail line is slated to be ready in 2018 and will connect New Haven; Hartford, Connecticut; and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Even with an expanding array of transit options, a car is indispensable for many residents – particularly those who live outside the downtown area. Yet commuting by car is hardly unpleasant, with the average commute coming in at just over 24 minutes.

Tweed New Haven Airport offers flights to more than 130 destinations, including New York City, Baltimore and Boston. But most residents choose to travel an hour to fly out of Bradley International Airport in Hartford, as it offers more flight options. New Haven is also serviced by Greyhound and Amtrak.

Who lives in New Haven, CT?

During the school year, well over a quarter of New Haven's residents are students at Yale. The school's impact, including both students and staff, on the composition of the metro area cannot be overstated.

But not everyone who lives in New Haven is gunning for a college degree. Roughly 16 percent of the population is older than 65, and under a third of households are made up of families with kids.

Although New Haven was founded as a Protestant colony, about half of the population does not identify with a religion. Still, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims and those with other religious beliefs have a home here.

What is there to do in New Haven, CT?

Downtown New Haven is filled with cultural attractions. Highly rated restaurants, nightclubs and music venues are packed on the weekends, while charming independent shops line the brick-paved streets downtown, providing daytime diversions.

New Haven – more specifically, Yale University – is also home to a number of noteworthy museums and art galleries, including the Yale University Art Gallery, the Yale Center for British Art and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Those who love to read will enjoy spending time in the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, while locals looking for a breath of fresh air head straight to East Rock Park, which features beautiful views of the metro area.

Nearby vacation towns line the coast, and even after their beaches empty for the cold New England winter, many of their museums, theaters and quaint main streets remain open.