Connecticut is a state with a great standard of living, stunning beauty, and a rich history. But not every one of its communities is as desirable to both locals and tourists. Some towns have been dealing with challenges like high rates of crime, inadequate educational standards, a lack of job prospects, and environmental issues. Many people have left these towns in pursuit of better areas to reside as a result of these issues. These seven Connecticut towns are seeing a mass exodus of residents.
1. Bridgeport
In addition to being the biggest and most populated city in Connecticut, Bridgeport is also one of the riskiest. With 1,338 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Bridgeport has the highest rate of violent crime in the state in 2020, according to the FBI. In addition, the city has a low median household income of $46,266 and a high poverty rate of 19.4%. For many years, Bridgeport has struggled financially, and since 2018, the state has been monitoring the city. A large number of city dwellers have moved away to live in safer and wealthier neighborhoods.
2. Hartford
Hartford, the capital and fourth-biggest city in Connecticut, is also among the state’s poorest and most unstable. Hartford’s median household income is $36,278 and its poverty rate is 28.3%. With years of debt, pension obligations, and diminishing revenue, the city just escaped bankruptcy in 2017 thanks to a governmental rescue. Hartford has a high crime rate as well; with 1,025 violent events per 100,000 population in 2020, it ranked second in the state. A large number of people have left Hartford in search of better employment and housing possibilities elsewhere.
3. Waterbury
Despite being the ninth-biggest city in New England and the fifth-largest in Connecticut, Waterbury is also one of the most troubled. In Waterbury, the median household income is $44,839, and the poverty rate is 22.3%. The state has classified the city as a troubled municipality since 1995 due to decades of deindustrialization, unemployment, and urban deterioration. With 767 violent crimes per 100,000 population in 2020, Waterbury ranked third in the state for violent crime. The city also has a high crime rate. Many have moved away from Waterbury in quest of better opportunities and lifestyles.
4. New Haven
The second-biggest city in Connecticut and the sixth-biggest in all of New England is New Haven, which is also one of the most troublesome. In New Haven, the median household income is $42,761, and the poverty rate is 24.4%. The city has long been beset by financial troubles, social unrest, and political instability; in fact, WalletHub has named it one of the worst-run cities in the nation. New Haven also has a high crime rate; with 660 violent crimes per 100,000 persons in 2020, it ranked fourth in the state. New Haven has seen a large exodus of residents seeking safer and more stable surroundings.
5. Torrington
As the eighth-biggest city in the state and the largest in Litchfield County, Torrington is also one of the most unchanging. In Torrington, the median household income is $60,051, and the poverty rate is 11.9%. The city has been suffering from environmental degradation, population loss, and economic decline for years. RoadSnacks has ranked it as one of the most boring places in Connecticut. With 507 violent crimes per 100,000 population in 2020, Torrington ranked seventh in the state for violent crime. The city also has a high crime rate. Torrington has lost a lot of its population as they look for more lively and exciting neighborhoods.
6. New London
Southeast Connecticut’s New London is a seaside city that ranks sixth in size in the state, but it’s also one of the most problematic. With a median household income of $39,543, New London has a poverty rate of 20.5%. The city has long struggled with social problems, legal battles, and economic hardships; 24/7 Wall St. has named it one of the worst places to live in Connecticut. With 487 violent crimes per 100,000 people, New London ranked sixth in the state in 2020. The city also has a high crime rate. Many have left New London in search of more affluent and tranquil areas to call home.
7. Norwich
The seventh-largest city in the state, Norwich is located in eastern Connecticut, but it’s also one of the most depressed. In Norwich, the median household income is $54,765, and the poverty rate is 14.9%. SmartAsset has listed the city as one of the worst locations to retire in Connecticut due to years of economic downturn, population reduction, and infrastructural deterioration. With 474 violent crimes per 100,000 population in 2020, Norwich ranked eighth in the state, indicating a high crime rate. A large number of people have left Norwich in pursuit of more pleasurable and livable locations.
Conclusion
Connecticut is a state full with benefits and attractions, but it also includes some communities that locals and tourists find unappealing. Numerous issues have beset these towns, including high rates of crime, inadequate educational attainment, a dearth of job possibilities, and environmental concerns. Many people have left these towns in pursuit of better areas to reside as a result of these issues. People are escaping these seven Connecticut villages as quickly as they can.
