About Connecticut

A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Connecticut

Written by Melissa McClave

Explore the Benefits of Retiring in the Constitution State

Connecticut offers retirees a true sense of diversity, both in terms of its climate and population.

The state experiences all four seasons. Densely populated cities, bucolic rural and agricultural regions, and quaint suburbs can all be found within Connecticut’s borders. The state’s coastline stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, so you’re never far from the beach. State parks and other natural areas in Connecticut are ideal for active seniors that like to fish, swim, hike, and birdwatch.

Connecticut has many college towns and urban areas. It’s renown for being welcoming to people of differing ethnicities and belief systems. Retirees often find the state desirable thanks to its tolerant atmosphere, with many cultural sites and temples found throughout the state.

The state has a well-educated population, and gets exceptional grades for senior healthcare options.

For retirees looking to vacation during retirement, Bradley International Airport (BDL) offers flights to locations around the world. Its central location on the east coast makes it easy to take a day trip further north or head down to the southern states during the colder months.

Connecticut’s Diverse Regions and Cities

From the bustling cities of Hartford and New Haven to the quiet towns of Plymouth and Tolland, Connecticut 55+ active adults live diverse lifestyles.

While some larger cities have a higher cost of living, they also have upscale restaurants and stores. Many affordable suburbs just outside the city are close to parks, beaches, and other outdoor activity hotspots.

Fairfield

For active seniors looking to spend time outside during retirement, Fairfield may be an excellent option to consider! The area features local shops and restaurants, parks, baseball fields, and multiple beaches along the coast.

Stratford has a beachy feel offering seniors numerous historical museums to explore.

Hartford

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford is one of the state’s largest cities with an abundance of attractions. It has a notable healthcare industry and historic districts. Outside the city lies Suffield, a rural community with agricultural and architectural remnants from its history.

Litchfield

Living in the agricultural center of Litchfield feels like stepping back into history, as many buildings date back to the 18th century! Similarly, Plymouth is equally historic, with museums and other sites that harken back to Connecticut’s colonial period.

New Haven

New Haven was once one of two capitals of Connecticut. It remains a center for dining, shopping, and live entertainment. It’s also a travel hub with easy access to the beaches of Long Island Sound and the home of the Ivy League research university, Yale University.

The residential town of Oxford has a small-town charm. It contains parks, hiking trails, and both art and history museums.

New London

The seaport city of New London was originally known for its whaling industry. It remains a fishing town with access to quiet beaches seniors will love. The area is also home to the Coast Guard Academy and its storied military history.

The town of Mystic houses its own seaport. It’s a coastal village with a bustling winery and brewery scene.

Middlesex

Middlesex County is located in the center of Connecticut, making it an easy location to travel from to various regions and bordering states. Its largest city is Middletown, an urban center that’s predominantly residential. It lies along the Connecticut River, where water sports are popular.

Tolland

Historic Tolland is a quaint, rural area that’s perfect for empty nesters looking for a small-town feel. There are many parks and forested areas. Retirees can shop for penny candies at old-timey stores, or go tubing down the Willimantic River which serves as its eastern border.

Windham

Windham is a university town that’s also home to many museums and a few breweries. Much of the architecture here dates back to the Victorian era.

Connecticut’s Main Attractions and Things to Do for Seniors

With a significant cultural scene and warm weather for most of the year, it’s easy to stay active when you retire in Connecticut. Spend your time learning about the state’s history, attending live performances, and staying active both indoors and outdoors.

Things to Do On Your Community Property

Maximize your free time and stay moving right on your community’s property. Many master planned 55+ neighborhoods have year-round indoor pools or seasonal outdoor pools. From tennis courts to golf courses, Connecticut’s communities support a healthy lifestyle for seniors.

Gather at the Clubhouse

Clubhouses are the central hub of many 55+ communities in Connecticut. They have rec rooms for hobbies and interest groups and often host live entertainment. With the amount of ethnic diversity in the state, your community clubhouse is a welcoming place to host or attend a festival that reflects the cultures of your neighbors.

Some clubhouses have pickleball and tennis courts plus sporting equipment available for use by their residents.

Play Golf

Enjoy the convenience of having a golf course next to your home when you live on, or near, a golf course community. In Connecticut, these golf courses are open seasonally.

