10 Reasons to Retire in Connecticut

Oct 14, Alissa Sauer

Fall, winter, spring, or summer, Connecticut is always quaint and picturesque, perfectly blending rural and urban areas. From waterfront parks to farms in the countryside and access to big city amenities, Connecticut has something for everyone. Learn more about why retiring in Connecticut may be the right move for you.

Benefits of Retiring in Connecticut

1. Connecticut features picturesque scenery year-round

From postcard-worthy fall foliage and peaceful winter wonderlands to stunning spring blooms and perfect seaside summers, Connecticut is beautiful year-round. This makes a Connecticut retirement a great destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

2. Connecticut grants seniors access to a tuition-free degree

Connecticut allows senior citizens to take college classes and earn a degree tuition-free. At the University of Connecticut (UCONN), seniors can take undergraduate courses on a non-credit basis for $15/semester. Senior citizens working toward a degree do not have to pay tuition but do have to pay university and activity fees.

3. Connecticut boasts at least 100 miles of shoreline

The state’s name, Connecticut, is derived from a Native American word that means, “besides a long tidal river.” The state boasts nearly 100 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound and is crossed by four major rivers, providing residents plenty of beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.

4. Connecticut is home to the ‘Best Pizza in America’

It may sound like being home to the ‘best pizza in America’ is subjective, but Pepe’s Pizzeria in New Haven, Connecticut has claimed the top stop in a contest that included over 800 different pizzas for three years running. The White Clam Pizza has been a national favorite at the pizzeria, which has been operating for over 90 years.

5. Connecticut knows a good amusement park

Retirees in Connecticut will love taking their grandchildren to explore the country’s oldest amusement park. In fact, the state is credited with inventing the amusement park. Bridgeport, Connecticut is home to the longest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. The park, which opened in 1846 claims to have the best wooden roller coaster in the world and now has a water park and 44 rides.

6. People in Connecticut are smart

Connecticut is consistently recognized for being one of the top 5 smartest states, largely due to its prestigious universities and colleges like Yale and UCONN. Those retiring in Connecticut are like to find ample opportunities to join intellectual discussions, book clubs, and other thought-inducing groups to stay mentally sharp.

7. Connecticut perfectly balances small-town familiarity and big-city amenities

Connecticut is well known for its great small community atmosphere. Many residents stay their small town feels more like a family. However, residents also enjoy access to big city amenities and world-class shopping in Hartford and Greenwich. Retirees in Connecticut will enjoy a perfect balance of the best of both worlds.

8. Connecticut boasts a low crime rate

In addition to being one the oldest and wealthiest states in the country, Connecticut is also one of the safest. Easton, Ridgefield, and Madison top the state’s safety rankings.

9. People in Connecticut live longer

The life expectancy in the United States is 78.69 years but in Connecticut it is 80.8 years, making its life expectancy third in the nation. The state’s cancer rate has fallen by more than 21% in the past decade and experts believe access to affordable care, advances in treatment, and healthy living may account for the increased longevity.

10. Connecticut boasts a rich culture and heritage

As one of the oldest state’s in the country, Connecticut has a strong history and heritage that brings performing arts and culture to a new level. From Mystic Seaport, one of the world’s premiere ship museums, to College Street Music Hall in New Haven, there is always something for retirees in Connecticut to enjoy.

Experience Leisure Care Senior Living in Connecticut

The Landing of North Haven

Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in North Haven

Financially Planning for Retirement in Connecticut

Now that you know how great retiring in Connecticut can be, how will you make the move? First, comb through your current expenses and determine how much you spend each month that you may not have to once you move to a community because so much of senior living is all-inclusive. Consider how much is spent monthly on food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and homeownership costs. Once you have a good understanding of how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the cost of senior living.

You will also want to think through what is included at the Connecticut retirement community you are considering. Many Leisure Care communities in Connecticut include a wide range of amenities including,

• Regular housekeeping and linen services
• True restaurant dining, with made to order meals
• Engaging activities and social events
• Home maintenance and yard work
• Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit
• Language lessons
• Travel opportunities
• Assisted living and memory care services, if needed

Exactly how much your monthly rate is will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and apartment chosen.

The cost of senior living in Connecticut comes in at an average of $5,575 per month for assisted living care, making a Connecticut retirement cost more than the national average.

Retiring in Connecticut with Leisure Care

From traveling the world to exploring your own backyard, Leisure Care living is fun and easy. We offer assisted living, and memory care services at our communities in Connecticut. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.

It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.