Asylum Hill - Hartford, CT Area Guide

Asylum Hill gained its modern name from the establishment of the Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons in the early 19th century. When the school relocated to West Hartford, Asylum Hill attracted wealthy and intellectual urbanites looking for a bedroom haven away from the city center.

As affluent locals streamed in, they built grand, architecturally impressive homes. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and Mark Twain House still stand as two of the area's most prized historic attractions, drawing tourists to the museum exhibits and educational programs.

The 20th century brought residential migration amidst an influx of insurance companies, changing the economic makeup of the area. One insurer, The Hartford, regularly hosts arts events, such as symphony orchestra concerts at the company's Hartbeat Park grounds.

Modest takeout restaurants reign in Asylum Hill, giving busy urbanites a quick bite to eat while on the move. Make a detour to Farmington Avenue on your way home to grab a cheap pizza pie, a sandwich or fried chicken. Continue westward on this street just beyond the neighborhood for a broader selection of sit-down restaurants and ethnic specialties.

Get your fried-food fix at NY Chicken & Biscuits, a late-night favorite for locals and students looking for a hot meal after midnight. If crispy chicken and French fries aren't your guilty pleasures, load up on a plate of halal meat over rice or a spicy chicken cheesesteak with just the right amount of mayo. The restaurant rarely has table seating, and the small parking lot serves several businesses, so locals suggest parking down the street or leaving your car at home.

Locals head to Sisson Ave Pizza after hitting the bars because this low-cost takeout joint stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends and provides late-night delivery even on weekdays. The pizzeria serves up New York-style thin crust pies, making the slices large enough for a fast meal and easy to fold and devour. Sisson makes other pizzeria staples, such as calzones, subs and salads, but be prepared for an extra $1 charge if you pay with debit or credit.

For a taste of fusion cuisine, devour a bowl of soba noodles topped with grilled chicken at Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe. The Far East Nachos artfully unite Asian and Mexican cultures with seasoned wontons covered in pork, cilantro, Pepper Jack and mango salsa, and the peanut butter cup fondue makes you feel like a giddy child. Locals love the Sunday brunch, where you can fuel up on cinnamon bun bread pudding or poached organic eggs with Cuban pork and sweet potato home fries.

From dance clubs to dive bars, attractive nightlife surrounds this central Hartford neighborhood. Get craft beer with a side of Reuben egg rolls or eggs Benedict at the Half Door, a gastropub with Irish inclinations. If you're heading downtown, be sure to stop at the Angry Bull Saloon for Angry Bird wings and mac-and-cheese bites.

Asylum Hill serves as a thoroughfare between downtown Hartford and West Hartford, so public transportation frequently travels through the neighborhood, especially along Farmington Avenue and Asylum Street. Catch buses 60 through 66 and 72 through 74 for fast trips in the Hartford area, or commute out of the city by car using Routes 45 and 84.

Living in central Hartford has its upsides. Locals can easily find cabs downtown or schedule a pickup from services like Uber. Bring change for the parking meter when shopping downtown, but feel confident knowing you can park for free in most residential streets in Asylum Hill. Although you won't find an abundance of biking lanes along these narrow streets, many parts of the neighborhood have paved sidewalks for safe riding.

Asylum Hill's dense population leaves little room for parks, so the neighborhood has limited outdoor recreation spaces. Fortunately, neighboring areas house large parks within a short distance, providing impressive facilities for hiking, swimming and sports.

Challenge your neighbors to a game of hoops at Sigourney Square Park, a small, 2.85-acre square of greenery. Bring the kids to this free gated area to explore the playscape or walk the dog. Benches and tree-shaded areas provide comfortable spots for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the action.

Venture downtown to stroll the hallowed grounds of Bushnell Park at the Capitol. Take photos of the historic arch, or indulge your inner child on the park's stunning carousel. The well-tended lawn and charming pond provide a relaxing, scenic environment for practicing your qigong stretches or going for a jog. A year-round schedule of music shows, plays and other performance events makes the pavilion a popular hangout for arts enthusiasts.

Take a 10-minute drive to Keney Park, an athlete's paradise that extends across 694 acres of Hartford and Windsor. The facilities accommodate everything from basketball and tennis to cricket and handball, and power walkers can put their legs to the test on fitness trails and nature walks. Jump-start the kids' excitement at the fish-filled pond or playscape, and then refuel between activities by grilling your own burgers and franks on-site.

Making your home in the state capital costs about 12 percent less than dwelling in other Connecticut cities, and Asylum Hill's average living costs are on par with Hartford. Expect a median rent of $873 to snag a one-bedroom apartment, and for about $3 a day, you can take trips to downtown Hartford and beyond via public transportation. Gas prices exceed the national average by roughly 13 percent per gallon, while buying beer at local pubs sets you back about $4 to $5 a pint.

Since Asylum Hill evolved as a residential retreat, the neighborhood's minimalistic shopping experience is balanced by large, lively commercial districts in close proximity. West Hartford's stretch of Farmington Avenue attracts every type of shopper, whether you want high-end yoga wear from Lululemon Athletica, high-value electronics from Best Buy or affordable designer threads from Marshalls.

For retail therapy in the neighborhood, pick up a slinky cocktail dress or new boot-cut jeans at Clothiers Warehouse. This joint retailer and wholesaler tracks down overstock supplies of trendy designer clothes and resells them at discounted prices, so you can boost your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

If you're in the market for specialty stereo equipment, stroll a few stores down to The Stereo Shop, an audiophile's oasis. Upgrade to a professional-quality sound system, or wow your friends with a digital projection setup for your home. When special occasions roll around, stop by De Vars-Phillips Florists & Antiques to splurge on a rainbow rose bouquet or chocolate-covered strawberries for your sweetie.

A host of small ethnic markets serve the area's grocery needs, but you can also take advantage of the diverse inventory at chain stores, such as C-Town and Sam's Food Stores. Drive into West Hartford for ShopRite and Whole Foods. Locals who love to support Connecticut farmers fill their pantries with fresh produce and artisan pastries from the West End Farmers' Market.