With sprawling green spaces and rich historical roots, Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and one of the oldest cities in the nation. The city has a lower senior population than the national median, at 11.3%, but a wide range of elder-friendly things to do. Although the city is only 18 square miles, it has 37 parks and more than 2,300 acres of gardens and outdoor leisure areas.

At some point in their lives, adults in Hartford might consider assisted living. This type of care is ideal for seniors who need a little help with daily activities like preparing meals, personal care and chores. Assisted living communities also provide a social and enriching environment that can help improve mood and cognitive health. In Hartford, assisted living costs around $5,753 per month, which is low compared to the rest of the state but higher than national medians.

The following guide is designed to help seniors decide whether assisted living care is right for them. It covers the costs, benefits and drawbacks of retirement in Hartford. This guide also lists free resources that can provide more information or help seniors transition into assisted living.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Hartford, CT

Avery Heights

550 Avery Heights, Hartford, CT, 06106


The Retreat

90 Retreat Avenue,, Hartford, CT, 06106

My mother is a 90 year old resident at the Retreat. I can’t say enough about what a wonderful warm and caring place this is. The staff are very attentive and the residents are all so friendly and warm … (read more)
My mother is a 90 year old resident at the Retreat. I can’t say enough about what a wonderful warm and caring place this is. The staff are very attentive and the residents are all so friendly and warm … (read more)

Atria Greenridge Place

One Elizabeth Court, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067

My sister just moved into Atria Greenridge Place. The people have been very, very nice and accommodating. It seems like a wonderful place. It seems like she’s going to be happy there. They’ve been ver … (read more)
My sister just moved into Atria Greenridge Place. The people have been very, very nice and accommodating. It seems like a wonderful place. It seems like she’s going to be happy there. They’ve been ver … (read more)

Brookdale Gables Farmington

20 Devonwood Drive, Farmington, CT, 06032

Brookdale Gables Farmington was very nice. My dad loved the staff during the tour and thought the people were great, but it was a dated-looking facility and he didn’t like that. The hallways were smal … (read more)
Brookdale Gables Farmington was very nice. My dad loved the staff during the tour and thought the people were great, but it was a dated-looking facility and he didn’t like that. The hallways were smal … (read more)

2015

River Ridge at Avon

101 Bickford Extension, Avon, CT, 06001

River Ridge at Avon was very nice. They took us through everything. They took us to all the rooms. They showed us what goes on from day to day. It was a very good experience. The building was nice. Th … (read more)
River Ridge at Avon was very nice. They took us through everything. They took us to all the rooms. They showed us what goes on from day to day. It was a very good experience. The building was nice. Th … (read more)

2014, 2015

AVIVA West Hartford

1 Hamilton Heights Drive, West Hartford, CT, 06119

We are choosing AVIVA West Hartford for my dad. The building was extremely nice. It’s got a lot of character to it because it used to be a school. It’s not like a cookie-cutter place where not all the … (read more)
We are choosing AVIVA West Hartford for my dad. The building was extremely nice. It’s got a lot of character to it because it used to be a school. It’s not like a cookie-cutter place where not all the … (read more)

2016

The Village at Buckland Court

432 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT, 06074

The rooms at The Village at Buckland Court were a nice size. They had no stoves in the kitchen, but they had microwaves in them, which was a very good thing. I feel that safety is foremost and what I … (read more)
The rooms at The Village at Buckland Court were a nice size. They had no stoves in the kitchen, but they had microwaves in them, which was a very good thing. I feel that safety is foremost and what I … (read more)

Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks

550 Old County Road, Windsor Locks, CT, 06096

I went to Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks. The location was a good location, as it was right off the highway to my house. It was clean. It seemed to have quite a few amenities. The pricing was rea … (read more)
I went to Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks. The location was a good location, as it was right off the highway to my house. It was clean. It seemed to have quite a few amenities. The pricing was rea … (read more)

Brookdale West Hartford

22 Simsbury Road, West Hartford, CT, 06117

We went to Brookdale West Hartford to tour the community for my mom. It’s a very nice facility. Everybody there was very friendly, helpful, and very professional. The facility appeared to be clean. Th … (read more)
We went to Brookdale West Hartford to tour the community for my mom. It’s a very nice facility. Everybody there was very friendly, helpful, and very professional. The facility appeared to be clean. Th … (read more)

The Residence at Ferry Park

60 Cold Spring Rd, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067

I liked that The Residence at Ferry Park had both assisted living and memory care. The people could go back and forth between the two. So if a resident of memory care wants to go to some type of funct … (read more)
I liked that The Residence at Ferry Park had both assisted living and memory care. The people could go back and forth between the two. So if a resident of memory care wants to go to some type of funct … (read more)

