What Are The 7 Safest Neighborhoods In Hartford, Connecticut?

Paige Hanawalt
by Paige Hanawalt

Hartford, Connecticut is the state’s capital and its fourth-largest city. Located along the Connecticut River, there is no end to the excitement to be found. Hartford is one of America’s oldest cities and boasts several historical landmarks to be visited, including the country’s oldest public art museum, park, and continuously published newspaper.

Whether you’re looking to put down roots, learn something new, or just enjoy great views, you need look no further than the historic treasure of Hartford.

The safest neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut is West End. Crime in Hartford has decreased by 22% in recent years, and this neighborhood sees less than half of the crime in the city. Other safe neighborhoods in Hartford are Blue Hills, South West, Downtown, Sheldon Charter Oak, South End, and Asylum Hill. Many have low living costs, high incomes, low unemployment rates, and are great places to live.

These 7 neighborhoods enjoy the lowest crime rates in the area, making them the safest neighborhoods to live in and visit.

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7 Safest Neighborhoods in Hartford

Hartford is becoming a safer city to live in every year. In recent years, crime rates in the city have decreased by 22%. That being said, some neighborhoods are safer to live in than others. When relocating, it is also important to consider average housing costs, unemployment rates, and household incomes when deciding where to settle. With low crime rates, any of these 7 neighborhoods are great and convenient choices within the Hartford area.

1. West End

  • Population: 8,256
  • Median Income: $31,051
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 1,607 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 7.9%

The #1 safest neighborhood in Hartford is West End. Located near the University of Connecticut Law School, Capital Community College, and several public schools, it is 1.5 miles away from the city center.

The crime rate in West End is far lower than Hartford. In fact, crime in West End ranks well in terms of statewide and national safety. There is 35% percent less crime than the national average.

Real estate prices in West End are higher than the Hartford baseline. Rental rates, however, are lower than both the city and state averages at $894.

The median household income in the West End neighborhood is $31,051. This is a bit lower than Hartford’s MHI and significantly lower than Connecticut’s MHI of $71,755.

2. Blue Hills

  • Population: 11,499
  • Median Income: $46,173
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 2,876 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.7%

2.4 miles north of Hartford City is Blue Hills, the #2 safest neighborhood in the area. This neighborhood is also located near several universities and public schools. It is also in close proximity to a number of parks.

Crime in Blue Hills is below average for the city of Hartford. In Blue Hill, you have a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Still, it is safer than 55% of the cities in Connecticut.

The median household income in Blue Hills is $46,173, higher than the surrounding city. The cost of living is also higher. The average home value is $191,067, above the Hartford average. Rental costs are also heftier, running at $995 compared to the city average of $914.

3. South West

  • Population: 6,360
  • Median Income: $53,044
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 3,029 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 9.1%

The South West neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut is 2.5 miles away from the center of the city. Same as the previous two entries on our list, South West is conveniently located near many schools, shopping centers, and public parks.

The crime rate in South West Hartford is lower than the surrounding city. Property crimes far outweigh violent crimes. There are 2,318 estimated property crimes to an estimated 710 violent crimes.

South West has a higher than average median household income of $53,044. Unemployment rates are above the statewide and nationwide averages at 9.1%. Home and rental costs are both below the city and statewide baselines. This, in combination with its relatively high MHI, makes West End one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the area.

4. Downtown

  • Population: 2,222
  • Median Income: $44,191
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 3,109
  • Unemployment Rate: 7.2%

The #4 safest area in Hartford is Downtown Hartford. Downtown is home to the Connecticut Science Center, the Metropolitan District, and a number of other public attractions just along the Connecticut River.

Perhaps unexpectedly, Downtown crime rates are lower than the Hartford average. Incidents are an estimated 3,109 per 100,000 people. Downtown Hartford is safer than 51% of the cities in Connecticut.

What else may be surprising about Downtown is that the population density is lower than what is generally seen in Hartford. The median household income and unemployment rate in Downtown outperform city averages. The average home value is significantly lower, averaging at $59,767. Rental prices are also lower than the city and state generally see and hover around $812.

5. Sheldon Charter Oak

  • Population:
  • Median Income: $40,928
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 3,244
  • Unemployment Rate:

Sheldon Carter Oak is located a little over a mile southeast of the Hartford city center. It’s near the Connecticut River and the large Colt Park, as well as the Hartford Botanical Garden.

Crime in the Sheldon Charter Oak neighborhood is lower than the Hartford City average. There are an estimated 2,483 property crimes and an estimated 761 violent crimes in the neighborhood per 100,000 people. Those in Sheldon Charter Oak have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.

Households typically earn above the Hartford average with a median household income of $40,928. The unemployment rate is on par with what is seen in the surrounding city. The average home value of $88,450 is below average.

6. South End

  • Population: 12,771
  • Median Income: $46,971
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 3,371 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.1%

Sixth on our list is the neighborhood of South End, located just south of Connecticut’s Little Italy. 2.2 miles south of Hartford City, South End is right next to Goodwin and Thomas Hyland Parks.

The South End crime rate is lower than the Hartford average. Violent crimes are significantly less likely to occur than property crimes, and occurrences of each are less likely in South End than Hartford City.

Residents of South End enjoy a median household income of $46,971, higher than is typically seen in Hartford. The unemployment rate is lower than Hartford as well. The cost of living in South End is slightly higher than Hartford City, with an average home value of $169,144. Rental rates are similar to those within the city.

7. Asylum Hill

  • Population: 9,807
  • Median Income:
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 3,449
  • Unemployment Rate:

The #7 safest neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut is Asylum Hill. Less than a mile from the city, Asylum Hill has access to the conveniences and amenities of the city center.

With an estimated violent crime rate of 809 and property crime rate of 2,640 per 100,000 people, Asylum Hill is safer than Hartford City overall. Those in the area have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming the victim of a crime.

Real estate costs of $105,808 fall below the city and state averages. Rental costs are also much lower, $794 per month in Asylum Hill compared to $914 in Hartford and an average of $1,094 in Connecticut overall.

The median household income in Asylum Hill is $35,006, a bit higher than Hartford City’s average.

Is Hartford A Safe City?

Unfortunately, Hartford is known to be one of the least safe cities in the United States. Hartford has a significantly higher crime rate than both Connecticut and the U.S overall. The crime rate in Hartford is 3,659 per 100,000 people, giving residents a 1 in 28 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. However, crime in Hartford has been steadily decreasing over the years.

A popular tourist destination, Hartford City poses the regular risks of a popular area, and those traveling should be well educated and prepared before making the journey. Remaining vigilant, learning about the area you’ll be visiting, and sharing your travel plans with friends and family are all basic precautions you should take when visiting any new location.

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What’s The Verdict?

Hartford, Connecticut has a higher crime rate than the Connecticut average, though crime rates have been decreasing over the years. There are several safe neighborhoods in Hartford. The areas of higher crime rates tend to be located on the eastern side of the city, with a few exceptions. Whether traveling or relocating, it is important to be informed of the safer areas of the city. This list provides information on the 7 safest areas within Hartford.

Paige Hanawalt
Paige Hanawalt

Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.

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