Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, in Hartford County. It is located on the Connecticut River, near the center of the state.  Sometimes referred to as “insurance capital of the world,” Greater Hartford is an international center of the insurance industry, with companies such as AETNA, St. Paul Travelers, and The Hartford based in the city. The area is also home to Colt Firearms and large corporations like United Technologies (the parent corporation for Pratt & Whitney, Otis Elevator, Sikorsky Aircraft, Carrier Corporation, Hamilton Sundstrand, UTC Fire & Security and UTC Fuel Cells) and others.

In the last few years, Hartford has generated renewed interest with both local and national developers who are investing heavily in the city through a variety of projects, all of which are in different stages. These investments include everything from commercial and residential projects such as Hartford 21 to a new science center, an extensive system of riverfront trails and parks, neighborhood improvements to Park Street and Parkville, the renovation of the historic Colt building to National Park standards and significant development in the central business district.

Currently there are more then 1 billion dollars worth of private and publicly funded projects happening throughout the city’s 17 neighborhoods and also in neighboring East Hartford and other suburbs. The overlying theme for development in the city was to create more activity downtown and reconnect Constitution Plaza to the waterfront, which was cut-off when Interstate 91 was constructed. A majority of the development happening in the city is downtown but improvements are now starting to felt in all of the city’s neighborhoods.

With big city amenities in a quaint New England setting, the region offers residents unparalleled living options. From urban apartments to stately Victorian homes, you’ll find housing for every budget.

It’s easy to live your life in Hartford. An active metropolitan region, Hartford offers easy access and a central location, urban and suburban living choices, highly rated educational institutions, and clean and safe streets. Abundant parkland and nature trails, health care (with two of the nation’s top 100 hospitals), public safety, amenities, diverse neighborhoods, arts and heritage make our region a great place to call home.

The region continues to be recognized for its foresight and vision. Civic pride channels deep through all of our urban and suburban neighborhoods. A strong leadership commitment to Hartford’s arts institutions and human service agencies blends with grassroots, hands-on volunteer efforts such as reading to a child or fixing up an elderly neighbor’s home. From lunch-hour concerts downtown to morning canoe lessons on the river, Greater Hartford residents get involved, have fun, and care deeply.

Living in the Hartford region provides countless ways to make the most of each day. You don’t need to travel far for romantic winter getaways, spring garden visits, summer concerts and festivals, fall foliage driving tours, a drive to the casinos, or a day on the golf course.