Why Is Connecticut The Best Place To Raise A Family?

There is no better place to raise a family than Connecticut, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city access, and excellent parks, beaches, museums, and cultural institutions in every corner of the state. 

Our schools are always among the top in the nation. Our communities are ranked among the safest in the country every year. 

With world-class healthcare, a strong economy and a commitment to education and the arts, Connecticut offers a vibrant environment where families can flourish.

In 2025, WalletHub named Connecticut one of the top 10 states to raise a family. The site compared the 50 states across 50 key indicators of family-friendliness, including factors like the median annual family income, housing affordability, health care quality, crime rate, and school quality. 

A Town (Or City) For Everyone

Wherever you envision raising your family — whether it’s in a vibrant city or a quaint small town — you’ll find it here in Connecticut. The state has 169 cities and towns, each with a unique identity and personality. You’re sure to find a place that feels like home, and a community that inspires you to build a great life, supporting you every step of the way.

Connecticut has been ranked the sixth-safest state in the nation by WalletHub, and the town of Ridgefield has topped lists as the safest town in the country for several years. According to ConsumerAffairs, Connecticut excels in several safety categories, with the second-lowest rate of violent crime in the country.

The state’s residents enthusiastically support locally-owned shops, cultural attractions, and a diverse and thriving food scene. With strong statewide partnerships and a deep sense of civic pride, Connecticut offers countless opportunities to contribute, connect, and be part of communities working together to create a brighter future for all.

Connecticut is also driven by people who take action to strengthen their communities. Through neighborhood revitalization, youth initiatives, food security efforts, expanded arts access, and support for local small businesses, residents are making a real and lasting impact.

Education Is a Priority

Connecticut is committed to education at every level, with some of the nation’s highest-performing public schools and world-class universities. The state leads the way in early childhood education access and regularly ranks among the highest states for public school achievement. This is a state that prioritizes equity, innovation, and opportunity, creating learning environments for all students to thrive.

Connecticut has the #2 best school systems in the country, and is among the top 5 most educated states in the country, according to WalletHub. The state also has the third-highest percentage of graduate or professional degree holders in the country.

WalletHub also ranks Connecticut’s average university quality as #4 in the nation, with Yale University in the top 5 best national universities and University of Connecticut ranked #32 in top public schools, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

A Top State for Healthcare and Public Health

Health is a fundamental part of life in Connecticut. We are regularly recognized as one of the nation’s leading states for healthcare access and quality, offering a strong combination of compassionate care and medical innovation. From nationally recognized hospitals to groundbreaking biotech research, the state is advancing preventive care, treatment, and community wellness to help every resident live a healthier, longer life. 

Connecticut is ranked #3 in the U.S. for healthcare (U.S. News and World Report) and as one of the top 5 healthiest states in the nation (United Health Foundation).

Connecticut consistently ranks among the top three states nationwide for healthcare access—and it shows. With the state’s primary care physician (PCP) ratio of 1,385:1, there’s a growing push to make care even more convenient.

An Inclusive, Progressive Culture 

Connecticut has a distinctive energy, powered by progress, innovation, and forward-looking perspectives. Inclusion is embraced wholeheartedly here, as we welcome people from diverse cultures, identities, and backgrounds. Here, everyone has the opportunity to thrive, make a difference, and create a life that supports their goals and ambitions. 

• Connecticut public schools receive about 92% of their funding from state and local sources.
• We were the second state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2008, and we’ve been named a top state for LGBTQ+ Americans top state for LGBTQ+ Americans to live in.
• Connecticut has anti-discrimination laws that support diversity, promote diversity in public schools and encourage diversity in state boards and commissions.
• The Office of Educational Opportunity works to improve enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for underserved students.
• Reproductive freedom is protected in Connecticut, up to 24 weeks. The right to an abortion has been codified in Connecticut state law since 1990. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end the federal constitutional protection of abortion will not impact abortion rights in Connecticut.
• Connecticut is a top 10 state for gender equity (#7, US News and World Report) and a top 10 state for racial progress. (Wallethub)
• Eight of our cities rank in the top 25 for diversity. (WalletHub)
• Connecticut is ranked #2 in LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index. (Out Leadership)
• Plus, we’re one of the top 5 happiest states in the nation, according to WalletHub!

Family Fun Spans Four Seasons

Family fun seekers can take their pick. Introduce the kids to classic amusement adventure, aquariums and zoos filled with friendly creatures, spots for sweet treats, world-class children’s museums, creative arts experiences, and the joys of “pick-your-own” farms. There are so many things to do with kids in Connecticut.

Choose your own adventure in Connecticut, with exciting outdoor excursions, acclaimed attractions, and plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and be creative. The state truly has something for everyone.

Outdoor activity here spans every season, with more than 100 state parks, 30 state forests, and waterfalls. Warm weather months bring opportunities for sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, and Connecticut offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and biking, including about 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail in its northwest corner. In the fall, take in the stunning foliage from hundreds of viewpoints across the state, and embrace the outdoor chill in winter with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. 

Connecticut is an ideal place to raise a family, with its safe communities, inclusive culture, excellent education and healthcare, and high quality of life with boundless opportunities for fun, exploration, and enrichment. We can’t wait to welcome you.