About Kent

Welcome to the town of Kent, Connecticut, located in the scenic northwest corner of Litchfield County. Whether you’re visiting for the day, the weekend or have decided to call us home, our quaint New England town is a wonderfully unique destination.

Incorporated in 1739, Kent has had a rich history of agriculture and a thriving iron ore industry. It is now a rural community of about 3,000 residents with many small hamlets, such as Bulls Bridge, Kent Hollow, South Kent and The Cobble.

Located 90 miles north of New York City, Kent is the bucolic gateway to the rural Northwest Corner of Connecticut. Kent’s first town center was located two-miles north of the present day downtown area in what is now known as the Flanders Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The advent of the railroad in the 1840s relocated the town center to its current spot. 

Our village center is wonderful place to explore filled with a vibrant mix of art galleriesshops, and restaurants. Visitors should also be sure to visit our many cultural points of interest such as the Eric Sloane Museum, Seven Hearths Museum, and the CT Antique Machinery Museum

Education is important to Kent. In addition to Kent Center School, our public K-8 elementary school, the town is home to three private preparatory schools, Kent SchoolMarvelwood School and South Kent School. Kent is part of the six-town Region One school district with Housatonic Valley Regional High School serving as the public high school.

Kent is also an ideal place for our outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore dramatic Kent Falls State Park, cycle our many scenic roadways, set-up camp in Macedonia State Park, boat on beautiful Lake Waramaug, and fish the famed Housatonic River. Visit the HIKING page of our website for places to explore.


Yankee Magazine

Kent has the distinction of being twice recognized by Yankee Magazine for the many attributes that make our town so special.

Voted New England’s Best Fall Foliage Town, Kent is the perfect destination for those inclined to take in the spectacular colors and scenery of autumn.

Kent has also been named the best remote-work town in which to live in 2024, thanks to our town's diverse offerings, proximity to New York City, and perhaps most importantly, robust and reliable internet service.

Open space, outdoor recreation (including the Appalachian Train and three state parks), a lively village center with world-class restaurants and art galleries, a close-knit community and all of the services you need for daily life make Kent a fantastic place to live and work in!