East Hartford vs. Hartford: Which Side of the River Should You Choose?

Hartford’s economy centers around major employers including Aetna (6,000+ employees), The Hartford insurance company (4,000+ employees), and Hartford HealthCare (20,000+ employees). The insurance industry has earned Hartford the nickname “Insurance Capital of the World,” with companies like Aetna maintaining their headquarters at 151 Farmington Avenue since the 1800s.

The concentration of insurance, healthcare, and government jobs creates a stable employment base with competitive salaries, though it can make the local economy sensitive to changes in these specific industries.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art stands as the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, housing nearly 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art history in its castle-like Gothic Revival building. For more information about Hartford’s cultural attractions, check out our Hartford, CT Relocation Guide: Top Attractions.

Hartford Stage Company brings world-class theater to the city, while the XL Center hosts everything from University of Connecticut basketball to major concerts and touring shows. The Connecticut Science Center offers family-friendly educational entertainment with hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater.

Trinity College adds intellectual energy to the city while providing educational and cultural programming that benefits the broader community. Everything You Need to Know About Living in Hartford, CT provides deeper insights into the educational landscape and how it impacts daily life in the city.

Hartford Public Schools serve the city’s families, with several magnet schools and specialized programs that draw students from across the region. The district has invested significantly in new facilities and programming in recent years.

Across the Connecticut River, East Hartford offers a distinctly different lifestyle while maintaining close proximity to Hartford’s urban amenities. With its more suburban character and family-friendly neighborhoods, East Hartford appeals to those seeking space, value, and a slightly quieter pace of life.

Neighborhoods and Character

Hockanum represents East Hartford’s historic heart, with a mix of colonial and mid-century homes that reflect the community’s evolution from agricultural roots to suburban development. The area offers mature trees, established neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community identity.

The Burnside area showcases East Hartford’s suburban appeal with ranch homes, split-levels, and colonials on larger lots than you’d typically find across the river. Many of these neighborhoods developed in the post-World War II boom as aerospace workers sought family-friendly communities.

Silver Lane area has become increasingly popular with young families and professionals working at Pratt & Whitney, offering newer housing developments and convenient access to both the Pratt & Whitney campus and highway connections.

Housing Market and Affordability

East Hartford’s housing market shows strong performance with a median home price of $285,000 in February 2025, representing a 9.6% increase year-over-year. The predominantly suburban character means 73% of homes sell over asking price, indicating strong buyer demand for the area’s single-family homes and townhouses.

The housing stock leans heavily toward single-family homes with yards, garages, and the suburban amenities many families prioritize. This creates a market where buyers often find more space for their money compared to Hartford’s urban core.

Transportation and Commute Patterns

East Hartford’s highway access via I-84 and Route 2 provides excellent connectivity for commuters heading east toward Boston or west toward New York. The community’s suburban layout means car ownership is essentially necessary, but many residents appreciate the easier parking and lower urban stress this lifestyle provides.

Pratt & Whitney’s massive East Hartford campus at 400 Main Street employs over 13,000 Connecticut workers, creating a significant local commute pattern and supporting the community’s economy.

Employment and Industry

Pratt & Whitney, headquartered in East Hartford, stands as the world’s second-largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer with a 35% market share. The company’s recent $500 million investment includes a new 425,000-square-foot Engineering & Technology Center that accommodates up to 1,750 employees.

Beyond aerospace, East Hartford benefits from retail and service employment, plus proximity to Hartford’s major employers for those willing to cross the river for work.

Recreation and Community Life

Great River Park offers families extensive green space along the Connecticut River, with walking trails, playgrounds, and seasonal activities that take advantage of the riverside location. The park provides some of the area’s best views of the Hartford skyline.

Rentschler Field, now known as Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, hosts University of Connecticut football and serves as a regional venue for major events.

Schools and Family Life

East Hartford’s school system serves the community’s family-focused population with neighborhood elementary schools, middle schools, and East Hartford High School. The suburban setting allows for larger school campuses and extensive athletic facilities.

The community’s family-oriented character shows in its numerous youth sports leagues, community events, and neighborhood associations that foster strong local connections.

Cost of Living: Where Your Dollar Goes Further

Housing Costs: Hartford’s median home price of $289,916 runs slightly higher than East Hartford’s $285,000, but the difference is marginal. The real distinction lies in what you get for your money—Hartford offers urban convenience and walkability, while East Hartford provides more space and parking.

Property Taxes: Both communities fall under Connecticut’s property tax structure, but specific rates can vary based on exact location and recent assessments. East Hartford’s suburban character often means larger lots, which can impact overall tax bills.

Utilities and Services: Urban Hartford may offer more competitive options for internet and cable services due to infrastructure density, while East Hartford’s suburban layout might mean higher costs for some utilities but lower costs for services like parking.

Commute and Transportation: Getting Where You Need to Go

To Major Employers: Hartford residents enjoy walking or short transit access to downtown insurance companies and government offices. East Hartford residents have proximity to Pratt & Whitney but face bridge crossings for Hartford jobs.

