Simsbury, CT 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Simsbury is a beautiful and picturesque town in Connecticut's Farmington Valley. In spite of Simsbury's higher cost of living, it offers many amenities that make it an attractive location for 55+ homebuyers. A median home price of $392,400 makes Simsbury one of the most expensive places to live in Connecticut. From small condos to large, luxurious homes, there is something to fit almost every budget in the town. Compared to the national average, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation costs are 8-20 percent higher. 

Connecticut property taxes are generally very high. Residents of Simsburg 55+ communities will pay, on average, a property tax of 1.74 percent of the assessed fair market value. Depending on income and filing status, Connecticut's state income tax ranges from 3% to 7%. Connecticut recently changed its tax code to exempt pensions and annuities from taxes for most seniors and distributions from IRAs will follow soon. While Connecticut currently taxes social security, it will phase out the tax by 2026. 

Climate and Geography 

Winters are cold and snowy in Simsbury, with January temperatures averaging around 27°F (-3°C). Summers are warm and humid, with July temperatures averaging around 72°F (22°C). The fall season is known for its beautiful foliage, and the spring brings blooming flowers and moderate temperatures. The town receives around 50 inches of annual precipitation, with about 60 inches of snow per year.

 Simsbury is in the Farmington River Valley and surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and farmland. There are several state parks and forests nearby, including Talcott Mountain State Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views from its 1,000-foot summit. The Farmington River, a popular spot for fly fishing and kayaking, flows through the town. Simsbury is also home to several farms and orchards, where visitors can pick their own fruits and vegetables or purchase locally-grown produce. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Simsbury 55+ communities and the Simsbury area as a whole truly have something for everyone, with a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options. It's no surprise as to why Simsbury is a popular destination for retirees and tourists alike.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Simsbury Farms Golf Course
• Hop Meadow Country Club
• The Pickleball Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• East Coast Greenway
• Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
• Talcott Mountain State Park
• Farmington River Tubing

Museums and Historical Sites

• Simsbury Historical Society
• Talcott Mountain Science Center
• Phelps Tavern Museum

Performing Arts

• Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
• Little Theatre of Manchester
• Playhouse on Park

Shopping

• The Shoppes at Farmington Valley
• Simsbury Commons
• Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge Shops

Parks and Gardens

• Stratton Brook State Park
• Ethel Walker Woods
• McLean Game Refuge

Festivals and Fairs

• Simsbury Flea & Smorgasbord
• Simsbury Celebrates
• The Heublein Tower Tasting

Health and Wellness 

Simsbury 55+ communities offer a variety of health and wellness options for residents. The town is in close proximity to major medical centers such as Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and UConn Health. For those interested in fitness, there are many local places that offer fitness classes, equipment, and support. The Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex features a fitness center, indoor pool, and outdoor pool during the summer months. The town also has several parks with walking trails, such as Stratton Brook State Park, and a variety of fitness studios and gyms. The Simsbury Public Library offers yoga and tai chi classes, and there are several local organizations that promote healthy living, such as the Simsbury Land Trust and the Farmington Valley Health District. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Simsbury 55+ Communities

If you are considering moving to a 55+ community in Simsbury, a visit to the area is a great way to determine if it is the right place for you. Here is a two-day itinerary to help you explore the area and get a feel for the community.

Day One

Morning: 

• Start your day with breakfast at Harvest Cafe & Bakery, which offers a variety of fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.
• Head to Talcott Mountain State Park for a scenic hike. The park offers beautiful views of the Hartford skyline and the Farmington River Valley.

Afternoon: 

• For lunch, visit Popover Bistro & Bakery, which offers delicious sandwiches and soups.
• Visit the Simsbury Historical Society to learn about the town's history and culture.

Evening: 

• For dinner, head to Abigail's Grille and Wine Bar. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with local ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Day Two

Morning: 

• Start your day with breakfast at Benny's of Simsbury, which offers a variety of breakfast options, coffee, and fresh-baked pastries.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent. They can provide you with information about 55+ communities in the area and answer any questions you may have.

Afternoon: 

• After your meeting, try out Iron Horse Sports Pub, which offers American pub food and a variety of beer options.
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring some of the McLean Game Refuge, a 4,400 acre nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary. 

Evening: 

• For dinner, head to Millwright's Restaurant & Tavern. This restaurant features a unique menu with locally sourced ingredients and a beautiful view of the waterfall. 

Getting to Simsbury, CT

Simsbury 55+ communities are easily accessible by car and Simsbury is located just off of major highways in the area. The main highways that lead into the area include:

• I-84: Runs east-west through Connecticut and passes through Hartford, located just 15 miles east of Simsbury. Visitors traveling from the east can take I-84 West and then take Exit 39 toward CT-4, which leads directly into Simsbury.
• CT-10: Runs north-south through the center of Simsbury and provides access to nearby towns and cities.
• US-202: Runs east-west and connects Simsbury with neighboring towns and cities.

For visitors arriving by air, the nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL), located in Windsor Locks, CT, approximately 10 miles north of Simsbury. BDL is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with non-stop flights to destinations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The airport also offers several ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

Visitors arriving by train or bus can use Amtrak or Greyhound to travel to nearby Hartford Union Station, located just 15 miles east of Simsbury. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rental car to Simsbury. Additionally, visitors can use local bus services, such as CT Transit, to get around the area.