One Of The Best Places To Live In Connecticut Is Known As 'The Rose Of New England' With Affordable Housing

Norwich, Connecticut is known as "The Rose of New England," and it's become one of the better places to live in the state. A big reason is affordable housing. Back in 2019, about 19.3% of the city's homes met affordability standards — nearly double the 10% required for exemption from Connecticut's Affordable Housing Appeals Act requirements. Compare that to Greenwich, which, according to Greenwich time, had only 5.7% affordable housing in 2022. Even Stamford, a much bigger city, barely hit 16%.

The city dates back to 1659, when settlers from the Saybrook Colony bought land from Mohegan Sachem Uncas. That history still shows up today in how Norwich connects its colonial past with Native American heritage. The historic district downtown preserves a lot of that colonial character. Over in the Chelsea district, you can walk around and check out shops and restaurants. First-time buyers can wander there first to get a real sense of the city and avoid common mistakes people make when buying a house.

As of the 2020 census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Norwich had approximately 40,000 residents, with 21.1% of those being less than 18 and 17.9% being over age 65. There are families with kids alongside retirees seeking a retirement lifestyle that balances cost with walkability, healthcare access, and cultural activities.

Finding affordable housing is a major financial challenge for a lot of families but Norwich actually does something about it. Zillow shows the median home price hit $280,385 in May 2025. That's an 11% jump from 2024, but it's still 32.3% cheaper than the national median of $414,000. Connecticut's statewide median was $426,427 as of April 2025, so Norwich looks pretty good by comparison.

The city does more than just rely on market prices. Norwich's Affordable Housing Plan sets the bar at housing that costs no more than 30% of a lower-income resident's total income — that includes rent or mortgage plus utilities. The city has backed projects like the Lofts at Ponemah Mills, which brought over 300 units to the rental market. Some are market-rate, others affordable, so there are options for different income levels.

Norwich doesn't just focus on new buildings. The city runs Neighborhood Preservation Programs, including a Property Rehabilitation Program. This gives low and moderate-income homeowners loans and grants they can pay back later for repairs and bringing their homes up to code. The city also fixes up historic homes to create more affordable options while keeping the neighborhood's character intact.

Norwich has plenty going on for families, working people, and retirees. The Norwich Recreation Department runs programs for kids and adults — everything from youth activities to seasonal sports and family events. Every June, the city puts on the Rose Arts Festival. It's free and brings together live music, art, races, and food vendors. The whole thing creates a welcoming, festive atmosphere.

You won't have trouble finding healthcare here. The William W. Backus Hospital is a big employer—over 1,700 people worked there as of 2022. Hartford HealthCare says they cover pretty much everything medical for the region. Norwich Public Schools takes student health seriously, too. They have nurses on-site, mental health counseling, and wellness programs. United Community & Family Services also runs health centers at several schools. For entertainment, Mohegan Sun Casino is close by, along with golf courses and you can even catch a show at one of the downtown theaters.

The city backs all this with real investments. They use initiatives like the Community Development Block Grant funds and invest in public safety, infrastructure, and recreation programs. Parks get upgraded, sidewalks get fixed, and there are programs for kids. Residents get to enjoy the city's amenities without stretching their budgets. All of this works out well if you're trying to save money without sacrificing quality of life.