Welcome to Connecticut
Your life in the Nutmeg State begins
Welcome to Connecticut
Although it’s one of the smallest states in the nation, there’s no shortage of sights to see and things to do in beautiful Connecticut. Nestled on the southern end of New England, Connecticut boasts a wide array of attractions for visitors of varied ages and interests.
Of course, while Connecticut is one of the most popular states to visit, the appeal and allure of this quaint state also brings people from across the country who want to make it their permanent residence. And can you blame them? Connecticut has consistently been one of the highest ranked states in the entire nation when it comes to “Human Development Index,” which is a statistic that takes education, per capita income, and life expectancy into consideration. In other words, those who live in Connecticut are among the most intelligent, well-off, and longest living in the country. That’s a triple-threat that’s hard to top.
Whether you’re a foodie looking forward to Connecticut’s incredible seafood scene, a history buff looking to dive into the state’s rich history, or a nature lover looking to get lost in the natural beauty of the state, there’s a number of great reasons to become a proud New Englander and settle in Connecticut.
Connecticut Self-Storage Facts
Self-storage construction in Connecticut has been on the roll for the last several years thanks to a wave of development and investment in the product that is taking place nationwide. What's behind the boom in storage? After the last recession, development of new storage facilities ground to a halt. That caused the existing inventory of storage across the country to reach record high levels of occupancy and empowering operators to raise rates. As the economy recovered, developers have once again set out to develop self-storage—attracted to the high occupancies and returns enjoyed by operators in the business. As part of the trend, Connecticut has seen a resurgence in self-storage development, particularly in towns and cities where people are moving to in the largest numbers.
Below are some statistics that provide an overview of the self-storage industry in Connecticut:
328
Connecticut is home to about 328 self-storage facilities.
11,751,914
Connecticut self-storage facilities cover 11,751,914 square feet of storage space.
3.34
Connecticut storage facilities offer 3.34 square feet of storage per person, which is lower than the national rate of 5.4 square feet per person.
Reasons to Move to Connecticut
If you're thinking about making the move to Connecticut but still need a little more convincing, below are some of the most appealing and alluring facts about this great state. Whether you’re relocating to Connecticut for work or choosing to settle here to raise a family, you’re sure to find plenty to make the move worthwhile.
1
Incredible history. Originally inhabited by Native Americans and first settled by the Dutch in the 1620s, Connecticut would go on to be one of the nation’s original 13 colonies. Connecticut played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, and in 1788, it became the fifth state to join the United States. With so much history and a wealth of museums that chronicle it, history buffs will feel right at home in Connecticut.
2
Mouth-watering food. As a part of New England, Connecticut is home to some incredible seafood. Whether you fancy crabs, lobsters, mussels, or clams, you can get it all in Connecticut. And while New England is mostly known for its super seafood, the hamburger was born in Connecticut, too – and some of the best burgers in the country are still found there today.
3
Close-knit communities. In Connecticut, tight-knit communities are the norm. There’s a great sense of camaraderie among residents, and your new neighbors will become close friends quite quickly. Connecticut is known for being a laid-back, family-friendly state that welcomes new residents with open arms. You’ll fit in like a native New Englander in no time!
4
Quality higher education. There are over 40 colleges and universities in Connecticut, and just shy of 130,000 students are currently enrolled in Connecticut as they pursue their degrees. Whether you want to pursue that master’s degree or you’re looking for a place to live with plenty of educational opportunities for your kids, Connecticut has a school for everyone. World-famous Yale University is the most well-known Connecticut college, with the University of Connecticut being a popular choice as well.
5
Championship sports teams. OK, fine – the New England Patriots don’t actually play in Connecticut. But Connecticut residents proudly cheer the Pats on every Sunday. After all, they’re the New England Patriots, and they’ve won six Super Bowls – that’s one Super Bowl for each of the six states that comprise New England!
6
Proximity to the Big Apple. While Connecticut has plenty of great cities of its own, one of the luxuries that Connecticut residents enjoy is the state’s proximity to New York City. Connecticut residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds: the beautiful, rural landscapes of their beloved state, with one of the world’s most famous and happening cities just a short drive or train ride away. In fact, many Connecticut residents move from New York, but still work in the Big Apple and commute there each day.
7
Thrill-seeker central. Connecticut is home to Lake Compounce, the longest continuously operated amusement park in the United States. It opened in 1846 and it’s known for its award-winning wooden roller coasters. Of course, Lake Compounce isn’t the only theme park in Connecticut. The state is home to countless amusement parks and attractions for thrill-seekers.
