Mag Ranks City Among Top Three in Leisure

Looking for somewhere to live where leisure options are top-rate, cost of living is very good, home prices are moderate, the crime rate's average and the economy and school system are fair? According to Connecticut Magazine, Middletown is a fine place to live.

The town ranked within the top 17 on Connecticut Magazine’s annual “Rating the Small Towns” survey among towns with a population between 25,000 to 50,000.

The city is the third best place in Connecticut to spend your leisure time — only Westport and Farmington came out ahead of the Forest City. With a 's arts and culture activities, , , both new and used book stores, gift shops, , , , dozens of parks and hiking trails, a , and brand-new indoor sports training facility, it's no wonder free time is well-spent here.

Each year Connecticut Magazine ranks small towns in the state to come up with its rankings. The magazine examines in each of the towns the quality of its schools, the local economy, the cost of living, the crime rate and local leisure and cultural resources.

“The small Connecticut town is a cherished American icon,” the magazine says in its introduction to this year’s rankings.

“With its town green, leafy Main Street, white-steepled church and Fourth of July picnic, it’s a place we all feel we know, whether we live there or not. To be sure, not all small towns fit this description. Some are old mill towns, a few others are still largely farming communities. But most remain desirable places to live, raise a family or find a place to settle down. As such, each constitutes an important piece in Connecticut’s colorful 169-town mosaic.”