I have moved thousands of families in and out of Hartford County since 2013. Over that time, I have noticed something: certain towns come up again and again when people ask where to settle down with kids. There is a reason for that.
Here is what I tell people when they ask which Hartford County towns are best for families. This is not based on real estate listings or online rankings. It is based on what we see on the ground, week after week, from the inside of our trucks.
West Hartford
What makes it appealing. West Hartford Center is the closest thing Hartford County has to a walkable downtown. You can live in a neighborhood where kids can ride bikes to the ice cream shop, where the schools consistently rank among the best in the state, and where you still have easy access to Hartford and I-84. It is the most requested town we move people into.
What to know about moving there. Street parking can be tight in the older neighborhoods near the center. Some streets have permit-only parking that out-of-town movers may not know about. Older homes in the Sunset Farms and North Main areas often have narrow staircases. If your move involves a big couch or a mattress over queen size, measure your doorways first.
We do a lot of moves in West Hartford and our crews know the neighborhoods, the shortcuts, and the parking rules.
Glastonbury
What makes it appealing. Glastonbury has the best of both worlds. Larger lots and a more suburban feel than West Hartford, but still easy access to Hartford via Route 2 or Route 3. The schools are excellent. The town has a real farming history and a lot of green space.
What to know about moving there. Glastonbury is hilly. Steep driveways are common and some of them are a challenge for a fully loaded truck. The long country-style driveways common in town mean long carry distances on move day, so expect the move to take a little longer than the same-sized move in a denser town.
Our Glastonbury crews have been in and out of every neighborhood in town over the years, from the riverfront properties near Main Street down to the newer developments off Hebron Avenue.
Simsbury
What makes it appealing. Simsbury is quieter than West Hartford or Glastonbury. The town center has a small-town charm, the schools are strong, and you are a short drive from the Farmington Valley hiking trails and Talcott Mountain. If outdoor access and a slower pace are priorities, Simsbury fits the bill.
What to know about moving there. The town is spread out, which means some of your neighbors will be a quarter mile away. Many homes sit on larger wooded lots with long driveways and private entrances. Our crews plan extra time for Simsbury moves for this reason. In winter, the rural roads can be harder to navigate after a storm, so weather flexibility matters if you are moving between December and March.
Avon
What makes it appealing. Avon is smaller and quieter than the more populated Hartford suburbs. The Avon Old Farms area has some of the most beautiful historic architecture in the region and the schools are highly rated. It feels more rural than its location would suggest.
What to know about moving there. Many Avon homes are older colonials with tight interior layouts. Moving large furniture through these homes requires planning. Our crews handle Avon moves regularly and we always do a pre-move walkthrough for homes in the historic district. If you have a pool table, a grand piano, or other large specialty items, tell us early so we can plan.
South Windsor
What makes it appealing. South Windsor is a more affordable alternative to the bigger Hartford County names, with solid schools and easy access to Hartford and Springfield via I-84 and I-91. A lot of families who want good schools and suburban space without the West Hartford price tag end up here.
What to know about moving there. South Windsor is easier to navigate than the older Hartford County towns. Wider roads, newer housing stock, and fewer surprises. Moves here tend to go smoothly. The main thing to know is that some of the newer neighborhoods have strict HOA rules about truck parking on move day, so check with your association before the big day.
Our South Windsor moves are usually some of the easiest we do.
Enfield
What makes it appealing. Enfield is our hometown. We have been based here since 2013, and I may be biased, but it is a great place to raise a family. It sits right on the Massachusetts border, which means easy access to Springfield and the I-91 corridor heading north. The schools are solid, the housing is more affordable than most of Hartford County, and you get a real small-town feel that has been lost in a lot of the closer-in suburbs.
What to know about moving there. Enfield has a mix of housing types, from historic homes in the Thompsonville and Hazardville neighborhoods to newer construction in the Hazard Avenue corridor. Some of the older neighborhoods have narrow streets and mature trees that can complicate truck access. Our crews know the local routes and can get almost anywhere in town without drama.
We handle Enfield moves every week. If you are thinking about moving here, I can give you straight answers about the neighborhoods, the schools, and what to expect.
A mover's honest take
The best town for your family is the one that fits your budget, your commute, your kids' ages, and your lifestyle. There is no universal answer. But if you are weighing Hartford County towns for a family move, the six above are the ones we move people into most often.
If you want to talk through what your move to any of these towns should look like, get in touch. We handle residential moving for families across all of Hartford County and we are happy to share what we know, even if it is just about one specific street you are considering.
- Joe Caronna, Owner, Castle Express Moving & Storage