$205,657Average Value$222Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Connecticut's state capital has experienced change
The urban core of Connecticut's state capital, downtown Hartford was once the "insurance capital of the world," home to major companies like Travelers and Aetna. The insurance industry fueled the city's prosperous economy from the mid-1800s through much of the 1900s – and still has a presence in the town.
Downtown's current landscape of modern office buildings and highways is largely thanks to urban renewal efforts in the second half of the 20th century. Most notably, Interstates 84 and 91 were constructed through the downtown and along the Connecticut River. This separated downtown from its waterfront and led to the demolition of residential neighborhoods, displacing thousands of people and altering the city's cultural fabric. New office spaces and parking structures primarily served suburban commuters, and Hartford's population declined by about 40,000 between 1960 and 2020.
Despite recent challenges, Hartford has made strides in making downtown an attractive place to live and work. "Based on the strength of towns surrounding Hartford – West Hartford, East Hartford, Glastonbury – I see Hartford's growth coming back. I see more apartments, I see more people moving back into the city," says Bob LaPerla, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in West Hartford. Hartford also has renowned cultural attractions, including The Bushnell Theater and The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, minor league baseball and hockey teams, and remaining architectural hallmarks like the Connecticut State Capitol building.
Hartford is nicknamed "The Insurance Capital of the World" and was founded in 1635.
Connecticut's capital building can be found just outside Bushnell Park in Hartford.
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Bushnell Park and reconnecting downtown to its waterfront
Bushnell Park covers almost 40 acres in the center of downtown and is the oldest public park in the country. The open space is a popular spot for office workers on break, and families enjoy the playground and historic carousel. "At lunchtime, tons of people are out," says Jennifer Haddad, an attorney who has worked in downtown Hartford for 25 years. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch stands as a Civil War memorial and Hartford landmark in Bushnell Park made of brownstone and carved with images of military forces. Visitors can also see the Connecticut State Capitol building from the park. With its imposing size, gold-plated dome, and marble and granite construction, it's one of the few remaining examples of such extravagant 19th-century architecture in Hartford.
The construction of Interstate 91 separated downtown from its waterfront in the 1960s. However, since the William H. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza opened in 1999, residents can now climb up a set of stairs and walk a land bridge over the interstate to the water. The development also included a 2,000-person amphitheater. LaPerla says that some residents have even discussed burying the highway underground to open up more green space, following Boston's 'big dig' model. "When there is a groundswell of support to have that done, it's feasible," he says.
Located in Bushnell Park during the winter months ice skating can be enjoyed in Hartford.
As many as 2500 people can enjoy an open air show or concert on on the stage at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Downtown Hartford.
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Broadway shows at The Bushnell and professional sporting events
Downtown Hartford has a breadth of cultural attractions within walking distance. This includes museums like the Connecticut Science Center and Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and performing arts venues like Hartford Stage and The Bushnell. The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1930, and visitors enjoy off-Broadway shows under gilded Art Deco detailing and a black and white ceiling mural.
Fans also pack professional sports venues downtown. The Hartford Wolf Pack minor league hockey team hosts home games from the XL Center, an arena downtown that also hosts performances like Disney on Ice, Cirque Du Soleil and Monster Jam. The Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball team competes at Dunkin' Park and the Hartford Athletic professional soccer team plays at Trinity Health Stadium. "The sports are awesome," Haddad says. "The new baseball stadium is family-friendly, it's clean and it's easy to get to." She says that the amount of foot traffic downtown can vary. "I've been downtown for sports events, and there's tons of people and they're going to restaurants and bars. But those are only on the nights that there's an event," she says.
One way Hartford celebrates its diverse population is with parades, including the Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade, the West Indian Independence Celebrations Hartford Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Parade participants play music and wave flags as they dance, march and drive by some of downtown's most notable landmarks like the Connecticut State Capital and the Old State House. "One of the things I love about Hartford is the multiculturalism. There's a parade each month during warm weather. Hartford's founder loved parades," says Brett Freiburger, local history librarian at West Hartford Public Library.
Hartford's XL center arena is the place to enjoy a concert, watch the monster trucks or cheer for national champion UCONN basketball players.
Hartford Stage presents both classic and contemporary plays in its 489 seat theater.
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Patio dining on Pratt Street
Pratt Street is a small historic district spanning one block with local shops, restaurants and apartments. The street has been pedestrian-only since 2020, inviting residents to wander into locally owned stores. Among these is Hartford Prints, which sells locally designed and printed Connecticut apparel, cards and gifts. Diners enjoy patio dining at staples such as Vaughan's Public House, a pub serving pints of Guinness and hearty Irish dishes, and Sorella, an Italian venue serving wood-fired pizza. Max's Trumball Kitchen is another popular restaurant nearby on Trumbull Street. Diners enjoy upscale American dishes including steak and seafood in a contemporary setting.
Although downtown is largely walkable, there are no full-sized grocery stores. Most residents will need to drive or take a bus to grocers outside the immediate area, such as Stop & Shop 3 miles west. For quick trips, there are convenience stores like Hartford Food Market nearby.
Located at 54 Pratt St. Hartford Cocktail Parlour is serving up classic's in elegancy.
The Hartford Print Shop is located on Pratt St and specializes in cards, gifts and more.
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Limited housing stock consists of condos and brownstones
There are more offices downtown than residential structures, though Hartford has been focusing on adding more apartments in recent years. "With the whole work-from-home shift, offices are being converted into apartments," says Rory Gale, owner of Hartford Prints downtown. "There's a combination of young people and empty nesters [moving downtown] who sold their big homes and now want to live in a walkable area."
