Northeast New London/Norwich Hartford, CT

Founded as an English settlement by John Winthrop Junior in 1646, and officially named 12 years later, the town of New London did not stand long until it was nearly burned to the ground during the Battle of Groton Heights by Norwich native Benedict Arnold. However, it was during the mid-19th century that the area saw its first surge of growth with the construction of the New Haven and New London Railroad, in addition to numerous military installations over the course of the next decade. New London houses a healthy collection of museums including the Lyman Allyn Art Museum and New London Maritime Society Custom House Museum, which features a thorough and in-depth look into the nautical history of the New London area. Meanwhile, the Slater Memorial Museum of Norwich presents a respectable assortment of fine art representing a diverse range of world cultures.

A well-balanced and unique collection of eateries populate the New London area, ranging from traditional American-style breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurants, to internationally themed bistros. The area surrounding Bank and Broad Street contain a heavy majority of these locations. Locals consider Captain Scott's Lobster Dock to be one of the top suppliers of the freshest and highest-quality seafood in the New England area. From savory and tender Maine-style lobster rolls to the classic New England clam chowder, the restaurant serves up an expansive menu comprised of a first-rate collection of seafood favorites. Customers enjoy a nautical theme in a spacious atmosphere complemented by a serene ocean view. Try an order of scallops; lightly battered, flash-fried and masterfully seasoned, these delectable appetizers hit the spot. Philly's, located on Sherman Street in Norwich, crafts the very definition of an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Using premium rib-eye steak and hearty rolls, this restaurant creates what several locals consider to be the world's best cheesesteak. A distinct and vibrant collection of murals and neon signs outfit the walls of the facility. Friendly and dedicated staff members provide top-quality customer service, going the extra mile to satisfy every customer. Try The Bully, an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich rated number one by the Travel channel, comprised of freshly cooked meat, provolone cheese, fried onions, mushroom, peppers, pickles and Cheez Whiz. New London presents an eclectic mix of nightly entertainment outlets in the Bank Street area, including pubs, dive bars, lounges, pool halls and nightclubs. Oasis Pub functions as a music venue and pub that regularly hosts a number of independent live music acts and serves a top-notch lineup of exquisite craft beers. Longshots Sports Cafe is a great place for lunch or a late-night drink, as it is open from noon to 1 a.m. Grab some regular pub grub, like wings and beer, or try lighter fare, such as vegetarian pizza and salad, while you watch a game on one of the bar's many televisions. Mambo's Bar & Restaurant embodies a blend of the traditional American-style pub and dive bar environments, accented with a distinct Caribbean twist. The family-operated business overlooks the Thames River, providing a cozy and customer-focused atmosphere. There's plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, along with musical entertainment and a dance hall on the second floor. Try an order of the restaurant's mofongo, a Caribbean dish of mashed fried green plantains with broth, garlic, olive oil and pork.

Automobiles stand as the most common means of transportation in the Norwich-New London metropolitan area. Southeast Area Transit provides public transportation via bus routes throughout New London and Norwich, while the New London Union Station houses the Northeast Regional, Acela Express and Shore Line East rail services. Several taxi companies service the Norwich-New London metropolitan area, while Uber does not yet provide coverage. A combination of on-street residential parking in addition to garages, lots and metered spaces comprise public parking in both Norwich and New London. The Water Street Garage in downtown New London provides both affordable short term and long term parking. The neighborhoods present pedestrian friendly streets, with over 1,000 total bike routes in the Norwich-New London metropolitan area.

Both New London and Norwich house a number of recreational facilities, including neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Major parks bare a stronger focus on nature over all other aspects. Mohegan Park presents a scenic landscape containing a fair spread of lakes, ponds and dense woodlands. The Connecticut College Arboretum offers a similar set of amenities, in addition to a 2 mile trail through the park. Both parks incur no admission fees and serve as great locations to bring along the whole family, including the family dog. Catch the Whalers & Lancers annual student art show at the Hygienic Art Galleries in January, as well as the annual Niantic Light Parade & Winterfest celebration in Norwich.

New London presents a cost of living a mere 2 percent higher than that of Hartford. Residents travel to the center of the city via public transportation for around $2. On average, one-bedroom residences rent out at an average rate of $883, while gas prices sit at about 15 percent above the national average. Grab an ice-cold pint of beer for around $5.

The Waterfront District stands as New London's most prominent commercial and entertainment area, packed to the brim with unique boutiques and specialty shops. Both New London and Norwich house a number of national chains and department stores. High-end stores include a variety of both jewelry and high-value clothing boutiques. Small Potatoes Artisan Crafts & Unique Gifts in Norwich specializes in a diverse selection of one-of-a-kind items. The store purchases its local merchandise through local vendors and artists, fueling the area's local art scene. The store associates prove knowledgeable, providing helpful tips to help you find just the right high-quality pieces to match your needs. The store's affordable prices and quirky selections stand as two of the many reasons why residents love this local gem. Spindrift Guitars maintains a reputation as one of the premier musical instrument and equipment retailers in the New London area. This shop features a collection of medium to high-end guitars, complemented by a genuinely passionate and knowledgeable staff willing to work with customers on an individual basis to arrive at a custom-tailored solution. From Taylor and McPherson acoustics to Fano and D'Angelico electrics, Sprindrift Guitars presents a selection that is able to accommodate everyone from the novice musician to the veteran guitarist. Fiddleheads Food Co-op provides a full range of natural and organic foods. Several grocery stores dot the landscape, including a Walmart, ShopRite and Starrwood Food Market. Holmberg Orchards, a Gales Ferry-based farmers market just south of Norwich, presents an impressive selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables and freshly made quiche.