Connecticut is a state with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and high quality of life. However, not all of its towns are equally appealing to residents and visitors. Some towns have been struggling with issues such as high crime rates, poor education, lack of economic opportunities, and environmental problems. These factors have led many people to leave these towns in search of better places to live. Here are seven Connecticut towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Bridgeport
Bridgeport is the largest and most populous city in Connecticut, but also one of the most dangerous. According to the FBI, Bridgeport had the highest violent crime rate in the state in 2020, with 1,338 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city also has a high poverty rate of 19.4%, and a low median household income of $46,266. Bridgeport has been facing fiscal challenges for decades, and has been under state oversight since 2018. Many residents have left the city in search of safer and more prosperous communities.
2. Hartford
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and the fourth-largest city in the state, but it is also one of the poorest and most troubled. Hartford has a poverty rate of 28.3%, and a median household income of $36,278. The city has been struggling with debt, pension liabilities, and declining revenues for years, and narrowly avoided bankruptcy in 2017 by receiving a state bailout. Hartford also has a high crime rate, ranking second in the state for violent crime in 2020, with 1,025 incidents per 100,000 residents. Many people have moved out of Hartford to seek better opportunities and living conditions elsewhere.
3. Waterbury
Waterbury is the fifth-largest city in Connecticut and the ninth-largest in New England, but it is also one of the most distressed. Waterbury has a poverty rate of 22.3%, and a median household income of $44,839. The city has been suffering from deindustrialization, unemployment, and urban decay for decades, and has been designated as a distressed municipality by the state since 1995. Waterbury also has a high crime rate, ranking third in the state for violent crime in 2020, with 767 incidents per 100,000 residents. Many people have left Waterbury in search of better prospects and quality of life.
4. New Haven
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England, but it is also one of the most problematic. New Haven has a poverty rate of 24.4%, and a median household income of $42,761. The city has been facing fiscal difficulties, social unrest, and political instability for years, and has been ranked as one of the worst-run cities in America by WalletHub. New Haven also has a high crime rate, ranking fourth in the state for violent crime in 2020, with 660 incidents per 100,000 residents. Many people have departed from New Haven in search of more stable and secure environments.
5. Torrington
Torrington is the largest city in Litchfield County and the eighth-largest in the state, but it is also one of the most stagnant. Torrington has a poverty rate of 11.9%, and a median household income of $60,051. The city has been experiencing economic decline, population loss, and environmental degradation for years, and has been labeled as one of the most boring places in Connecticut by RoadSnacks. Torrington also has a high crime rate, ranking fifth in the state for violent crime in 2020, with 507 incidents per 100,000 residents. Many people have abandoned Torrington in search of more vibrant and dynamic places to live.
6. New London
New London is a coastal city in southeastern Connecticut and the sixth-largest in the state, but it is also one of the most troubled. New London has a poverty rate of 20.5%, and a median household income of $39,543. The city has been dealing with economic woes, social issues, and legal disputes for years, and has been ranked as one of the worst places to live in Connecticut by 24/7 Wall St. New London also has a high crime rate, ranking sixth in the state for violent crime in 2020, with 487 incidents per 100,000 residents. Many people have fled from New London in search of more prosperous and peaceful places to live.
7. Norwich
Norwich is a city in eastern Connecticut and the seventh-largest in the state, but it is also one of the most depressed. Norwich has a poverty rate of 14.9%, and a median household income of $54,765. The city has been suffering from economic downturn, population decline, and infrastructure decay for years, and has been ranked as one of the worst places to retire in Connecticut by SmartAsset. Norwich also has a high crime rate, ranking seventh in the state for violent crime in 2020, with 474 incidents per 100,000 residents. Many people have escaped from Norwich in search of more livable and enjoyable places to live.
Conclusion
Connecticut is a state with many attractions and advantages, but it also has some towns that are not very appealing to residents and visitors. These towns have been plagued by various problems such as high crime rates, poor education, lack of economic opportunities, and environmental problems. These factors have led many people to leave these towns in search of better places to live. These are seven Connecticut towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.