What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Connecticut?

There are many places where people can consider living, and even when it is a beautiful state like Connecticut, a little homework is never a bad idea. That often means asking questions, like what are the pros and cons of living in Connecticut?

Its breathtaking beauty, small-town feel, and the safety it offers are a few of the many pros of living in Connecticut. Additionally, it also doesn’t hurt that the average annual salary in Connecticut is among the highest in the country.

Add to that the fact that the public school system in Connecticut ranks among the best in the country, and it is obvious why so many people choose to call Connecticut home. The cons of living in Connecticut will include dealing with sometimes brutal winters, its high cost of living, and at times congested traffic.

Living in Connecticut is an experience unlike living anywhere else in the world. Part of preparing to move anywhere, however, involves looking at both sides, the good and the bad. Here is a look at the pros and cons of living in Connecticut.

It doesn’t matter how perfect a city or state is, living there like it anywhere, requires earning a viable income. This is also one of the greatest attractions and reasons for moving to Connecticut. It may be in large part due to the educated people of Connecticut (we’ll discuss that shortly), but jobs in Connecticut pay well.

Connecticut regularly is among the highest average annual income states in the U.S. and offers a strong job market. This is good news for those considering moving to Connecticut, and a definite pro for living there. Now, about why so many of these careers in Connecticut offer such considerable income.

It is impossible not to be impressed with the educational systems in Connecticut, both on the primary and post-secondary levels. The youth of Connecticut get the distinct advantage of attending one of the top public school systems in the state – and the country. That is probably a good thing since these students have some amazing post-secondary education options in Connecticut too.

Home to one of the most iconic Ivy League schools in Yale, Connecticut offers several leading and esteemed post-secondary institutions. In addition to Yale, some of those other excellent programs include:

One of the biggest secrets about Connecticut is that it offers more activities and entertainment than most could ever imagine. Connecticut’s bounty and beautiful natural landscape lead the list. You can take a hike on the famous Wine Trail, accessing one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the United States.

Connecticut also offers residents many music venues such as the legendary Sidedoor Jazz Club in Old Lyme. New Haven’s College Street Music Hall is also another venue that promotes the performing arts and hosts live shows.

If this feels a bit like a close-knit community you wouldn’t be too far from the truth. That also leads us to another unexpected pro for living in Connecticut.

Ask anyone who lives in Connecticut, and they will more often than not tell you that there is a small-town feel here. It may be a result of not having a major, loud, dirty, and bustling big city like New York or Boston. It could be because of the friendly and neighborly people who live in Connecticut, but whatever it is, Connecticut offers a small-town feel no matter where you travel in the state.

From the festivals to the safe towns and neighborhoods, it isn’t quite Mayberry, but there is certainly something inviting about Connecticut. This inviting feel and small-town warmth are also more pros for living in Connecticut, and why people love it here.

It only makes sense that a state that offers such hospitality along with that small-town feel would also be recognized for great food. Many credit Connecticut with being the birthplace of the hamburger, and Connecticut’s ties to food only start there.

Connecticut is also acclaimed for having an abundance of excellent pizzerias and breweries, but we saved the best for last. Fresh seafood for this coastal state is as natural as breathing its fresh air. If there is any place on earth that has better fresh seafood than the states along the east coast, we don’t know of them.

Related Guide: What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Cincinnati?

That feeling of safety is partly because of the small-town feel in Connecticut, and because Connecticut actually has low crime rates. Not only does this feel like a safe place to live, it is a safe place to live. There is also more good news as the already low crime rate in Connecticut is only getting lower.

The overall crime rate is roughly 20 reported incidents for every 1,000 residents. And the violent crime rate is an impressive 2 incidents per every 1,000 residents. Those are numbers that only reinforce that feeling and sense of comfort that comes with living in Connecticut. Yes, there are many pros to living in Connecticut, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its cons.

You don’t have to be from Connecticut to be aware of the types of winters that Connecticut might be subject to. By default, and simply as a part of the climate in the northeastern region of the U.S., winters literally come with the territory.

In Connecticut that can mean more snow than most parts of the country in addition to sometimes temperatures that plummet below freezing. The silver lining here is that not only does winter help to create a beautiful scenic landscape, it also opens up opportunities for outdoor winter activities.

Skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and other winter events are popular in Connecticut. So when the cons of Connecticut give residents lemons, they like to make lemonade on the slopes.

Arguably the most concerning issue of living in Connecticut is the high cost of living. Connecticut regularly ranks in the 25% of the most expensive places to live. This is evidenced in the higher than average cost of a home in Connecticut. The median home value here is around $245,000, more affordable than places like NYC but considerably higher than most of the country.

Taxes are also another con that aggravates the high cost of living in Connecticut. The tax rate in Connecticut isn’t only high, but with rates above 12%, that makes it the highest in the U.S. Thankfully Connecticut’s high average annual income helps to offset the sting of the cost of living there..

Connecticut is recognized for many good things, like its beauty, educational system, and warm communities. One thing Connecticut is known for, however, is also a con. When it comes to driving in Connecticut, it has developed a well-earned reputation for slow traffic and more than enough traffic jams.

One of the few things that people would expect in a state so open and full of scenic beauty, but that surprise may also add to the aggravation. If at all possible it is strongly recommended to avoid driving during rush hour in the state of Connecticut.

One last con and concern regarding living in Connecticut is the declining job market. Part of being prepared to move involves have secure employment. While the job market in Connecticut remains strong, there have been some considerable losses recently. This has come as a result of major employers relocating. Some have cited those aforementioned tax rates as the culprit behind those relocations.

Rumors of an exodus have been heard and could be a potentially troubling issue for the state and its residents. Some of the major employers currently in Connecticut include: