Our Community
Photo Credits, We-Ha.com and Town of West Hartford
Business & Neighborhood Associations
West Hartford boasts a strong retail and service business network, dynamic shopping and dining districts, manufacturing and industrial areas. You will find one-of-a-kind products and services in each of our business districts: Bishops Corner, Park Road, Corbins Corner, Design District on New Park Avenue, Elmwood and West Hartford Center.
West Hartford Center has been the community’s hub since the late 1600’s. The unhurried atmosphere encourages you to park and walk along the tree-lined, brick sidewalks, and stop by the fine specialty shops, restaurants, and businesses. The area also offers seasonal outdoor dining and free concerts and special events at Blue Back Square.
Our Central business district, which flanks both sides of South Main Street, is unique with its classic New England-style architecture to the west and its contemporary counterpart to the east. The tree-line sidewalks encourage you to stroll, shop or dine al fresco.
Photo Credit, Town of West Hartford
Photo Credit, Town of West Hartford and University of Saint Joseph
Education
Its reputation for outstanding education at all levels of learning is one of the top reasons families and students pursuing higher education choose West Hartford. In addition to its 11 public elementary, three public middle, and two nationally-ranked public high schools, West Hartford is home to a number of private and faith-based schools, as well. The University of Hartford and University of Saint Joseph offer undergraduate and graduate studies. Those with a lifelong love of learning will also find a host of Town-sponsored continuing education and summer programs including coursework in adult basic education, citizenship, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and High School Completion.
Amenities & Recreation
West Hartford has wonderful public recreation (Leisure Services) areas including two municipal golf courses, Rockledge Golf Club (18 holes) and Buena Vista Golf Course (9 holes); indoor Veterans Memorial Skating Rink; two indoor pools at Cornerstone Aquatics Center, and four outdoor pools at Fernridge, Beachland, Eisenhower and Kennedy parks; six public parks, the three mentioned and Wolcott Park. As well as Westmoor Park Nature Center, an educational environmental demonstration farm. There are two active senior centers, Elmwood Senior Center and West Hartford Senior Center. West Hartford has a public park within a 10-minute walk from nearly every corner in town. As a nationally certified Bicycle Friendly community, West Hartford has bicycle facilities, trails, cycling events and a roadway system that encourages everyone to share the road.
Photo Credit, Town of West Hartford
Photo Credits (in order), Elizabeth Perry, Nicole Battistone, Artist Ben Keller, and Thomas Giroir
Arts & Culture
West Hartford is a community with a heart pulsing strong with arts and culture. The lifeblood are individuals and organizations dedicated to their craft and chosen medium. Whether on a stage, screen, canvas or in a public space, an experience to stimulate and inspire awaits you in all corners of town.
West Hartford Arts & Culture Commission
“Connecticut’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $797.3 million in economic activity in state, supports more than 23,000 jobs annually and returns $72.3 million in revenue to local and state coffers.” Founded in 2020, this community organization’s goal is to further highlight and support arts and culture in West Hartford.
Ethnic, Religious & Cultural Diversity
West Hartford offers cultural experiences in art, music and dance. With continuous rotating art exhibits at the Art Museum at the University of Saint Joseph, the West Hartford Art League and the Noah Webster House museum. There is always something new to experience.
Take in a theatrical performance at Playhouse on Park, a classical concert by the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra or a dance performance at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford.
Visit the world-renowned Elizabeth Park rose garden or the birthplace of Noah Webster, author of the American dictionary and home to West Hartford’s historical society.
With over 70 languages spoken by our public school students, West Hartford enjoys culture from around the world. Several events are held each year to celebrate our multiculturalism including the Japan Summer Festival, Hello! West Hartford and Park Road Parade. West Hartford is also home to the largest contingent of Nepalense residents in Connecticut.
In addition, West Hartford has over 30 places to worship, spanning all faiths.
Photo Credits (in order), Mercy Community, Elizabeth Perry, Ronni Newton, We-Ha.com and Town of West Hartford
“After arriving here from Dallas more than three years ago, I was delighted to discover the boutiques, diverse restaurants, and beautiful parks West Hartford has to offer. But even better than all there is to do and see are the people. This community has been so gracious to our caregivers during the pandemic, providing them with special lunches and dinners in recognition of their service. Schoolchildren and their families have sent our residents cards, letters, and flowers to keep them from feeling too isolated or lonely. It is a pleasure to live and work in a place that – for all its sophistication — is still so warm and friendly.”
— Janice Hamilton-Crawford, President, Trinity Health Of New England Senior Communities