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Cities & Towns

Select a town name in the list below to view information on specific Connecticut communities.

When visiting an Connecticut community you have access to:

• Community Profiles & Historic Information
• Virtual Community Tours
• Real Estate and Homes for Sale
• School and Demographic Information
• Home Buyer, Home Seller and Relocation Guides and Reports

Local CT real estate professionals will provide additional community information that you may request.

Overview

Poised at the edge of America's largest city yet firmly rooted in the spirit and traditions of rural New England, bridging the innovations of the nation's finest educational and research institutions with nearly four centuries of historical perspective, the tiny state of Connecticut offers a wealth of cultural opportunities and resources to rival any other, regardless of physical size.

First settled by English Puritans from Massachusetts in 1633, Connecticut was one of the first colonies to establish self-rule, with a colonial government in place by 1639. The independent government would be a great boon to Connecticut during the Revolutionary War, when the rest of the original 13 colonies were rent asunder by internal strife. Connecticut's original system of government remained largely intact through the nation's founding and would not undergo significant changes until the United States Constitution was adopted in 1789.

In the 19^th century, Connecticut emerged as a national leader in industry, with brass, timepieces, furniture and firearms among the goods manufactured in Connecticut factories. In fact, the whole of American industry underwent a sea change after Yale graduate Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793, which spurred the development of the modern assembly line. By 1900, Connecticut factories drew immigrants from Italy, Poland and several Eastern European nations, greatly adding to the diversity of the state's population and the richness of its cultural life. Connecticut became a leader in the manufacture and supply of munitions during World War I. The latter half of the 20^th century saw the most significant economic and residential growth in rural and suburban communities. Small towns along the state's coast and throughout the countryside, long since known for the country estates of wealthy New York families, now became home to an emergent class of professionals.

At the dawn of the 21^st century, Connecticut stands as one of the most affluent and forward-thinking states in the nation. Boasting the highest per-capita income in America, Connecticut offers an unparalleled quality of life for its citizens, with award-winning schools, outstanding public services, a network of major highways, an international airport, commuter rail and bus services, expansive recreational areas and top-notch youth programs.

For over 300 years, Connecticut has enjoyed a reputation at the forefront of higher education in America. Established in 1701, Yale University is the third-oldest college in the nation, and among its alumni are four of the past six Presidents of the United States. Following Yale's lead, several other major colleges and universities were established in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, including Trinity College, Wesleyan University, the University of Connecticut, Connecticut College and Fairfield University. Graduates of these prestigious schools go on to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, educators and innovators across all contemporary fields of knowledge.

A major draw for new residents and visitors alike is Connecticut's rich and varied landscape, both natural and man-made. The pristine, sand-swept beaches of the coast in the south are thrown into sharp relief by the hilly, forested country of the state's northern reaches. Historic village greens and colonial-era steeples give way to office towers and bustling city streets. The classic brownstones and neo-gothic architecture of Connecticut's oldest educational and governmental institutions stand alongside the sleek modernist structures of today. Connecticut's variegated physical appearance reflects its multifaceted identity and its diversity of spirit.

A leader in higher education, industry and contemporary thought, Connecticut draws on the lessons of its rich and varied history to confront the challenges of the future. Firmly rooted in rural New England traditions yet cosmopolitan in its outlook, Connecticut combines the sophistication of the city with the close-knit community spirit and values of the countryside. A perfect destination for professionals seeking a rural atmosphere with easy access to the city, Connecticut offers the best of city and country for residents and visitors alike.

Facts

One of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut was settled by English Puritans in 1633. Connecticut established a colonial government in 1639, secured a Royal Charter in 1662, and was granted statehood in 1788.

Climate

Note: Source – Connecticut State Climate Center. Conditions at Bradley International Airport, Hartford.

http://www.canr.uconn.edu/nrme/cscc/
http://www.ctweather.com/
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CT/
http://www.wtnh.com/global/weather.asp
http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/USCT.html
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/CT_cc_us.html

Population

Connecticut has a population of slightly over 3.5 million, making it the second most-populous state in New England behind Massachusetts. The state's population is largely concentrated in the Capital Region near Hartford and along the southeastern coast. Unsurprisingly, Connecticut's densest areas surround its largest cities and the three major highways that run through the state — I-84, I-95 (particularly from New Haven to the New York state line) and I-91.

With the exception of some outlying cities, the northwest corner of the state and the eastern region along the Rhode Island border are much more sparsely populated. However, the state's small size and multiple highways ensure that getting to major cities from even the most remote areas is relatively easy.

Connecticut population estimates by county, 2005:

Fairfield – 902,775
Hartford – 877,893
Litchfield – 190,071
Middlesex – 163,214
New Haven – 846,766
New London – 266,618
Tolland – 147,634
Windham – 115,826

(Courtesy of the Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau, January 29, 2007)

Connecticut Population Statistics
State of Connecticut Information and Statistics
CT State Website Population Info

Government

Connecticut's capital is Hartford, which lies along the Connecticut River in the central region of the state.