8
Land of lakes. Connecticut is jam-packed with countless serene lakes and breathtaking waterfalls. Whether you’re a nature lover or just someone who appreciates a picturesque scene that looks fit for a postcard, Connecticut provides plenty of breathtaking views to sit back and enjoy.
9
Wonderful weather. Connecticut’s climate offers the best of both worlds. January is the state’s coldest month, with average high temperatures in the low-30s. That means winters are chilly enough for significant snowfall and all of the fun activities that come with it (the state is home to a number of great ski resorts), while summers are warm enough to frolic on the beach and enjoy the balmy temperatures. July is the state’s warmest month, with average highs in the mid-80s.
10
Bountiful beaches. Speaking of beaches…because Connecticut is home to a number of coastal towns, there’s no shortage of gorgeous and relaxing beaches in the state. If you enjoy having your toes in the sand and a cool ocean breeze on your skin as you bask in the sun, you’ll surely find a spot to settle into in Connecticut.
Moving to Connecticut
According to the United States Census Bureau, Connecticut is the 29th most-populated state in the country, with 3,572,665 estimated residents as of 2019. However, because the state is only 110 miles from east to west and 70 miles from north to south, Connecticut ranks 4th in national population density.
Although Connecticut is home for many thriving industries and appealing attractions, from 2010 to 2018, it was one of only three states in the country to see a net population loss. According to a National Movers Survey, the leading reasons that residents have left Connecticut are job related (accounting for 34 percent of moves out of Connecticut) and retirement-related (accounting for 30 percent of moves).
The fact that the population in Connecticut is trending downward means there’s more room and more opportunity for you!
Connecticut Economic Outlook
Connecticut has a state GDP (gross domestic product) of $268.47 billion, which represents 1.34% of the country’s GDP and ranks Connecticut as the 23rd largest state economy in the nation.
Below, you'll find a breakdown of Connecticut’s largest sectors of GDP:
Who are Connecticut's Largest Employers?
Places to live in Connecticut
While Connecticut is only 5,543 square miles, it has a number of sizable cities for those looking for a city lifestyle. Here is a quick look at the state's three largest cities:
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is home to 144,229 Connecticut residents, according to Census data, and it’s one of the most visited cities in the state. This seaport city is known for its welcoming aura and family-friendly atmosphere.
New Haven
New Haven is Connecticut’s second-largest city, with an estimated population of 129,779. Known as the “Cultural Capital of Connecticut” due to its wealth of museums, theaters, and music venues, New Haven is an attractive option for singles and families alike. That culture comes at a price, though, as New Haven is one of the more expensive areas of the state to live in.
Hartford
The capital city of Connecticut, Hartford had a population of 124,775 as of the latest United States Census. It’s also one of the state’s oldest and most historic cities, with a number of historical landmarks and claims to fame, including being the home of Mark Twain, who once called the city one of the most beautiful towns he ever had the fortune to see.
Moving to Connecticut Resources
All Connecticut Cities
- Berlin
- Bloomfield
- Branford
- Bridgeport
- Bristol
- Brookfield
- Danbury
- East Hartford
- East Windsor
- Enfield
- Fairfield
- Glastonbury
- Griswold
- Groton
- Manchester
- Meriden
- Middletown
- Milford
- Monroe
- New Milford
- Newington
- North Haven
- Norwalk
- Norwich
- Old Saybrook
- Plainville
- Rocky Hill
- Seymour
- Shelton
- South Windsor
- Southington
- Stamford
- Waterbury
- West Haven
- Westport
- Wethersfield
- Wilton
- Hartford
- New Haven
- New Britain
- Torrington
- Plainfield
- East Haven
- Mansfield
- Hamden
- Windsor Locks
- Greenwich
- Stratford
- New London
- Simsbury
- Clinton
- Bethel
- Niantic
- Vernon
- West Hartford
- Cromwell
- Newtown
- Ridgefield
- Coventry
- Waterford
- Windsor
- Portland
- Ellington
- New Hartford
- Thomaston
- Cheshire
- Trumbull
- Colchester
- Wallingford
- Bolton
- Avon
- New Fairfield
- Montville
- Derby
- Storrs Mansfield
- Ansonia
- Naugatuck
- Woodbury
- Willimantic