A Riverside Town Known As The 'Submarine Capital Of The World' Is One Of The Best Places To Retire In Connecticut

Doing a deep dive on retirement planning is enough to give anyone the bends. So, if you're already feeling a little queasy about exploring the best and worst states to retire or the big 2025 changes that could impact retirement finances, perhaps you can regain your sea legs by considering retiring in Groton, Connecticut: the "Submarine Capital of the World."

Before plunging into Groton's finer points, it should be noted that Connecticut itself isn't exactly one of the cheapest U.S. states for retirement. A multitude of sources report that Connecticut's cost of living often exceeds that of the national average by at least 10%, and traditional housing can be tough to come by without busting budgets. This could put a crimp in the style of retirees looking to stretch their savings and their social security benefits amount.

However, the cost of living in Groton sits slightly below rates for the rest of the state, and expanded options for senior living are on the rise. For retirees looking to downsize their living space while upping their social batteries, Groton could be a good fit. Groton's positive attitude toward retirees, and the shoreline town's unique geographical and historical positioning can make it attractive to those looking to spend some or all of their golden years surrounded by beautiful scenery and, of course, submarines.

For starters, Groton is surrounded by water. The town sits on Fishers Island Sound, within the Mystic River watershed, and features the Thames River to the West and the Long Island Sound to the South. Shipbuilding and maritime trade are the backbone of Groton's industry. Along with being home to a state-of-the-art research facility for pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, Groton is also home to submarine company, General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Electric Boat began building what the company calls the "world's first practical" submarine in 1900, and submarines for the U.S. Navy as early as 1910. Electric Boat built the world's first nuclear-powered submarine in 1951, the U.S.S. Nautilus. Electric Boat continues to work on defense contracts, and the company helps makes Groton home to a strong naval presence, which could be a perk for some retirees.

Perhaps a bigger perk is the presence of the U.S.S. Nautilus in port. These days, the now-decommissioned submarine is accessible as a boardable museum. Groton's Submarine Force Library and Museum Association offers guided tours of the sub, which stayed underwater for up to two weeks at a time during its submersible heyday. Retirees should never underestimate the power of a nearby submarine when it comes to attracting their family for visits. Of course, retirees can enjoy a stroll around the sub themselves, as well as activities put on in the greater sub-loving community. The Association also hosts an annual Deep Dive Golf Tournament, which is sadly not held on the submarine, but at a golf course in nearby Stonington, CT.

Of course, it's not all submarines in Submarine City. Being home to Pfizer, Electric Boat, and UConn at Avery Point means that Groton provides the comforts of a suburban area within a more rugged setting — not to mention, plenty of lighthouses. For the city mice, Boston is only about an hour away, and New York City around four hours away, depending on your preferred mode of travel. If retirees can have their family just a quick trip away, it could make moving to Groton a more appealing option.

Groton's mix of town and country activities, its access to nature, and its mix of active senior living communities, and assisted living facilities, means that a wide range of retirees could be well served by the area. Bluff Point State Park offers all manner of outdoor adventures for active or relaxed retirees, as well as easy access to the cultural, shopping, and dining institutions in the maritime wonderland that is downtown Mystic, CT.

Groton's status as a coastline town means scenic views of all kinds are on deck for retirees, including views of ships (and submarines) in nearby New London Harbor – Connecticut's sole deep-water port. This city-by-the-sea energy brings a coastal charm to Groton, as well as stunning sunsets that may help the area's higher cost of living more than worth it.