The state government has three branches:

Executive

• The Governor serves as Chief Executive
  • He/she is assisted by a Lieutenant Governor (elected)
  • He/she oversees the appointment of commissioners of departments, members of boards and commissions and other officials
• Constitutional Officers – The State of Connecticut elects four constitutional officers to four-year terms:
  • The Secretary of the State
  • The Treasurer
  • The Comptroller
  • The Attorney General

Governor Info

Legislative

• The Connecticut General Assembly, elected every two years, consists of:
  • The Senate, with 36 members (as of 1/29/07)
    • Leadership of the Senate consists of a Senate president, president pro tem, majority leader, and minority leader
• The House, with 151 members (as of 1/29/07)
  • Leadership of the House consists of a Speaker, a majority leader and a minority leader

• 27 joint committees are comprised of both senators and representatives

Judicial

• Judges are nominated by the governor from a list compiled by the Judicial Selection Commission and appointed by the General Assembly to serve 8-year terms.
• The Supreme Court consists of 7 justices and is the highest court in the state. It is located in Hartford.
• The Appellate Court consists of 9 justices and is the intermediate court between the Supreme and Superior Courts. The Appellate Court is located in Hartford.
• According to its website, "The Superior Court hears civil, criminal, family and juvenile matters." The Superior Court Districts are Ansonia, Danbury, Fairfield (serving Bridgeport), Hartford, Litchfield, Meriden, Middlesex, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Putnam, Stamford, Tolland and Waterbury.
• The Probate Courts are popularly known as "neighborhood courts" for their informality and accessibility. The Probate Courts handle many issues with regards to families and children along with overseeing estates and trusts.

Cities are governed by Mayor and City Council. Towns are generally governed by town meeting, with a three-member Board of Selectmen presiding over the town's affairs. The First Selectman is head of the Board of Selectmen and chief administrative officer in most Connecticut towns.

Judicial Info

State Agencies & Offices in Connecticut

• Administrative Services
• Appellate Court
• Department of Agriculture
• Office of the Attorney General
• Department of Banking
• Board of Education & Services for the Blind
• Department of Children & Families
• Department of Correction
• Division of Criminal Justice
• Protection and Advocacy for Persons With Disabilities
• Department of Education
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Governor's Office
• Department of Information Technology
• Insurance Department
• Labor Department
• Office of the Lieutenant Governor
• Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
• Military Department
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Office of Policy and Management
• Probate Court Administration
• Department of Public Health
• Department of Public Safety
• Department of Public Works
• Department of Revenue Services
• Office of the Secretary of State
• Department of Social Services
• State Library
• Department of Transportation
• Office of the State Treasurer

CT State Website

Taxes

Income

• The Connecticut income tax applies to Connecticut residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents with income from Connecticut sources.
• The tax rate is 3% on the first:
  • $10,000 of Connecticut taxable income for single filers and married taxpayers filing separately;
  • $16,000 of Connecticut taxable income for head of household filers;
  • and $20,000 of Connecticut taxable income for married taxpayers filing jointly.
• The remaining income is taxed at 5%.

Sales and use taxes

• A 6% tax is imposed on the sale or rental of most goods and the sale of certain services. However, there are exemptions such as food; all purchases made with food stamps; utility charges for residential property; household fuel; prescription drugs; certain nonprescription drugs; clothing under $50; newspapers; magazines by subscription; yarn; and materials for noncommercial sewing used to make clothing. Computer and data processing services are taxable at 1%. Internet access services are exempt.
• When the seller of goods or provider of taxable services does not collect sales tax, the buyer must pay use tax at the same rate as the sales tax. Typically, if you purchase goods from mail order or catalog companies or over the Internet and have the goods shipped to Connecticut or you purchase goods at out-of-state locations and bring those goods back into Connecticut, you must pay the Connecticut use tax. If all the items purchased and brought into Connecticut at one time total $25 or less, you do not have to pay Connecticut use tax. The $25 exemption does not apply to items shipped or mailed to you.

Alternative Minimum Tax

• The Connecticut alternative minimum tax is a tax imposed on certain individuals, estates, and trusts in addition to the regular Connecticut income tax. Taxpayers who are subject to and required to pay the federal alternative minimum tax are subject to the Connecticut alternative minimum tax.
• The Connecticut alternative minimum tax is the lesser of:
  • 19% of your adjusted federal alternative minimum tax; or
  • 5.5% of your adjusted federal alternative minimum taxable income.

