These towns in Connecticut are perfect if you’re looking to raise a family away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Or maybe you’re just looking to get away for a weekend. However long you want to stay, the important part is just that you visit. These rural towns will let you experience the scenic natural beauty that Connecticut is known for.
So what makes a rural town, anyway? According to the Connecticut State Office of Rural health, all towns with a population census of 10,000 or less and a population density of 500 or less people per square mile are designated as rural. So you can bet these towns in Connecticut are small and quiet. Check them out!
- Durham
Doug Kerr/Flickr This town on the Coginchaug River used to be a farming village.
Nathaniel C./Flickr Host of the famous Durham Fair, this town is very community minded.
- Voluntown
mwalshhome/Flickr The town is named for the brave men who fought in the 1675 Indian Wars instead of deserting.
David Smith/Flickr This town is so rural they only have one school, and it hosts pre-K through 8th grade!
- Kent
Joe Mabel/Flickr This small town is perfect for raising kids who love to explore nature.
WalkingGeek/Flickr A set of falls, a state park, and a covered bridge make this place a must visit destination.
- Hebron
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr There’s a reason Connecticut Magazine rated this the #6 place to live in the state!
Rusty Clark - On the Air M-F 8am-noon/Flickr The second largest park, Gay City State Park, is located here.
- Sprague
Doug Kerr/Flickr Named after William Sprague, who laid out the industrial section, this town is too often forgotten.
Google Maps Composed of three villages, Sprague is an up and coming ecotourism spot with great river views.
- Hartland
Doug Kerr/Flickr This hidden gem sits way up North, sharing a border with Massachusetts.
Morrow Long/Flickr Prepare for some excellent hiking in the hometown of actor Gary Burghoff, who played Radar O’Reilly in MASH.
- Sherman
Kelle Cruz/Flickr This tiny town has a mighty patriotic spirit and puts on a sweet parade each year to prove it.
Kelle Cruz/Flickr It has been named “Best Small Town in Connecticut” three times by Connecticut Magazine.
- Goshen
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Spend a Labor Day weekend here and you’ll quickly understand what makes this town so special.
Melanie McCue/Flickr The former business town manufactured musket rifles during the American Revolution!
- Willington
Doug Kerr/Flickr This scenic town borders the Willimantic River.
Doug Kerr/Flickr This community is full of wide open spaces, making it another perfect candidate family raising.
- Eastford
Barbara Bresnahan/Flickr This town loves keeping a slow and even pace. Its been rural since its formation in 1847.
Google Maps Home to 4 places on the National Register of Historic Places, this is a great town for walking and exploring.
- Putnam
Doug Kerr/Flickr This New England mill town was incorporated in 1855.
nickhubben/Flickr This small gem is also pretty affordable, so your dream of living in a rural paradise could be closer than you think!
- Redding
Terry Ballard/Flickr This town is overflowing with history and hiking trails.
Doug Kerr/Flickr Many movies have done some filming here. So come see the scenery that makes this place perfect for the big screen!
If these towns sound like something you’ll enjoy, head out and visit them this summer.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This town on the Coginchaug River used to be a farming village.
Nathaniel C./Flickr
Host of the famous Durham Fair, this town is very community minded.
mwalshhome/Flickr
The town is named for the brave men who fought in the 1675 Indian Wars instead of deserting.
David Smith/Flickr
This town is so rural they only have one school, and it hosts pre-K through 8th grade!
Joe Mabel/Flickr
This small town is perfect for raising kids who love to explore nature.
WalkingGeek/Flickr
A set of falls, a state park, and a covered bridge make this place a must visit destination.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
There’s a reason Connecticut Magazine rated this the #6 place to live in the state!
Rusty Clark - On the Air M-F 8am-noon/Flickr
The second largest park, Gay City State Park, is located here.
Named after William Sprague, who laid out the industrial section, this town is too often forgotten.
Google Maps
Composed of three villages, Sprague is an up and coming ecotourism spot with great river views.
This hidden gem sits way up North, sharing a border with Massachusetts.
Morrow Long/Flickr
Prepare for some excellent hiking in the hometown of actor Gary Burghoff, who played Radar O’Reilly in MASH.
Kelle Cruz/Flickr
This tiny town has a mighty patriotic spirit and puts on a sweet parade each year to prove it.
It has been named “Best Small Town in Connecticut” three times by Connecticut Magazine.
Spend a Labor Day weekend here and you’ll quickly understand what makes this town so special.
Melanie McCue/Flickr
The former business town manufactured musket rifles during the American Revolution!
This scenic town borders the Willimantic River.
This community is full of wide open spaces, making it another perfect candidate family raising.
Barbara Bresnahan/Flickr
This town loves keeping a slow and even pace. Its been rural since its formation in 1847.
Home to 4 places on the National Register of Historic Places, this is a great town for walking and exploring.
This New England mill town was incorporated in 1855.
nickhubben/Flickr
This small gem is also pretty affordable, so your dream of living in a rural paradise could be closer than you think!
Terry Ballard/Flickr
This town is overflowing with history and hiking trails.
Many movies have done some filming here. So come see the scenery that makes this place perfect for the big screen!
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