Brookdale Chatfield

One Chatfield Drive, West Hartford, CT, 06110

Brookdale Chatfield was a very nice location. The biggest drawback was just its distance. It’s not convenient for us. We have looked at both a studio and a one-bedroom. They didn’t have an open one-be … (read more)
Brookdale Chatfield was a very nice location. The biggest drawback was just its distance. It’s not convenient for us. We have looked at both a studio and a one-bedroom. They didn’t have an open one-be … (read more)

Addison Place at Glastonbury

1177 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT, 06033

I really, really liked Addison Place at Glastonbury. I’m hoping my parents will pick it. The staff is very, very professional, very caring, and a very nice feel. They showed me the whole facility, and … (read more)
I really, really liked Addison Place at Glastonbury. I’m hoping my parents will pick it. The staff is very, very professional, very caring, and a very nice feel. They showed me the whole facility, and … (read more)

Hoffman SummerWood Community

160 Simsbury Road , West Hartford, CT, 06117

Hoffman SummerWood generates a lot of people of the Jewish faith. It is basically built by Jewish people, so the food is kosher, and the majority of their residents are Jewish. There is nothing wrong … (read more)
Hoffman SummerWood generates a lot of people of the Jewish faith. It is basically built by Jewish people, so the food is kosher, and the majority of their residents are Jewish. There is nothing wrong … (read more)

Anthology of Farmington

1 Bridgewater Road, Farmington, CT, 06032

I am the daughter of a current resident who we moved from another facility about 7 mos ago. The staff is the best we have experienced. My mother has wonderful care and is thriving. The BEST choice we … (read more)
I am the daughter of a current resident who we moved from another facility about 7 mos ago. The staff is the best we have experienced. My mother has wonderful care and is thriving. The BEST choice we … (read more)

The Residence at Brookside

117 Simsbury Road, Avon, CT, 06001

The Residence at Brookside was lovely and brand new. The staff was very lovely. The rooms were postage stamp-size. They were so tiny, I could never live there. The 1-bedroom wasn’t any bigger either … (read more)
The Residence at Brookside was lovely and brand new. The staff was very lovely. The rooms were postage stamp-size. They were so tiny, I could never live there. The 1-bedroom wasn’t any bigger either … (read more)

HarborChase of Evergreen Walk

1000 Evergreen Way, South Windsor, CT, 06074

We toured HarborChase of Evergreen Walk. The staff there wouldn’t even give me a ballpark figure of price. She gave me nothing. If it was going to be a mental health issue, it was, ‘Nope. Nope. We don … (read more)
We toured HarborChase of Evergreen Walk. The staff there wouldn’t even give me a ballpark figure of price. She gave me nothing. If it was going to be a mental health issue, it was, ‘Nope. Nope. We don … (read more)

The Hearth at Glastonbury

281 Western Blvd, Glastonbury, CT, 06033

I toured The Hearth at Glastonbury. They were very detail-oriented in providing total care for the people that live there. One of the most important things from my mother was her spiritual needs and e … (read more)
I toured The Hearth at Glastonbury. They were very detail-oriented in providing total care for the people that live there. One of the most important things from my mother was her spiritual needs and e … (read more)

The Residence at South Windsor Farms

200 Deming Street, South Windsor, CT, 06074

We toured The Residence at South Windsor Farms for my sister-in-law. They were very open to helping us. They were very good. The person who does the tour was lovely and very understanding. She wanted … (read more)
We toured The Residence at South Windsor Farms for my sister-in-law. They were very open to helping us. They were very good. The person who does the tour was lovely and very understanding. She wanted … (read more)

Brookdale South Windsor

1715 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT, 06074

Brookdale South Windsor was beautiful. It was luxurious. They had pretty much everything that you could want if you were living with some level of self-care. The apartments were beautiful, bright, and … (read more)
Brookdale South Windsor was beautiful. It was luxurious. They had pretty much everything that you could want if you were living with some level of self-care. The apartments were beautiful, bright, and … (read more)

Anthology of Simsbury

142 Cooper Avenue, Weatogue, CT, 06089


What to Consider About Assisted Living in Hartford

Assisted living communities in Hartford and the rest of Connecticut are governed by the Department of Public Health. This department is tasked with ensuring that the state’s assisted living communities adhere to state standards regarding safety, cleanliness and quality of services delivered.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Hartford