Estate Tax

• Resident and nonresident estates are now liable for the Connecticut estate tax if the amount of the Connecticut taxable estate is more than $2 million. A resident estate is an estate of a decedent who at the time of death was domiciled in Connecticut.
• The Connecticut taxable estate is the sum of:
  • The total value of the decedent's federal gross estate, less allowable deductions (other than the deduction for state death taxes paid under Section 2058 of the Internal Revenue Code); and
  • The aggregate amount of Connecticut taxable gifts made by the decedent (during his or her lifetime) during all calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2005.
• If the sum exceeds $2 million, Connecticut estate tax is payable on the sum (including the first $2 million). These estates must file Form CT-706/709, Connecticut Estate and Gift Tax Return, with the Department of Revenue Services. A copy of Form CT-706/709 must also be filed with the appropriate Connecticut probate court.
• If the sum is $2 million or less, Connecticut estate and gift tax is not due. However, estates must file Form CT-706 NT, Connecticut Estate Tax Return (For Nontaxable Estates), with the Connecticut probate court for the district in which the decedent resided at the date of death; or, if the decedent died as a nonresident of Connecticut, with the Connecticut probate court for the district in which the decedent's real property or tangible personal property is located.

Gift Tax

• The Connecticut gift tax continues to apply to Connecticut taxable gifts, which are federal taxable gifts made by a resident or nonresident of Connecticut on or after January 1, 2005:
  • For a donor who is a Connecticut resident, the taxable gifts include real property or tangible personal property located in Connecticut, as well as intangible personal property wherever located; and
  • For a donor who is a nonresident of Connecticut, the taxable gifts include only real property or tangible personal property located in Connecticut.

Local Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes

• Real estate and personal property are subject to this tax, with some statutory exemptions. Communities levy property tax to fund local government. Neither the state nor its counties levy a property tax.
• October 1 is the assessment date for all municipalities. All owners of personal property, other than registered motor vehicles, must file a declaration with the assessor on or before November 1.
• Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit: An annual property tax credit or rent rebate is available to residents, age 65 or older, or to a surviving spouse, age 50 or older, who meet certain residence and income requirements. Regardless of age, a totally and permanently disabled person is also eligible. Contact the assessor in your town or city for details and forms.
• Veteran Exemption: A variable, annual tax exemption on the assessed value of an owner-occupied dwelling or on a motor vehicle is available to any qualified veteran or surviving spouse. Contact the assessor in your town or city for details and forms.

Real Estate Conveyance Tax

• A state and municipal real estate conveyance tax is imposed on deeds conveying real estate where the consideration for the interest in property equals or exceeds $2,000. A deed for less than $2,000 in consideration is exempt from this tax, but may be subject to the gift tax. A deed of the principal residence of any person receiving property tax benefits for the elderly is exempt from the state tax but subject to the municipal tax.

Room Occupancy Tax

• A room occupancy tax of 12% applies to the rental of rooms in a hotel or lodging house for 30 consecutive days or less.

Alcoholic Beverages Tax, Cigarette Taxes, and Tobacco Products Tax

• Alcoholic beverages tax, cigarette taxes, and tobacco products tax are included in the retail price of the items. In addition, 6% sales and use taxes apply at the time of sale.
• The tax for alcoholic beverages, which is imposed on licensed distributors, is (per gallon):
  • distilled liquor - $4.50
  • fortified and sparkling wines - $1.50
  • still wines - $0.60
  • still wines (from licensed farm winery) - $0.15
  • beer - $0.20
    $3.00 per half barrel, $1.50 per quarter barrel)
  • liquor coolers - $2.05
• Alcohol in excess of 100 proof is taxed at $4.50 per proof gallon. Most alcoholic cider is taxed at the beer rate.
• In Connecticut, the tax on cigarettes is $1.51 per pack of 20 cigarettes, while the tax on most tobacco products (excluding cigarettes) is 20% of the wholesale sales price.

Admissions and Dues Tax

• The dues tax is a 10% tax levied on dues and initiation fees of a social, athletic, or sporting club that is either owned or operated by its members. The club is exempt from the dues tax if the annual dues of every member and any initiation fee are each $100 or less. Lawn bowling clubs are exempt from dues tax.
• A 10% admissions tax applies to admission charges to any place of amusement, entertainment, or recreation. Charges over $5.00 to motion picture shows are subject to 6% admissions tax.
• Certain venues are specifically exempt from admissions tax. Productions featuring live entertainment by actors or musicians at non-profit theaters and playhouses exempt under I.R.C. §501 are exempt from the tax. Also exempt from the tax are admission charges of $5.00 or less to motion picture shows and admission charges to carnivals, amusement rides, and establishments whose admissions charges would have been subject to the cabaret tax.

Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax

• A tax is imposed on motor vehicle fuels used to propel motor vehicles on public roads and highways. The rate on gasoline is 25¢ per gallon and the rate for diesel fuel is 26¢ per gallon.

