I moved to Connecticut in 2019 after living in seven different states within five years for a job in Hartford. Needless to say, I liked it so much that I bought a house here last year and am planning to stay long term. In 2019 I got an apartment (sight unseen) in Middletown. I loved the area and there are tons of relatively affordable apartments there… that might be a good option if you don’t have living arrangements lined up yet!

I went back to my parents’ house during Covid but when I returned to CT I got an apartment in Manchester (I came back with a giant puppy, so needed an affordable pet-friendly apartment and it was cheaper and bigger than my last place). Manchester is probably not an ideal commute for you but I love it here and it’s where I bought my house. Both Middletown and Manchester have tons of great restaurants, as does West Hartford, but living there solo was out of my price range.

I second Parkville Market! I love it there. Also the shops on Pratt street are lovely.. I’m partial to Hartford Prints. I’m also a big ice cream lover and am on a quest to try the best shops around the state, so if you need ice cream recs hit me up!

Edit: Also thought I should mention…I was 26 when I moved to CT. I am a single female and didn’t know anyone in the state when I got here