Every few weeks I get a call from someone who has never been to Connecticut but is about to move here. They have taken a job in Hartford, or their spouse got transferred, or they are moving closer to family. They have a thousand questions and not a lot of time.
I have been moving families into Connecticut since 2013. Here is what I tell them.
Why people move here
Connecticut sits in a spot that is hard to find anywhere else in the Northeast. You are about two hours from New York City and about an hour and a half from Boston. That means you can live somewhere quieter and still have access to two of the biggest job markets in the country. A lot of the people we move in are remote workers or commuters who want space without giving up proximity.
The schools are another big draw. Towns like West Hartford, Glastonbury, and Simsbury have some of the best public schools in the Northeast. Families with kids are usually moving here specifically for that.
Cost of living is another factor. Connecticut is not cheap, but compared to Westchester County, northern New Jersey, or eastern Massachusetts, you are getting more house for your money. People moving in from those areas usually feel like they are upgrading.
Hartford County specifically
Most of our moves happen in Hartford County. The county covers a mix of urban, suburban, and small-town communities, all within a 30-minute drive of the capital.
The towns most in demand for families right now are:
West Hartford. Walkable town center, excellent schools, strong community feel. It is the most popular destination for families moving into the area. Homes go fast, so if you are considering it, be ready to move quickly.
Glastonbury. Larger lots, great schools, suburban feel. Good for families who want more space without being too far from Hartford.
Simsbury. Quieter, more rural feel, excellent schools. If you want access to hiking, trails, and outdoor space while still having suburban amenities, this is where to look.
[Avon](/movers-avon-ct). Smaller community, scenic, highly rated schools. The Avon Old Farms area draws a lot of interest from families moving in from out of state.
What to expect on moving day in Connecticut
This is where it helps to know a mover who has been here a while. Connecticut has some quirks that catch out-of-state movers off guard.
The roads are narrower than you expect. New England was laid out before big moving trucks existed. In older towns like Wethersfield and Manchester, you will find streets where a 26-foot truck can barely make the turn. Our crews know the routes. A mover from out of state might not.
Older homes have tight staircases. A lot of the housing stock in Connecticut is pre-1950. Colonials and capes from that era often have narrow staircases with hard 90-degree turns at the bottom. Furniture that fit in your old home might not fit in your new one. Measure your big pieces before move day.
Winter moves are a real thing. Connecticut gets real winter weather. If you are moving between November and March, expect the possibility of snow, ice, and salt on the roads. Our crews protect floors with runners and we adjust schedules when the weather demands it.
Driveways can be steep. A lot of Hartford County sits on hills. If your new home has a steep driveway, make sure the moving company knows ahead of time. A fully loaded truck cannot always make it up.
Practical tips for your move in
Plan the utility switch early. Eversource is the main electric provider in Connecticut. Set up your account at least two weeks before move day so you are not arriving to a dark house.
Get your car registered within 60 days. Connecticut has a 60-day window for new residents to register vehicles. Do it early, because the DMV wait times can be brutal.
Change your address with the post office before you move. Forwarding mail is easy if you set it up in advance.
Find a good local plumber and electrician right away. Older Connecticut homes have quirks. Having a go-to person for each saves headaches later.
Coming in from far away
If you are moving from more than a few hours away, the logistics get more complex. We handle residential moving for long distance moves into Connecticut regularly and we can walk you through the timeline, what to expect on pickup and delivery days, and how to coordinate a move where you have not seen your new home in person yet.
Moving to a new state is stressful. Moving to a state you have never lived in is harder. If you have questions about the process, about the area, or about what makes a given town a good fit for your family, reach out. I am happy to talk through it even if you end up hiring a different mover.
- Joe Caronna, Owner, Castle Express Moving & Storage