Hamden Again Named to CNN Best Place to Live

Hamden is still one of the top 100 places to live in the United States.

So says CNN and Money Magazine, which came out with its 2012 100 Top Places to Live List on Monday.

Hamden came in at number 54. Despite its recent financial woes, the town has consistently won a place on the list. In 2008, Hamden was ranked 33 and in 2010 it was ranked 87.

"The Land of the Sleeping Giant's mountains, hills, and parks coupled with Quinnipiac University's college-town energy make this classic New England town the ideal abode for many growing families," the site says.

"Hamden prides itself on having an involved community; its all-volunteer orchestra, the Hamden Symphony Orchestra, performs year-round. The city does its part to keep residents close to home with big small-business incentives; still, many locals commute to nearby New Haven, 30 minutes down the road."

“I'm delighted, but not surprised, that Hamden is being recognized in such a positive light," said Mayor Scott Jackson. "We live in a community with abundant natural resources, a great school system, amazing citizens and a solid business community. While we have our share of challenges to work on, this award affirms my resolve that we are doing the things needed to keep our Town a great place to live.” 

"We are really proud to have another national organization recognize what a great place to live Hamden is," said Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng. "This is something that we as Hamdenites know and even take for granted sometimes -- but out town has wonderful programs, impressive services, a quality school system and some of the best parks in the northeast."

"I can see it," said Margaret Clark, who was shopping with her 2-year-old daughter Brianna at the Hamden Plaza Monday afternoon. "Hamden is a very nice place to raise children -- we have a park just down the street from our house and there are many children in our neighborhood.

"We moved here three years ago and have been very happy here," she said of herself and her husband Robert.

"It's a nice place to live, but I wish they would lower the taxes a bit," said Noreen Rodriguez. "That's my only complaint, other than that I like living here and agree that it's a nice place to live."

Every Hamden resident should be proud of the CNN/Money Magazine designation, Leng said.

"It is a good day for Hamden and so many of our residents should be proud that they have played a part in making Hamden what it is -- one of the best places to live in America."