Moving from New York City to Connecticut - Benefits, Cost & How To
Moving from the hustle and bustle of NYC to the more suburban Connecticut has always been a favored option for people looking for a change of scenery. With a lower cost of living, lower property prices, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, moving from NYC to Connecticut offers practical advantages as well as lifestyle enhancements that can make a lot of sense for those seeking to move out of the Big Apple.
In this post, we’ll outline everything you need to know about moving from NYC to Connecticut, including the benefits, how to do it, the costs, and some of the leading cities to consider.
Benefits of moving from NYC to Connecticut
More Affordable Housing
Are you tired of paying New York City rental prices but know that you can afford to buy property in the city? Then Connecticut could offer a viable alternative. Though house prices in Connecticut are above the national average, they’re significantly lower than in New York City, especially in cities away from the main train lines. In those areas, median house prices can be up to 50% cheaper than in New York City.
Not that you need to buy a property to enjoy the real estate benefits of moving from NYC to Connecticut. Average rent in Connecticut is significantly cheaper than the average rent New Yorkers have to pay — and you’ll often get more space, too.
Improved Cost of Living
People who move from NYC to Connecticut don’t just benefit from cheaper real estate costs. They tend to benefit from cheaper everything. If you’ve lived in New York for a while, you’ll be forgiven for having grown tired of spending huge chunks of your salary on groceries, dining, entertainment, and other daily expenses that can quickly add up to a small fortune.
Connecticut, while generally more expensive than the national average, is more affordable than New York City — and, indeed, most other places in the New England area.
Enjoy All Four Seasons
New York City does get four seasons, but you don’t get to experience them in the same way as you do in Connecticut, a state that allows you to fully sink into the joys of each season. Springtime brings blossoming flowers; Summer brings outdoor activities; Fall brings stunning foliage; and Winter brings snowy, chilly weather.
It’s a state that offers unparalleled natural beauty. There are countless state parks, the Appalachian Trail, and plenty of coastlines that allow residents to form a closer connection to the great outdoors than they could in New York City.
Enviable Location
Moving from NYC to Connecticut is a change, but it’s not akin to moving to the moon. New York and Connecticut are neighbors, and there are plenty of people who choose to live in Connecticut but work in New York City. Even if you do decide to find employment in your new state, you’ll still have all the culture and other advantages of NYC on your doorstep.
You can think of Connecticut as a place that offers the best of all worlds: affordable properties that offer ample space, plenty of nature, and a world-class city on your doorstep. Boston and other New England highlights are also just an easy car or train journey away.
An Abundance of Things To Do
New York City offers plenty of cultural and sporting events. But as we mentioned above, given the proximity of Connecticut, it’s more than possible to make the trip into the city when your favorite musical artist is rolling through town.
When you move to Connecticut, you’ll gain an abundance of additional activities that New York City just can’t offer. The state is a popular option for outdoor recreational lovers thanks to its wealth of forests, preserves, and coastline. Hiking, biking, camper, water kayaking and rafting, fishing, and birdwatching are just some of the popular activities Connecticut residents enjoy on weekends.
Slower Pace of Life
Finally, Connecticut offers a more tranquil pace of life that can be a breath of fresh air compared to the non-stop mania of New York City. It’s a state that allows you to slow down, enjoy the simple things in life, and be less concerned with time optimization.
New York City is exciting, but it can be stressful, and most people decide to leave after a number of years of Big Apple chaos. Connecticut offers the perfect place to escape.
How to move from NYC to Connecticut
Deciding to move to Connecticut from NYC is an important step, but it’s only the first one. From there, the real work will begin. Below, we’ll run through a few handy tips that’ll ensure your move runs as smoothly as possible from beginning to end.
Visit Various Areas
Connecticut is the third smallest state in the nation, but it’s still a large space, and it’s important to visit various areas within Connecticut to get a feel for what could be right for your needs, as with all other places, cities within Connecticut can vary widely. Most people make their decisions based on where they’re moving from.
For instance, if you’re moving from New York and wish to retain your links to the city, then you’ll likely choose a city in the southern part of the state. If you’re moving from the Boston area, then you’ll look at the northern part of Connecticut.
Find a Place to Live
Once you’ve decided on which city you’d like to live in, you’ll need to find a place to live. There are two ways to do this. You can find a long-term place while still living in New York and make a move in one fell swoop, or you can rent a short-term place while you search for a long-term solution.
How long it takes you to find a place to live will depend on where you’re looking to move to. In some areas, it’ll be as simple as turning up and putting down a deposit; in other areas, such as cities where demand outstrips supply, you may need to be more patient.
Plan Your Move
Once you’ve found a place to live, you’ll need to plan your move. The proximity of Connecticut to New York City means you can drive directly there, but it’ll be best to work with a specialist moving company to transport your belongings. Secure with the knowledge that your belongings are safely on their way, you can make the journey and begin settling into your new home as soon as possible.
Cost of moving from NYC to Connecticut
The average linehaul cost of moving from NYC to Connecticut with Allied is $3,000.
The precise cost of moving your belongings from NYC to Connecticut will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- The number of belongings being moved.
- The distance.
- Packing and packing requirements.
- Whether specialty items are included.
The best way to find out how much it’ll cost to move your belongings is to fill out the Instaquote above.
Most Popular Areas in Connecticut
Connecticut may be small compared with other states, but it’s still a diverse state that offers a variety of living environments. Whatever type of lifestyle you’re looking for in Connecticut, you’ll find it. Some of the most popular areas in Connecticut include:
Stamford is a popular option for people looking for a Connecticut city that offers small-town charm with big-city convenience. Handily located an hour’s train journey from New York City, Stamford offers a plethora of dining options, art and cultural centers, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreation options.
West Hartford is much sought-after by people fleeing NYC for Connecticut. It’s a charming old town that features plentiful parks, shopping centers, and restaurants and is also known for the quality of its public education system. It’s slightly more expensive than elsewhere in the state, but you get a lot for your money here — including a high standard of living.
Vernon
There’s much to love about Vernon, a small town that is situated close to the Massachusetts border. It’s a popular option for people moving to Connecticut to take advantage of its outdoor lifestyle possibilities, with plenty of lakes, parks, and hiking trails found just minutes from the town’s center.
Torrington
Looking for a highly affordable Connecticut town to move to? Then try Torrington, which has a cost of living that’s nearly 20% cheaper than elsewhere in the state. For your money, you’ll get access to a lively community, a picturesque town, and plenty of art and culture.
Why Allied Van Lines?
At Allied Van Lines, we’ve earned a reputation for being the number one moving company in the country. We offer a full suite of moving services that ensures your move runs smoothly from beginning to end. Whether you need a little bit of help or you want us to handle every aspect of your all-important move, you can trust that our team of experienced, expert movers has the solution that you need. Request a quote to begin your journey towards a simplified moving process.