Reflections on Moving to Connecticut

We moved to Connecticut in 2022 and we really like it.

I grew up in a small town in North Carolina that is about 30 miles away from Charlotte, NC. I also went to college in NC (go Heels! ). Apart from a four-year stint living abroad, I've called North Carolina home for most of my life. In 2022 I was offered a work opportunity to relocate to Stamford, CT and my partner and I made the leap. Data shows that our choice to move to the Northeast is a bit unusual as the current trend is that people are leaving the north to move to the Sun Belt. I'll share a few insights that we've discovered from our relocation to Connecticut.

When you tell people in the south that you're moving up north, one of the first things they ask is, "Are you ready for the winters?" We've been here through two winters and they both have been relatively mild. We had about four accumulating snowfalls each winter. We live on the coast of the Long Island Sound, so the air is warmer than more inland locations in Connecticut. This reduces the snowfall totals. The wind off the Sound is biting some days but overall winter is not too bad. We've learned that a good coat, waterproof boots, and some gloves are key. Communities here are prepared for the weather and snow is often cleared from the roads as fast as it comes down. I will admit that stretches of cold and cloudy days in March get old. Winter is cozy season in Connecticut. The small towns here look like sets from Hallmark Christmas movies! Here's the secret: summer in Connecticut is great! It warms up but is rarely insufferably hot. This makes for great weather for outdoor activities like patio dining, hiking, and beach days. Connecticut has a lively outdoor scene in the summer. There's a beach town vibe in the smaller cities along the coast where activities like boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding are popular. In the rolling hills of central Connecticut there are hiking trails through parks and other green spaces. Connecticut has distinct seasons and each one has different activities to enjoy.

Connecticut is more diverse than I previously realized. I did not know much about the state before I moved here but we've learned that three cities near us are some of the most diverse cities in the US . In my experience, this diversity contributes to a more inclusive community feeling. As with all communities in the US, this region is not a utopia but it feels more welcoming than other places I have lived. Connecticut has a strong summertime ice cream scene and we enjoy stopping at Mr. Frosty's in Norwalk . While waiting for your ice cream cone, you'll see people from many different backgrounds gathered to enjoy a sweet treat. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we have found Connecticut to be a welcoming place. We see many Pride flags at homes and in the community throughout the year. There are small Pride festivals in many of Connecticut's cities and small towns which foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

There is a strong arts and culture scene in Connecticut. The lights of Broadway are a short train ride away. We hop on a Metro-North train and go into New York a few times a month for dinner and a show. The proximity to New York means that big name artists are often featured at shows in Connecticut towns like Ridgefield and Westport. There are many museums, art centers, art galleries, festivals, and other activities all year-round. Local public libraries and independent book stores also contribute to the cultural community. Connecticut's proximity to major universities and the relatively high educational attainment of its residents likely contribute to the vibrant arts and culture scene.

Connecticut is not perfect. As with many communities in the US, there are entrenched barriers to social and economic justice. The cost of housing in Connecticut is high and the availability of affordable housing is low. Despite investments in mass transit like Metro-North and the access to interstate rail with Amtrak , traffic can be bad. However, the overall progressive environment in Connecticut means that these problems are being discussed and addressed. To address some of the social and economic justice barriers, Connecticut invested in a first-in-the-nation initiative called CT Baby Bonds where $3,200 is invested on behalf of each Connecticut baby whose birth is covered by Connecticut's Medicare program. Overall crime is very low here compared to other states and crime rates have been on the decline over the past ten years.

While we miss regularly seeing our family and friends from North Carolina, we've been happy with our move to Connecticut. If life brings you to the Tri-State area , Connecticut is worth taking a closer look.