Our Get Up Get Out and Explore CT Municipalities series, where we spotlight local cities and towns throughout Connecticut, continues with Farmington. We encourage you to get up, get out, and explore new places and things to do that help support our region.
Located in the heart of the Farmington Valley, with a population of 25,000 and an employee base of 30,000, Farmington is a connected community of engaged residents and thriving business owners, committed to maintaining a balance between preservation and innovation.
With its proximity to highways, airports, and major cities, Farmington’s location makes it an ideal place for both residents and business owners to live, work, play and prosper.
Farmington’s Quality of Life
Farmington’s diverse housing stock includes apartments, condominiums, entry-level single-family homes, and luxury real estate. Its low tax rate offers affordability beyond what can be found in surrounding towns.
Farmington Public Schools are rooted in excellence and have been recognized as Blue Ribbon School, by the U.S. Department of Education. Farmington High School has been named one of the top performing high schools in Connecticut, with more than 90% of graduates going on to two- or four-year colleges. Farmington is also home to Miss Porter’s, a top private girls’ boarding school, Tunxis Community College, and the UConn Medical and Dental Schools.
Farmington values the preservation of open space and historic resources. The town has spent millions of dollars to preserve more than 30% of town land for preserved open space, much of it available for public enjoyment, at properties managed by the Farmington Land Trust.
With excellent schools, a diverse housing stock, low taxes, and loads of cultural amenities and open space, it’s no surprise that Farmington’s been voted one of the 2021 Best Places to Live in CT by Niche.com, with an overall A+ grade.
Thriving Business Community
Farmington is proud to attract industry world leaders in manufacturing, medical, bioscience, and financial services, while cultivating a diverse community of small businesses. The town boasts more than 2,000 registered businesses that bring over 30,000 employees into town daily. Farmington has one of the largest Class A office space inventories in the greater Hartford regions, with more than four million square feet of office space and one million square feet of industrial space.
The Farmington Economic Department and the Farmington Economic Development Commission are dedicated to promoting business growth and vibrancy, while maintaining the proud character of the community. Farmington businesses benefit from stable government, a strong tax base, and one of the lowest mill rates in the greater Hartford Region.
The Economic Development Department is dedicated to working with businesses by connecting them to resources and supporting them through processes to meet their immediate needs. Choose Farmington, the town’s economic development website, highlights various business resources, commercial property inventory, and demographics to assist developers and businesses looking to relocate to Farmington.
In 2017, the Economic Development Commission created an online hub, ExploreFarmington.com, that connects residents and visitors to Farmington’s businesses and cultural centers. This user-friendly site highlights the community’s local events, places, and stories and provides a useful tool with a clear and powerful economic benefit for our businesses and residents.
Arts, Culture, Sports, and Entertainment
With its historic charm, cultural amenities, and outdoor attractions, Farmington offers both residents and visitors the opportunity to explore. From bicycling, fly fishing, and cross-country skiing to art exhibits, historical tours, and live music, there is truly something for everyone.
Farmington encourages visitors to explore:
- The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
- Farmington Land Trust
- The Farmington Polo Club
- The Farmington River
- The Farmington River Trail
- The Hill-Stead Museum
- The Stanley-Whitman House
- Tunxis Club, the largest golf complex in New England
- The Unionville Museum
- WestFarms Mall, a premier shopping center in Central Connecticut
- The Yale Walpole Museum
Prosper In Farmington
Farmington offers the best of what’s available in the region, for both residents and business owners. The town’s robust Grand List, high bond rating (AAA), and healthy and diverse business environment reflects its strong economic stability. As an economic leader in the area, Farmington is known for delivering excellent town services, while keeping taxes low and stable.
Visit Farmington, explore the many cultural amenities, historic neighborhoods, and unique shops and restaurants, and discover why Farmington is such a special place to live, work, play and prosper.