Buyers can choose between brownstone rowhouses and high-rise condos. Studios and one-bedroom units in condos such as the I.M. Pei-designed Bushnell Tower start in the low $100,000s, while more spacious two-bedroom units can run between $200,000 and $500,000 or more. Brownstone condos built in the early 1900s come up on the market less frequently and cost between $200,000 and $270,000 for a two-bedroom unit.
Bushnell Tower in Downtown is the only I.M. Pei-designed high rise in Connecticut.
Condos in the Linden Building are one Downtown Hartford housing option.
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Capital Community College and schools of choice
Hartford Public Schools offer school choice, so students may attend any number of schools in the area. Children can begin at the Dr. Ramon E. Betances Early Reading Lab School for kindergarten through fourth grades and continue to Betances STEM Magnet School for fifth through eighth. The schools earn B-minus and C grades from Niche, respectively. Older students can go to Bulkeley High School, which has a C-minus and offers career pathways for students in computer science and leadership and public service.
Capital Community College is in the former building of G. Fox and Company. Once among the state's most influential department stores, G. Fox closed in 1993 and reopened in 2002. The fanciful Art Deco interior from 1930 has been preserved in the building, which now houses the community college as well as other offices and retailers.
Michael D. Fox School is named after on of Hartford's longest serving Superintendents.
Kingswood Oxford is a private day school that serves students from the greater Hartford area.
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Driving to New York City and public transportation options
Drivers can take Interstate 91 southwest to New York City, about 120 miles away. Hartford Union Station has train routes south to New Haven, which connects to New York, and north to Windsor Locks and Springfield, among other destinations. CTtransit buses run throughout the downtown around the region.
Hartford Hospital is just south of downtown, and Bradley International Airport is about 16 miles north in Windsor Locks. Downtown Hartford has a CAP Index score of 9, indicating a higher crime risk compared to the national average of 4.
Connecticut Transit offers extensive bus service between Downtown Hartford and all surrounding towns.
Nearly the entire shoreline of the Connecticut River is connected park spaces. Pedestrian walkways even connect Downtown with East Hartford.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hiram Colon,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Batterson Park
Riverside Park
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Fishing
Trails
Events
Bushnell Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Charter Oak Landing
Boating
Fishing
Grills
Sculpture Walk
Bike Trails
Trails
Charter Oak Tree Memorial Park
Playground
Transit
Airport
Bradley International
31 min drive
Bus
Columbus Blvd & Bob Steele Way
Bus
Wastington St & Hartford Adult Education Ctr
Bus
Main St & Trumbull St
Bus
Market St & Kinsley St
Bus
Church St & Trumbull St
Bus
Park St & Washington St
Bus
Market St & Talcott St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Hartford
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Hartford, Hartford sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Hartford, Hartford over the last 12 months is $187,421, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spectacular views of Bushnell Park and the Capitol from this 14h floor unit in downtown Hartford. Gracious front hallway opens to generous living room. The kitchen has views to the west as well as the north, with a balcony on the north side. The dining room is adjacent to the kitchen with western views as well. Guest bath and bedroom off the living room as well as a family room or bedroom just
Bushnell Tower nicely updated one bedroom unit on second floor with views to the north. Parking for one car (space#96) in underground garage. 24 hr security, laundry on each floor. Monthly cable/internet fee $96.61. Spec assessment for garage repairs-$56.61 through 8/27. Special assessment for roof $141.08/month. Private gym on mezzanine level w membership fee for building residents. Professional
One bedroom unit located in downtown Hartford's Bushnell Tower on the 15th floor with views to the north. Galley kitchen, laundry on each floor, 24hr concierge/security. Parking space for one car in underground garage. Parking space #52. Cable and internet-$96.61/month. Quarterly electric approximately $180. Condo fee on parking space-$72.21/month. Parking space tax-$410.52/year(parking space has
This bright and sunny 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit is perched on the 9th floor, offering breathtaking north-facing city views. The spacious living and dining area flows seamlessly, creating the perfect space for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen features a large granite island, ideal for meal prep or casual dining, and comes equipped with a brand-new dishwasher. Enjoy the added convenience of
Discover urban living at its finest with this stunning oversized 1-bedroom condo located in the heart of downtown, offering breathtaking views of the State Capitol and Bushnell Park. Recently renovated, the home features a modern kitchen equipped with sleek granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, complemented by a stylish bathroom. Enjoy the convenience of underground parking and
Experience the pinnacle of downtown living in this stunning 24th-floor condo at the renowned Bushnell Tower, designed by architect I.M. Pei. Enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Hartford and the Connecticut River from expansive windows that flood the open floor plan with natural light. The spacious living room, featuring a full wall of windows, seamlessly flows into the dining area, creating an
Hartford’s iconic Mid-Century Modern tower has been reinvented for downtown living. Wake up to breathtaking views of the city through your own 9-foot floor-to-ceiling windows: the Old State House, the Connecticut River and the capital city skyline. Come home to a 24/7 concierge at your service in the fabulous mahogany and terrazzo accented lobby. Enjoy your life on the penthouse amenity floor
Stunning Downtown Condo for Rent - Luxury Living at Its Finest! Live in style in the heart of Hartford at 1 Linden Place, where modern elegance meets convenience. Spanning over 1,500 square feet of living space, this condo offers plenty of room to relax, entertain, and work. From the moment you step inside, you'll be captivated by the exposed brick, gleaming hardwood floors, and open, thoughtful
This building offers modern flats, including studios, one and two bedrooms, with open floor plans ranging from 350-1,200 square feet. At 360 Main, convenience is key. Laundry, 24-hour emergency maintenance, package acceptance, fitness facility, business center and parking are all on-site. The apartments have open layouts that feature fully appliance kitchens with granite counter tops, stylish
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hiram Colon,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,838
Median Age
35
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,343
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,403
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.4%
College Graduates
78.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
40%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
69/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
85/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
