When New Yorkers tell us they're moving to Connecticut, they usually want two things that sound like opposites. They want more space, quiet and green. But they don't want to give up everything they loved about city life: a good restaurant within walking distance, a train they can catch, something to do on a Saturday.
The good news is that Hartford County delivers both, if you pick the right town. We've moved plenty of families here from the city, and these are the places we see NYC transplants settle in and stay. If you're still working through the numbers on a move from New York to Connecticut, our 2026 cost breakdown covers what you'll spend.
Getting Around Without a Subway
For many New Yorkers, the biggest adjustment is transportation. Hartford County is mostly car country, but rail is a real option along one corridor.
The CTrail Hartford Line runs between New Haven and Springfield, MA. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, its stations include Berlin, Hartford, Windsor and Windsor Locks. The Hartford Line also notes that Amtrak and CTrail Hartford Line tickets are accepted on each other's trains on this route. New stations are also planned for Enfield, West Hartford and Newington as part of CTDOT's Hartford Line improvements.
If staying connected to New York by train matters to you, living near one of those stations is worth weighing when you choose a town.
7 Hartford County Towns NYC Transplants Love
1. West Hartford: The Closest Thing to a City Neighborhood
If you want sidewalks, shops and restaurants close to home, West Hartford is a natural first look for anyone coming from the city.
It's also home to Elizabeth Park, whose rose garden opened in 1904 and is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country, according to ConnecticutHistory.org. A new Hartford Line station is also planned for West Hartford. See our page for movers in West Hartford, CT.
2. Hartford: Real City Living for Less
Not ready to give up city life altogether? Hartford gives you a downtown, historic neighborhoods and Hartford Union Station on the Hartford Line. It's a natural fit for New Yorkers who want urban energy at a different pace.
We've written a lot about the city, including Hartford neighborhoods from a mover's perspective and the best Hartford neighborhoods for first-timers. Ready to go? Here are our Hartford movers.
3. Glastonbury: Space, Farms and the River
Glastonbury is where a lot of families trade an apartment for a house with a yard. It sits on the Connecticut River and is known for its orchards, including Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury.
Here's a fun one for history lovers: the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry has crossed the Connecticut River since 1655 and is the oldest continuously operating ferry in the United States, according to CTDOT. Learn more about our Glastonbury movers.
4. Simsbury: For the Outdoorsy Crowd
If weekends in Central Park were your favorite part of city life, Simsbury takes that up several notches. Heublein Tower, built in 1914, sits atop Talcott Mountain in Talcott Mountain State Park, with views across the Farmington River Valley. The paved Farmington Canal Heritage Trail also runs through town for walking and biking. See our Simsbury movers page.
5. Farmington: History, Culture and Trails
Farmington blends a historic town feel with plenty to do. The Hill-Stead Museum offers programs and walking trails across its 152-acre property, and both the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the Farmington River Trail pass through the area. Here are our Farmington movers.
6. Windsor and Windsor Locks: Commuter-Friendly
For anyone who wants rail access without living in the city, Windsor and Windsor Locks both have stations on the Hartford Line. They're practical, well-connected towns with an easy drive into Hartford. Learn about our Windsor movers and Windsor Locks movers.
7. Enfield: Our Hometown
We're a little biased, but Enfield deserves a look. It sits right on the Massachusetts line, which makes Springfield as easy to reach as Hartford, and a new Hartford Line station is planned in the Thompsonville section of town. It's also one of the places you can transfer your vehicle registration, since CTDOT lists a DMV branch office in Enfield. See our Enfield movers page.
Want more options? Browse every town we serve on our service areas page, or read our best towns in Hartford County for families.
How to Choose the Right Town
A few questions help narrow it down quickly:
- How often will you go back to New York? If it's regularly, look at towns near Hartford Line stations.
- Do you want to walk to things? West Hartford and Hartford come closest to city living.
- Is outdoor space the priority? Simsbury, Farmington and Glastonbury put trails, rivers and farms on your doorstep.
- Visit on a weekday and a weekend. A town can feel very different on a Tuesday morning than on a Saturday afternoon.
For a broader view of life here, read the pros and cons of living in Connecticut and our guide to relocating to Connecticut.
Once you've picked your town, the next step is planning the move itself. Our Connecticut moving checklist and moving day tips from professional movers will keep you on track. And if your new home isn't ready on moving day, moving and storage with one company keeps things simple.
Make Your Move to Hartford County With Castle Express
We're a family-run, licensed moving company based in Enfield, and we've helped plenty of New York families find their footing in Hartford County. We know these towns, their streets and their quirks, and we'll handle everything from packing services to long distance moving and residential moving.
Wherever you land, we'll get you there. Request your free estimate or call (888) 553-4503.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Hartford County town for someone moving from New York City?
It depends on what you want. West Hartford and Hartford offer the most city-like feel, Simsbury and Farmington are great for outdoor lovers, and Windsor and Windsor Locks have Hartford Line rail stations.
Can I take a train from Hartford County?
Yes. The CTrail Hartford Line runs between New Haven and Springfield, MA, with stations in Berlin, Hartford, Windsor and Windsor Locks. New stations are planned for Enfield, West Hartford and Newington.
Is Hartford County a good place for families moving from New York?
Many families find it a good fit for the extra space and outdoor access. Our post on the best towns in Hartford County for families goes into more detail.
How long do I have to get a Connecticut driver's license after moving?
The Connecticut DMV gives new residents 90 days after establishing residency to transfer an out-of-state license, and 90 days to transfer a vehicle registration.
When is the best time to move from New York to Connecticut?
It depends on your schedule and budget. Our article on the best time to move in Connecticut breaks down the pros and cons of each season.