To New York City: Both communities offer similar access via I-84 south, with drive times around 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic. Hartford’s rail connections provide an alternative for NYC travel.

To Boston: Route 2 from East Hartford provides direct highway access, while Hartford residents typically use I-84 to I-90. Drive times are comparable at roughly 2 hours.

Daily Transportation: Hartford’s urban core supports some car-free living, while East Hartford’s suburban layout requires vehicle ownership for most daily activities.

Family Life: Schools, Safety, and Community

School Quality: Both communities offer public school options with different strengths. Hartford’s magnet school programs provide specialized opportunities, while East Hartford’s neighborhood schools often feature smaller class sizes and suburban campus advantages.

Recreation: Hartford families benefit from urban cultural amenities, museums, and downtown festivals. East Hartford families enjoy more traditional suburban recreation with parks, youth sports, and outdoor activities.

Safety: Both communities have invested in public safety, though specific neighborhood conditions vary. Suburban East Hartford typically offers the security features many families prioritize, while urban Hartford provides the eyes-on-the-street safety of active neighborhoods.

Nightlife and Dining: After Hours Options

Hartford’s Scene: The capital city offers diverse dining from farm-to-table restaurants to ethnic cuisines, plus craft breweries, wine bars, and live music venues. Downtown Hartford’s entertainment district provides walkable nightlife options.

East Hartford’s Options: More limited but growing restaurant scene focuses on family dining and casual establishments. Residents often cross the river for more extensive nightlife options.

Cultural Events: Hartford’s larger venues host touring shows, concerts, and festivals. East Hartford offers community events and festivals but relies on Hartford for major cultural programming.

Future Development: Growth and Investment

Hartford’s Renaissance: Continued revitalization efforts and projected 3-4% annual home value growth through 2025 suggest ongoing investment in the urban core.

East Hartford’s Expansion: Pratt & Whitney’s massive investment and new facilities indicate continued aerospace industry growth and employment stability.

Both communities benefit from Connecticut’s strategic location between Boston and New York, positioning them for continued growth as remote work patterns evolve and people seek alternatives to more expensive metropolitan areas.

Logistics and Access

Bridge Traffic: The Connecticut River crossing can impact daily routines, especially during rush hours. How to Protect Your Move offers strategies for timing your relocation to minimize traffic-related delays.

Moving Truck Access: Hartford’s urban streets may present challenges for large moving vehicles, while East Hartford’s suburban layout typically offers easier access for moving trucks and equipment.

Timing Your Move

Best Seasons: Spring and fall typically offer the most pleasant moving weather and avoid peak summer heat or winter weather complications. Both communities experience traditional New England seasonal patterns.

School Calendar Considerations: Families should coordinate moves with school calendar transitions to minimize disruption for children.

Services and Municipal Differences

Utility Connections: Each community has different utility providers and connection processes. Five Collage Movers can provide guidance on utility transfers and municipal requirements specific to your new address.

Voter Registration and Services: Moving between Hartford and East Hartford requires updating voter registration and familiarizing yourself with different municipal services and departments.

Local Moving Tips

Specialty Items: Whether you’re moving a piano, artwork, or other valuable items, both communities have homes that can accommodate special pieces. How to Move a Piano provides detailed guidance for protecting valuable instruments during your relocation.

Neighborhood Timing: Understanding pickup and delivery schedules, parking regulations, and neighborhood patterns can make your moving day significantly smoother.

Your Decision: Which Side of the River Calls to You?

Choosing between Hartford and East Hartford ultimately comes down to lifestyle priorities and personal preferences. Hartford offers urban energy, cultural richness, and the convenience of city living, while East Hartford provides suburban comfort, family-friendly neighborhoods, and proximity to aerospace innovation.

Consider Hartford if you value:

• Walkable urban lifestyle
• Cultural amenities and nightlife
• Diverse housing options
• Career opportunities in insurance and finance
• Access to public transportation

Choose East Hartford if you prioritize:

• Suburban family lifestyle
• More space for your housing dollar
• Proximity to aerospace industry
• Quieter, community-oriented neighborhoods
• Easier parking and car-centric living

Both communities offer the advantages of Connecticut living—four seasons, New England charm, proximity to major metropolitan areas, and strong educational opportunities. Moving to Boston explores options for those who eventually want to expand their New England experience.

The Connecticut River may divide these communities geographically, but both sides offer compelling reasons to call them home. Your perfect choice depends on matching their distinct characters with your personal priorities and lifestyle goals.

When you’re ready to make your move to either side of the river, Five Collage Movers brings deep local knowledge and professional expertise to ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free. Our Hartford-based team understands the unique characteristics of both communities, the best routes for moving day, and the timing considerations that can make your relocation successful.

Whether you’re crossing the Connecticut River or moving within the greater Hartford area, contact Five Collage Movers for a free consultation. Let our local expertise help you start the next chapter of your life on whichever side of the river feels like home.

Contact Five Collage Movers Today:

• Serving Hartford, East Hartford, and all of New England
• Professional local and long-distance moving services
• Free moving consultations and estimates
• Licensed, insured, and committed to your satisfaction

Your new home awaits—let us help you get there.