No Connecticut City Cracked the Top 50 Places to Live in US News Study

"Don't let the historic architecture fool you: Even as one of the oldest metro areas in America, Hartford, Connecticut, has a lot to offer, both old and new.

Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Hartford has many cultural gems hidden amid rolling hills and wooded neighborhoods. In the centuries since its founding, Hartford has been home to several notable historic figures, including renowned authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Today, Hartford's central business district is home to a number of historic attractions and entertainment venues, and nearby vineyards, state parks and ski slopes provide plenty of recreational opportunities throughout the year.

"New England charm and global cosmopolitanism combine in this small, livable seaside metropolitan area. Centuries-old architecture houses the galleries, concert venues and coffee shops that help make New Haven the cultural capital of Connecticut.

Yale University also undoubtedly adds to New Haven's charms. The Ivy League cultural institution has attracted artists, innovators, politicians and celebrities since the 1700s. The university's presence grants area residents easy access to art, theater and college sports. The region is also known for its cuisine, with high-end restaurants rubbing elbows with classic New Haven-style pizza joints and grilled cheese trucks.