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beverage industries are commonly associated with West Hartford, the town also has economic impact in the manufacturing industry. With a 263,0002 ft. facility in the Elmwood neighborhood of West Hartford, Legrand North America is anchored in the community, employing about 600 people in its five buildings. "West Hartford has served as an excellent home for Legrand's North and Central American headquarters for nearly two decades. Thanks to its convenient location, we can draw on talent from the surrounding area for an array of opportunities across our business, engineering, and manufacturing operations," explains Legrand (North and Central America) President & CEO John Selldorff. "The town is attractive for global organizations like ours—and it's clear that local government values the contributions of the businesses and manufacturers that have chosen to be based here," he adds. "Many of our customers, colleagues, and partners who visit from across the globe have been impressed with the community and the people of West Hartford." A Wise Choice Connecticut's more than 40 colleges and universities are all within a 90-minute drive of West Hartford. The well-educated community creates a built-in pipeline of people who can work in a variety industries. West Hartford is also home to a top-rated, highly coveted public school system. In 2018, West Hartford was the only Connecticut town to rank in the top 50 in Time/ Money Magazine's Best Places to Local Flavor West Hartford is split into five distinct business districts, including West Hartford Center, Elmwood, Park Road, Bishops Corner, and the Design District, where you'll find everything from renowned fine dining to breweries and small, family-owned donut shops to GastroPark, the region's first food truck venue. J.René Coffee Roasters has enjoyed the benefits of two West Hartford business districts. "West Hartford has so many appealing areas for businesses," says Principal Owner José René Martínez. "The Park Road neighborhood, where our first coffee shop and roastery is located, is such a welcoming environment. On a single street, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, shop at a locally owned market, go antiquing, and grab a bite to eat at a handful of restaurants," he explains. "Our West Hartford Center coffee bar on LaSalle Road appeals to a different crowd, from those strolling through The Center on the weekend to working professionals commuting to the office on weekdays." Manufacturing Mainstay While the retail and food and B usinesses looking to locate in the town of West Hartford will find a vibrant, engaging community. A unique urban/suburban location, West Hartford is known as a shopping and dining destination that attracts a diverse population from inside and outside of town. Located in central Connecticut, the town of West Hartford is adjacent to and west of Hartford, the state capital. Neighboring towns include Avon, Bloomfield, Farmington, and Newington. Curb Appeal With a population of more than 63,000, West Hartford appeals to all types of demographics. The median income is more than $100,000 and the town is 71% owner-occupied, 66% single-family. The average cost for an owner-occupied home is just over $330,000 and average rent is $1,325. Drawn to West Hartford for its community appeal, Michael and Sabina Shelby bought their home in 1996 and immediately "grew roots." The couple owns several businesses, with offices on the Hartford border convenient to I-84 "West Hartford is an active, flourishing, multidimensional, multicultural community with plenty of opportunities for personal and business growth," says Michael. Community is Key "Our residents and businesses place a lot of importance on supporting one another. We take a strong shop local approach and a community commitment to philanthropy," emphasizes Kristen Gorski, Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of West Hartford. "When push comes to shove, we come together to benefit the community as a whole," she adds. "West Hartford is also an incredibly accepting community that welcomes and encourages opportunities for all walks of life." DOING BUSINESS IN | WEST HARTFORD, CT A Wise Choice for Business West Hartford West Hartford Libraries Blue Back Square Westmoor Park Bushnell Park CT State Capitol Elizabeth Park Wadsworth Atheneum C O N N E C T I C U T ON THE MARKET 30 SHIELD ST, WEST HARTFORD Size: 16,000 RSF Type: Industrial Price: $1.44M Contact: Jennifer Gosselin Vice President at CBRE (860) 987-4734 jennifer.gosselin@cbre.com AT A GLANCE Population: 63,063 Median household income: $104,281 Total active businesses: 7,990 Key Employers: Legrand, CLA, Triumph Engine Controls, and Colt Manufacturing Kristen Gorski | Economic Development Coordinator | Town of West Hartford | kristen.gorski@westhartfordct.gov | (860) 960-6136 | whywesthartford.com Live. In the 2019 U.S. News & World Report ranking of the country's public high schools, West Hartford high schools ranked within the top 15 in the state and top 3% nationally. The West Hartford public school system is committed to accommodating children's diverse needs from learning style to cultural inclusivity—more than 70 languages are spoken throughout the school system. West Hartford also has a very active adult education program. Capital Workforce Partners, the regional workforce development organization, supports local businesses looking for access to talent and residents who want to skill up or find work in town. Out and About There's plenty of access to nature and recreation in West Hartford. The town is well known for its award- winning park system, walkability, and accessibility, which are a major draw for many looking to locate in town. Whether you're interested in fishing, golfing, ice skating, swimming, or playing basketball, baseball, or tennis, West Hartford has it covered. The town provides access to public pools, an ice skating rink, walking trails, and many parks including Elizabeth Park, the country's oldest municipal rose garden, and Johnathan's Dream, a boundless playground for children of all abilities. In terms of public transportation, the Department of Transportation- owned CTtransit bus service stops in each commercial district and has good accessibility to many neighborhoods. For those looking to get out of town, Hartford's Amtrack station has many destinations, from Baltimore to New Haven, and West Hartford has easy access to major routes I-84 and I-91 and is a 90-minute drive to neighboring cities Boston and New York. PHOTO | HBJ FILE SPONSORED CONTENT