Independent Living in Connecticut

Connecticut Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to community records in Connecticut.

In Connecticut, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Connecticut is less affordable than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 129
• Groceries: 114
• Housing: 145
• Utilities: 128
• Transportation: 112

Demographics

About 18% of Connecticut’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Connecticut leaned liberal.

2016 Presidential Election

• 55% voted Democratic
• 41% voted Republican
• 4% voted third party

Population

• Median age: 41
• Over the age of 55: 32%
• 2018 population: 3,572,665
• 2020 population: 3,570,236
• Estimated 2025 population: 3,564,172

Miscellaneous

• 28% regularly attend a religious service
• 46% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 2,597 congregations
• There are 109 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Connecticut’s climate is divided into two main sections, with the northern area classified as humid continental and the lower section — bordering the Long Island Sound — classified as humid subtropical. All of Connecticut typically has four distinct seasons, including warm summers, cold winters, and a decent amount of rain and snowfall. Northern Connecticut tends to have colder temperatures in the winter compared to the coastal region of the state to the south, where the humidity is usually higher and winters are milder. Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Connecticut is prone to severe weather like hurricanes and nor’easters.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 69%
• Average monthly precipitation: 4”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 5” (March)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 41 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 54 in July (Moderate)

Moderate air quality means that those who are sensitive to particulates in the air should limit the amount of time they spend on outdoor exertion.

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 49°F
• Average summer temperature: 70°F
• Typical summer high: 86°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 52°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 29°F
• Typical winter high: 44°F (December)
• Typical winter low: 12°F (January)