Connecticut State Tax Information

Licenses and Fees

Drivers

• New residents with a valid out-of-state license may obtain a CT driver's license with a visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Before applying for a transfer of license consider the following guidelines:
  • You must present your current out-of-state license and a Certified Birth Certificate or Passport.
  • You must present verification of Connecticut residence, which may be in the form of a utility bill, mortgage document or postmarked letter dated within the past 90 days
  • You must provide your social security number on the application
  • A vision test will be administered prior to the issuance of the Connecticut license. The knowledge and road tests are generally waived at the discretion of the Sergeant.
• The application fee for a CT driver's license is $40
• The license fee is between $66 and $77, depending on the number of years the license will be valid (5½ to 7 years), which depends on the applicant's date of birth

Taxonomy Info

Automobile Registration

• Once you have established residency in Connecticut, you have 60 days to transfer your vehicle(s) registration to this state.
• An emissions test and vehicle identification number (VIN) verification is required, which are performed at the emissions station. Please bring your vehicle, registration and drivers license to your local emissions test station.
• Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing will require a VIN verification at a Full Service DMV Branch Office, with the exception of the Norwalk Office.
• A Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) will be completed by the emissions technician and a copy of the report will be given to you. The VIR must be presented to the DMV when applying for a permanent registration.
• Once you have had your emissions test and VIN verification completed, you will need to:
  • Proceed to your local DMV Office and submit your out of state Certificate of Title and motor vehicle registration certificate. If there is a change of ownership the title must be assigned.
    Note: If your Title is being held by a leasing company or lien holder, a valid out of state registration certificate will suffice. If the registration certificate has expired, a photocopy of the title will also be required. No change of ownership is allowed when only presenting a copy of the title and registration.
  • Present the VIR or VIN verification report.
  • Complete the Application for Registration and Certificate of Title
  • Provide your current Connecticut Insurance Identification Card, which can be obtained from your insurance company. The insurance card must be in the name of registered owner(s) of vehicle. If vehicle is being leased, the insurance card may be in the name of the lessee.
  • Identification will be required to register a vehicle. Please see list of Acceptable Forms of Identification. Photocopies of identification are acceptable, if the registrant does not appear in person.
• Vehicles cannot be registered if delinquent property tax or parking tickets are owed or if the registrant has had their registration privilege suspended.

Department of Motor Vehicles Registration

Hunting & Fishing Permits

• The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection administers over 150 different types of licenses and permits covering a broad spectrum of activities, including Hunting & Fishing licenses.
• Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing in the Inland District. Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31st. They range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased at any Town Hall, designated vendor or DEP Store.
• Hunting and trapping license applications can be obtained and printed at the DEP Website.

Boats & Recreational Vehicles

• A Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) will allow an individual to operate any recreational vessel registered in Connecticut except a personal watercraft ("Jet Ski" type vessel) on Connecticut's waters. A Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) will allow an individual to operate any recreational vessel including a personal watercraft ("Jet Ski" type vessel). Any person is required to have a Safe Boating Certificate or a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation must have their certificate on board at all times while operating the vessel.
  • In order to obtain a Safe Boating Certificate, an individual must successfully complete an approved basic boating course or receive a passing grade on an equivalency examination administered by the DEP.
  • To apply for a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, fill out the appropriate application (available at town clerks, through the DEP Boating Division or by submitting application request form) and have the application notarized, enclose a copy of your boating course diploma (and Personal Watercraft course diploma, if applicable) or equivalency exam diploma and a check for $25 made payable to DEP. Mail or deliver the application to the address listed on the application. A Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation will be mailed to you in four to six weeks.
  • You may obtain a Limited Durational Certificate immediately at no extra charge by bringing the completed application, supporting documents and $25 fee in person to any DEP Processing Office. The Limited Duration Certificate will be valid until your permanent certificate arrives.

Gun Permits

• The Special License and Firearms Unit is responsible for the issuance of state pistol permits. Applicants for a state pistol permit must first apply for, and be granted a local pistol permit. A local pistol permit may be obtained from the police chief in the town in which you reside or maintain a place of business.
• Out of state residents may apply for a non resident Connecticut State Pistol Permit. Non residents apply directly to the Connecticut State Police. Call 860-685-8494 to have an application mailed out.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and be a legal resident of the United States. Persons convicted of a felony or any one of 11 misdemeanor offenses detailed in the statute are ineligible to receive a permit. For information regarding specific licenses, visit the Department of Public Safety website.

Lawyers

• The Connecticut Bar Examining Committee was established in 1891. The Committee prepares and administers the bar examination and investigates the character and fitness of each candidate for admission. The Committee recommends to the court those who have passed the bar examination, possess good moral character, and have complied with the rules of court and the regulations of the Committee governing admission to the bar. For more information visit the CBEC website.

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