Communities in New England That are Idyllic Places to Settle Down

New England is a region with a rich history and scenic natural appeal. It has long been considered one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to its thriving economy, charming communities, excellent education system, and leading safety ratings. While every part of New England has something to offer residents, certain communities stand out as some of the top places to live in the area. 

Let’s explore some of New England’s many towns and cities that offer residents a great lifestyle and embody the region’s appeal. 

Glastonbury is a desirable Hartford suburb along the Connecticut River. The city was settled in the 17th century and has a rich history; today, it is a modern, growing hub with much to explore. Glastonbury is ideal for families due to its top-notch public education and high safety ratings. Visitors and residents would also enjoy the town center, with restaurants, local businesses, and historical buildings. 

West Hartford is an affluent suburb of Hartford. This pleasant city is ideally situated just two hours from both New York and Boston and has an urban feel, with a bustling downtown and busy residential streets. The city is home to multiple higher education institutions and has lovely surrounding natural areas, including 3,000 acres of woodland on its western border. 

Portsmouth has been an important port along the Piscataqua River for hundreds of years. It is a historic waterfront community with 17th- and 18th-century architecture and many marinas and boat launches. Portsmouth’s restaurants take advantage of its coastal location by serving delicious seafood. 

Hanover is a small community home to just over 11,000 residents, but this charming city along the Connecticut River has much to offer. Dartmouth College, the renowned Ivy League institution in the city, gives it a young, college-town feel. Hanover is also a hub for nature lovers, boasting scenic preserves to explore and convenience to a section of the Appalachian Trail. 

Portland is Maine’s biggest city, a picturesque port town along Casco Bay. This waterfront city has a distinctly New England look, comprising Victorian-era architecture and Old Port, a district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings. Portland has the delicious seafood Maine is famous for, and its pleasant public parks, including the Western Promenade, spotlight Maine’s rare natural beauty.

Kennebunk is a pleasant town that sits across the Kennebunk River from the neighboring community of Kennebunkport. Kennebunk has a coastal appeal and offers pleasant beaches and trails along the water. This quiet New England gem is home to around 11,500 residents, and it is a welcoming city with excellent shops, restaurants, and a thriving local arts scene. 

With around 42,000 residents, Burlington is Vermont’s largest city. Burlington, a scenic and historic community along the shores of Lake Champlain, houses several of Vermont’s premier higher education institutions. It has a picturesque and walkable downtown with preserved colonial architecture and is known for its high-quality museums, shopping centers, art galleries, and delectable food scene. 

Stowe is a charming small town in Vermont. Though it only houses a permanent population of roughly 600, it is a huge tourist destination and feels much busier. Stowe is an all-season outdoor recreation destination due to its location at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. It has excellent ski areas within easy reach of the main town and thick forests with winding hiking trails that are busy throughout the summer.