New Britain/Newington/Wethersfield - New Britain, CT

New Britain was originally settled in 1687, but it wasn't until 1871 that it was officially chartered as a city. During the 19th century, the city saw the development of numerous inventions, including the wire coat hanger as well as the basketball technique of dribbling (at a local YMCA). Moving into the 20th century, New Britain became home to numerous manufacturers including Stanley Works, earning its reputation as the "Hardware City." At the same time, the city's YMCA contributed to the development of the sport of racquetball. New Britain houses both New Britain Industrial Museum and the New Britain Museum of American Art. The art museum serves as a major hub for New Britain's art scene, showcasing artwork that spans multiple eras and centuries. The museum also regularly hosts a number of community-driven events.

New Britain houses a manifold spread of independently owned restaurants, ranging from Asian, European and Spanish boutiques, to a collection of diners, pubs and delis. Whether you're looking for traditional fast foods like burgers and dogs, or full-on Polish and Thai cuisines, New Britain can certainly accommodate. Several establishments operate along or near both Broad and Main Street. Mae Kong Thai Restaurant stands as the last word in authentic and full-bodied Thai cuisine. The restaurant presents a casually decorated and inviting atmosphere where customers can either dine in or order their meals to go. The low-key ambiance of Mae Kong Thai makes it a great spot for getting together with friends or the whole family. Customers order a full range of dishes including everything from pad thai to yellow curry, and just about everything in between. Meanwhile, restaurant staff provides speedy and attentive service that keeps customers visiting again and again. Try the drunken noodle, a dish comprised of wok-tossed flat rice noodles with hot chili, eggs, onions, bell peppers, broccoli and sweet basil leaves. The Underground Deli stands as one of New Britain's most successful specialty bistros, serving only the finest selection of freshly made sandwiches. The restaurant's menu features over 40 sandwiches, each comprised of crisp bread and mind-blowingly flavorful ingredients. The facility houses a spread of tables and comfy couches where customers enjoy their meals and bask in the friendly and personable attitudes of restaurant staff members, which makes for an overall exceptionally pleasing dining experience. Try the journal square, a carefully crafted blend of roasted turkey, bacon, brie, herb-garlic cheese, lettuce and tomato on a roll. New Britain grants its residents the full nightlife experience, housing nearly every entertainment facility imaginable - from pubs, bars and hookah lounges to music venues and nightclubs. West Side Tavern provides the ideal pub atmosphere, selling an assortment of great food and cheap drinks. For a different genre of evening enjoyment, the Hole in the Wall Theatre, a local community theatre, serves as the location for numerous productions and live musical entertainment in the New Britain area. Most businesses operate near or off of Main Street. Roma Sports Bar & Grill blends the best aspects of the typical sports grill and bistro environments, providing a choice spot for visitors to catch the game as they enjoy plenty of great tasting food and welcoming company. The restaurant boasts a full bar and spacious seating areas in a contemporary decorated environment, where televisions line the walls of the facility. Guests pass the time at the bar or play a few rounds of pool as they listen to tunes on the jukebox. The restaurant also provides a menu full of excellent options, from tasty frozen drinks to nearly all the bar classics, including savory burgers and steaks, as well as delectable pizza pies. Try the restaurant's highly popular barbecue chicken wings with the signature hot and sweet sauce.

Automobiles serve as the most common form of transportation in New Britain, while Connecticut Transit serves as the primary provider for public transportation in the area. A fair number of taxi businesses offer service in New Britain, but residents need to call ahead or us the Uber app. The city offers a combination of both free and metered spaces, in addition to lots and garages in the downtown area. Residents living in more rural parts of New Britain take advantage of free on-street parking. Connecticut Route 9 serves as the city's main thoroughfare, connecting to Interstates 84 and 91. The neighborhood presents a fairly walkable atmosphere, and cyclists enjoy blazing along the over 400 bike routes throughout the city.

A spread of both outdoor recreational areas and exercise-centric parks populate New Britain. Walnut Hill Park presents an environment that accommodates a variety of recreational activities, containing a number of amenities that includes a spacious open field, walking trails, a playground and a workout zone. Visitors access the community park free of charge and often bring along their furry friends for a refreshing retreat into nature. During the summer heat, locals also venture to A. W. Stanley Park to enjoy the cooling waters of the public swimming pool. Catch the annual Craft Sippin’ in New Britain event in February, a celebration of local artisan beers, complemented by plenty of great food, activity stations and live musical entertainment.

New Britain incurs a cost of living 1 percent lower than that of Hartford, and traveling to the city center via public transit costs about $1.50. One-bedroom residences rent at an average cost of $930 a month, while gas prices sit at approximately 14 percent below the national average. When you stop at a local pub, grab yourself an ice cold pint for just $6.

A combination of independently owned specialty shops and nationally recognized retailers defines the shopping experience in New Britain. Stores range from neighborhood smoke shops and bookstores to major department stores. Residents often visit the nearby Westfarms Mall in Farmington for a wide selection of both popular and high-end stores. Most stores in New Britain operate along the Main Street area. Everything 2 Wheels functions as the neighborhood motor repair and supply shop, and it excels in providing exceptional, personalized customer assistance. The store offers a selection of motorcycle gear and apparel. Personnel accommodate all types of motorcyclists, from sports bike riders to Harley Davidson enthusiasts. Staffers ask shoppers a series of questions about their motorcycles and provide a number of options based on their answers, ensuring that you make the right purchase. Whether you're looking for a new pair of riding gloves or planning to make a horsepower modification to your bike, Everything 2 Wheels has you covered. For a cheap new pair of threads, head to Karma's Closet Consignment Boutique. This locally owned thrift store has a great selection of new and used clothes, including marked-down designer items. The store also hosts monthly events that bring the entire community together. Angelo's Market and C-Town Market serve as the local grocers in the New Britain area. Both stores provide selections that include produce, meats, specialty items and other goods. Roly Poly Enterprise functions as a specialty Polish premier bakery, deli, market and grocery store, holding a reputation in the community for its friendly service.