Golf courses throughout the state feature putting greens, driving range, 18-hole course, pro-shops, restaurants and more.

Workout at the Community Fitness Center

Community fitness centers are equipped with everything you need to practice your workout routine. Low-impact exercises like strength training and cycling on a stationary bike are easy on the joints.

Some fitness centers hold yoga and Pilates classes. Others may have an indoor pool where you can try water aerobics.

Keep Busy With Nearby Activities

Looking to enjoy Connecticut’s four seasons to the fullest? Take a short trip to the state’s popular attractions. Head to the shore for a day of fun in the sun in the summer, or stay busy indoors during the colder months at casinos and entertainment venues.

Play a Round at the State’s Best Golf Courses

In addition to the golf courses available within communities, Connecticut has many country clubs and independent golf courses that are open to the public. Some of the best in the state for seniors include Lake of Isles, Stanwich Club, and Wintonbury Hills.

Try Your Luck at Casinos

Enjoy the thrills of playing the slots or card games at Connecticut’s casinos.

The Foxwoods Casino is the largest casino in the state. It functions like an all-inclusive resort with restaurants and a spa. Connecticut is also home to Mohegan Sun. Watch live performances in between games and experience top-quality shopping and dining onsite.

Enjoy Water Sports on Rivers and the Ocean

Connecticut’s shores and rivers are popular destinations for those who enjoy outdoor water sports!

For a relaxing experience, try tubing down a river or taking a sunset cruise along the coast. More adventurous types may enjoy boating, fishing and water skiing.

Why Connecticut Appeals to Seniors

Connecticut is known for having many prestigious colleges, which have been a driving factor in bringing new residents to the area. This is just as true for 55+ adults as it is for younger students, as seniors can take advantage of tuition-free college at multiple universities throughout the state.

Connecticut is rich in history. From colonial times to military conflict, museums and historic locations tell the stories of the past.

The state’s four seasons also make it popular with 55+ active adults. The variety of weather conditions allow for a range of sports and other outdoor activities for seniors that retire in Connecticut.

Types of Popular 55+ Residences and Communities

Seeking the perfect 55+ community or all ages residence to suit your needs? Connecticut has many kinds of communities for seniors. Explore everything from luxury rental options to affordable manufactured homes.

Golf Course Communities

Residential master planned golf course communities in Connecticut often double as gated communities. They come with all the amenities of luxury rental apartments and country clubs, plus the added safety of a private residence.

They’re especially well-suited for retirees who can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day than being out on the golf course!

Condominiums

The condominium (condo) lifestyle is appealing if you’re looking to retire in your own private space while still downsizing to affordable accommodations. Additionally, they help build a sense of community with your fellow condo residents.

Condominiums designed as active lifestyle communities are also equipped with exercising amenities. These include fitness centers and pools alongside more laid-back walking and biking paths.

Apartments

Apartment-style residences are available for retirees and 55+ residents. Many of the most sought after luxury apartments are located in or near Connecticut’s bigger cities like Hartford and New Haven. This means you can retire close to entertainment, dining, shopping, casinos, and more!

Senior-Friendly Healthcare Options

Connecticut has robust senior healthcare facilities and affordable insurance programs. As a state with many universities, there’s no shortage of healthcare workers either.

Stamford Health provides comprehensive care to seniors. VA Connecticut is a healthcare system associated with Veterans Affairs that helps connect veterans with quality affordable care options.

