Colchester, Connecticut

What It Is Like to Retire in Colchester

Colchester is an interesting small town in central Connecticut of about 15,000. The population is growing and average income and home values are higher than the CT average - indicating that the town is doing well. Its location is east and a bit south of Hartford.  Consumer Reports has its headquarters here. Other residents tend to commute to Hartford, Middletown, or Storrs (home of the University of Connecticut). In 2005 CNN named Colchester as one of the best 100 Places to Live. Photo of Cival War Monument on the Green courtesy of Wikipedia and Thundersnow (public domain); photo of Hayward House home of inventor Nathanial Hayward, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, courtesy of Wikipedia and Jerry Dougherty, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Colchester and Home Prices

There is at least 1 active adult community in Colchester (see link at top left). 

 Zillow reports median home value to be about $288,488 early 2021.

What Is Special about Colchester

Headquarters of Consumer Reports and its famous testing labs.  Nearby Salmon River State Forest. This part of Connecticut, near the Connecticut River, is quite beautiful and relatively tranquil. Harry's Place is a small hamburger joint of some repute. Colcherster is above average for walkability when compared to other towns.

What Is Not Special about Colchester

Property values are higher here than in surrounding towns.

Who Will Like Retirement in Colchester

People who like relatively calm but prosperous old Connecticut towns in a beautiful setting.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Consumer Reports is the big local industry. But it is close enough to Hartford and Storrs for easy commuting

Climate and Physical Environment

Colchester is just east of the Connecticut River Valley in the south-central part of the state

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Colchester hosts community events, farmer's markets, and outdoor concerts. For more cultural events Hartford is just 30 minutes away.

Crime

Crime in Colchester is lower than the national average.

Medical facilities

The nearest hospital is 14 miles away in Willimantic

Transportation

Bradley International Airport and its convenient flights are less than 40 miles away. I 84 and I 91 are nearby

Valuable Links

Wikipedia link for ColchesterGuide to Connecticut retirement