  • Hartford has a range of great options for medical care. The city has 18 hospitals, including the Hartford Hospital, which is ranked second-best in the entire state by U.S. News.
  • The average cost of living in Hartford is 6.1% lower than the nationwide average. In general, health care here is a little more affordable than the rest of the state and country, while housing is significantly cheaper.
  • Property crime rates in Hartford are high. Fortunately, residents of assisted living communities can rely on 24-hour staffing, high-tech surveillance and a secure environment to keep them safe.
  • Connecticut is one of the least tax-friendly states for retirees as state income taxes are applied to most types of retirement income. However, low-income seniors may be eligible for tax exemptions on Social Security payments.
  • Although the city is relatively small, it has a range of public transit options, including a bus system, a rapid transit system, a commuter rail line and specialized transportation services for seniors.
  • Hartford has a wide range of leisure options for people of all ages and is recognized as one of the best cities in the country for those who like outdoor activities.

Paying for Assisted Living in Hartford

Seniors living in Hartford can expect to pay around $5,753 per month for assisted living. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, this price is lower than the Connecticut average of $6,300. Assisted living in Hartford is more expensive than the national average of $4,300.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Assisted living costs across the state vary widely depending on the city, location and care plan chosen. Only Norwich has lower average assisted living prices than capital city Hartford, at $5,700. On the coast, the New Haven area averages $6,445. At $7,838, Bridgeport has the highest assisted living prices in the state. This price is $2,085 per month more expensive than assisted living in Hartford.

$5753

Hartford

$6300

Connecticut

$4300

The United States

$5700

Norwich

$6445

New Haven

$7838

Bridgeport

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors considering assisted living might consider looking to see whether the type of care they need is offered elsewhere. In-home long-term care is much more affordable, at $4,767 per month for home health aide services and $4,528 for homemaker services. Adult day care is even more affordable, at $1,896. Nursing homes are the most expensive care option in Hartford. A semiprivate room in a nursing home averages $13,079, while a private room averages $13,992.

$4528

Homemaker Services

$4767

Home Health Aide

$1896

Adult Day Health Care

$5753

Assisted Living

$13079

Nursing Home, Semiprivate

$13992

Nursing Home, Private Room

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Hartford

Any resident that qualifies for Medicaid can use the program to pay for assisted living facilities. Low-income individuals who prefer to live in an ALF rather than a nursing home may also receive help through the Assisted Living Waiver Program.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Connecticut page.

connecticut Financial Assistance

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Connecticut page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Hartford

The following resources can help seniors in the Hartford area learn about assisted living as well as arrange and pay for their long-term care.

ResourceContact Service
North Central Area Agency on Aging


(860) 724-
6443

This Area Agency on Aging provides a wide range of free resources, including the CT CHOICES program. This case management program offers health insurance counseling, service referrals and long-term care placement. Seniors can also take advantage of healthy aging classes designed to help them prevent falls and manage chronic conditions.
Greater Hartford Legal Aid(860) 541-
5000
As a non-profit law office, this body offers free legal advice and assistance to low-income people and seniors. Volunteer attorneys can help with civil issues such as health insurance access, housing disputes and financial matters. Free self-help information and forms are also available here.
Hartford Vet Center(860) 563-
8800
Veterans and their families can apply for federal benefits such as pensions, life insurance and housing benefits. This center can also provide referrals to the VA medical system, which offers physician, specialist, laboratory and pharmaceutical services.
Community Renewal Team(860) 560-
5600
This non-profit runs several programs for seniors, including a Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, which offers socialization and community engagement opportunities. The Senior Community Cafe provides nutritious meals and a chance to meet new friends. Veterans services are also available here, including case management and employment referrals.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Hartford

Hartford-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Connecticut are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Connecticut page for more information about these laws.

Connecticut laws and regs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of assisted living in Hartford?

According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Hartford is $4340.

Is it safe to live in Hartford?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Hartford is 256, which is below the national average of 323.

Is traffic in Hartford bad?

There is low traffic congestion with an about average crash rate of 8.

How much does housing cost in Hartford?

At $1,096, the average cost of housing in Hartford is below the nationwide average of $1,442

Is the job market good in Hartford?

Hartford offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.47.

Is it accessible to live in Hartford without a vehicle?

In Hartford, 84.7% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is above the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 41 local transit vehicles per hour. This is more than the national average of 8.

Are the health care options good in Hartford?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 75% in Hartford – this is higher the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 94 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is more the national average of 82.

Should you consider retiring in Hartford?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Hartford ranked in the top of the pack. It’s overall rank was 1st, and it scored the best in Senior Living & Housing, while it’s lowest score was for Health Care.

Are there fun activities for retirees in Hartford?

In Hartford, the number of parks is more than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.