connecticut 55+ Active Adult Living Communities

Connecticut Communities

Meadow Brook Estates
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Oxford CT / 203-888-8181
- Single Family Detached, Single Family Attached, Townhome
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Newington Ridge Preserve
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Newington CT
- Ranch Homes, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Cobblestone Court
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Essex CT / 860-304-2751
- Townhome
- 55+
- New Homes
Hatheway Farms
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Suffield CT
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Landing at Sybil Creek
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Monroe CT / 203-259-2282
- Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Sonoma Woods
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Middletown CT / 860-856-6715
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Seven Oaks Active Adult Community
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Oakdale CT / 860-447-8839
- Ranch Homes
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Billingsgate
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Simsbury CT / 860-856-6715
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
Belvedere Ridge
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Tolland CT / 860-896-0101
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Maple Oak Reserve
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Stratford CT / 203-913-7247
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
The Woods at Newtown
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Newtown CT / 203-364-9900
- Townhome, Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
The Village at Buckingham
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Avon CT / 860-678-8300
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Seabury Retirement Community
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Bloomfield CT / 860-286-0243
- Single Family Detached, Villa Homes, Apartment
- 55+
- Rental
Newbury Village by Charter Group
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Brookfield CT / 203-790-6888
- Townhome
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Preston Woods
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Meriden CT / 203-265-1821
- Single Family Detached, Condominiums
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Clarks Hollow
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Niantic CT / 860-739-7842
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Newberry Village
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East Windsor CT / 860-346-6700
- Townhome
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
RiverBend Estates
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Oxford CT / 203-736-6722
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Castle Heights A By Carrier Community
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Cheshire CT / 860-798-2221
- Single Family Detached, Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
Cheshire Crossing
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Wallingford CT / 203-271-7019
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Chatfield Farms by EG Home
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Beacon Falls CT / 203-714-6622
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Greendale Village
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Suffield CT / 860 726 6901
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
The Summit at Bethel by Toll brothers
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Bethel CT / 203-792-3500
- Townhome
- Active Lifestyle Communities
- New Homes
Benson Woods
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Middlebury CT / 475-529-2165
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Quail Hollow Village
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Terryville CT / 860-589-3266
- Apartment
- 55+
- Rental
Quaker Green
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West Hartford CT / 860-231-8008
- Townhome
- 55+
- New Homes
Village at Colchester
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Colchester CT
- Ranch Homes, Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Heritage Hill
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Southbury CT / 203-264-9644
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Mystic Run
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Mystic CT
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Fairfield Village
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Glastonbury CT / 860-633-3674
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Indian Knolls
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Bantam CT / 860-986-6683
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Blue Trail Crossing
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Bristol CT / 860-314-1516
- Ranch Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Bartlett Hollow
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Middletown CT / 203-259-2282
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Evergreen in Litchfield Hills
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Plymouth CT / 860-283-1194
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Wooster Woods
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Bethel CT / 203-259-2282
- Single Family Detached, Townhome
- 55+
- New Homes
Liberty at Newtown
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Newtown CT / 203-364-0253
- Condominiums
- 55+
- New Homes
North Woods of Colchester
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Colchester CT / 860-537-5338
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
The Village at Coleman Farms
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East Windsor CT / 860-871-2775
- Single Family Detached, Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Whiting Farms Commons
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Niantic CT / 860-536-4829
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Regency at Berlin by Toll Brothers
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Berlin CT / 860-829-8590
- Townhome
- 55+
- New Homes
Bridgefield Commons
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Meriden CT / 203-748-3113
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Chimney Hill of Farmington
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Farmington CT
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Bartlett Hill
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Portland CT / 860-856-6715
- Single Family Detached, Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Kari Court
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Windsor CT / 860-298-7207
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Tall Oaks on the River
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New Milford CT / 203-788-0298
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Valentine Hall Condominiums
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North Haven CT / 203-281-3400
- Townhome, Condominiums
- 55+
- Resale Homes
Stagecoach Farms
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Durham CT / 203-631-0882
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Riverpark Crossing
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Rocky Hill CT / 860-798-1694
- Single Family Detached, Ranch Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Beckley Farms
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Berlin CT / 860-357-2008
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
Rivington by Toll Brothers - The Enclave Collection
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Danbury CT / 203-744-4600
- Carriage Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Regency at Prospect by Toll Brothers
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Prospect CT / 844-834-5263
- Townhome
- 55+
- New Homes
Bidwell Village
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Coventry CT / 860-748-1821
- Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
Sleepy Hollow Hills
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Niantic CT / 860-961-2364
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Captain Amos Stanton Drive
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Ledyard CT / 860-388-9928
- Condominiums, Single Family Homes
- 55+
- New Homes
The Hammocks on Long Island Sound
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Madison CT / 860-575-8799
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New Homes
Newtown Woods - Regency Collection by Toll Brothers
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Newtown CT / 203-364-9900
- Apartment
- Active Adult Communities
- New Homes
Isabellas Court
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Stafford Springs CT / 860-684-2673
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
The Village at Oxford Greens by Del Webb
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Oxford CT / 203-888-3582
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes
RiverWalk
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Branford CT / 203-424-2708
- Single Family Detached
- 55+
- New and Resale Homes