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Meriden is a central Connecticut city with a population of 60,000. Located south of Hartford and north of New Haven, the city is less than two hours from both Boston, Massachusetts, and New York, New York, which are easily reached by local highways I-91, I-84 or Route 15. Amtrak's Vermonter comes through daily, with direct service north to Lake Champlain or south to Washington, DC; a frequent shuttle train connects riders to the Northeast Corridor line and Metro-North trains.
Apartments for rent in in Meriden have the gorgeous Hubbard Park as their backyard. At 1,800 acres, it encompasses the rugged peaks and challenging hikes of the Hanging Hills of Meriden. Visitors can climb the stone Castle Craig Tower for expansive views of the Quinnipiac River Valley to Long Island Sound. In April, the park hosts an annual daffodil festival to celebrate the 650,000 bulbs in bloom. The city also boasts the Meriden Linear Trail System, which includes a greenway along the Quinnipiac River, and Hunter Golf Club, rated one of the ten best public courses in the state.
Meriden, once a manufacturing center, became known as the 'Silver City' for all its lustrous metallurgy. After decades of decline, revitalization has breathed new life into the historic industrial spaces of downtown. Meriden's southern and western outskirts have leafy neighborhoods and some nice old homes. South Meriden (on the border of Wallingford) and the area near Hubbard Park are especially welcoming.
Meriden is an excellent base for exploring the region. Vermont's Green Mountains are less than a three-hour drive away, making a day trip to the slopes of Stratton Mountain simple. Closer to home are the many hikes and cultural attractions of the Berkshires. Among other weekend getaways are the Hudson Valley and Rhode Island coast, both within two hours by car.
As with any city, it's important to get to know Meriden before choosing an apartment. Some areas are very different from others, with vibes ranging from suburban to inner-city. Meriden is an affordable place in which to live, with median rents well below those in the New Haven metro area.
