Discover Downtown New Britain, an historic downtown with a wealth of opportunities and incentives that make it an ideal place for businesses to grow and prosper. New Britain, Connecticut is home to more than 72,000 residents. A major state university with more than 12,000 students is located just under two miles from our downtown. Artist lofts are under construction, a number of historic restorations are underway, and art galleries, antique stores, and artist studios are reshaping the retail environment.