Connecticut has high taxes. Look deeper and you discover that Forbes ranked Connecticut No. 4 in highest disposable income.
The higher wages in Connecticut more than make up for the higher taxes and overall cost of living. But there is much more to look at. Look under the covers at the factors state rankers use, they might not include what is important to you, but sometimes they’re spot on.
Texas is experiencing an influx of new residents, but the newbies will be smacked by unwelcome surprises. CNBC recently ranked Texas as the worst state to live in, considering factors like crime rates, environmental quality, health care, and worker protections. The state also falls short on anti-discrimination laws, voting rights, and access to child care. The extreme abortion bans and their implications on women’s health care is a further consideration. CNBC factors may be on the money. Nah, don’t move to Texas.
Florida ratings offer another example. Florida is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News for its education system. The rating is based on low-cost schools and high graduation rates as the key metrics. However, their ranking does not measure the quality of the education, the teachers, and the facilities.
Florida limits what teachers can teach. Florida is pulling money out of public education. Florida offers vouchers and education savings accounts (ESA). Parental choice might sound good at first, but there are serious issues just below the surface. There is little oversight on how people use the vouchers or ESA funds. That means taxpayers might end up funding lousy private K-12 education or funding religious schools. Taxpayers will fund a wild west of home schooling with no standards or measurements. The schooling may never even happen. Some homeschooling will be very good, but taxpayers will never know. Florida has many other issues beyond dubious education. Nah, do not move to Florida.
U.S. News rated Utah the No. 1 best state to live but Utah has drought and water problems that will get far worse especially if Utah is hit with an earthquake, “which experts agree the state is long overdue.” Wildfires are causing insurance companies to pull out of Utah. States always find ways to raise money to support their government. For example, Utah has a sales tax on groceries. That tax is most hurtful to the poorest people. Nah, don’t move Utah.
Connecticut is low on natural disasters. Who wants hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and droughts? Connecticut is one of the safest places to call home. If temperatures go up and seas rise, many Southern states will face worsening conditions. In states prone to such disasters, residents face higher and higher insurance premiums. Connecticut offers a stable environment.
Connecticut ranks among the top ten states for public safety. The state’s law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency personnel are well-trained and dedicated to maintaining safety.
Connecticut health care is ranked No. 3 by U.S. News. Residents receive top notch medical services.
Connecticut’s public education system is outstanding. The state’s schools provide a solid education, providing exposure to a wide range of knowledge and a foundation for the future of your choice. Unlike some states, Connecticut allows educators to determine the curriculum, ensuring a well thought-out, comprehensive education at every level, pre-K through college. The state’s legislators also support librarians and resist book bans. Librarians provide knowledgeable support for real intellectual freedom.
For the college bound, Connecticut has 42 four-year colleges and universities plus community colleges and technical schools. Connecticut is home to several of the country’s top schools. College sports enhance the lives of the students and state residents. UConn basketball inspires enthusiastic supporters from every area of Connecticut. Connecticut also has multiple nationally ranked sports teams — Quinnipiac hockey, Wesleyan crew, and Trinity squash. The teams foster enthusiasm among the students and across the state.
The state’s 96 miles of coastline, along with its lakes, streams, and rivers, offer scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Connecticut’s waterways are full of fish, not alligators. Connecticut hills, mountains, and forests are perfect for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and biking. Unlike the South, Connecticut enjoys the natural beauty of the four seasons.
Connecticut’s history is rich and well-preserved, with historical buildings, museums, libraries, and art galleries aplenty. Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, the Wadsworth Atheneum, and the Mark Twain house are notable attractions. The state’s diverse culinary variety makes for happy food lovers.
Another of Connecticut’s perks is its proximity to New York and Boston. Residents can enjoy a choice of professional sports, world-class theater productions, and extensive dining, museums, and entertainment options that these cities offer. Can we discuss the Red Sox and the Yankees?
Moving can be expensive and stressful. For many people, the trials include packing, challenges with movers, and selling a house. It can be worth the effort if you “stick the landing” but the deeper you understand your destination, the greater your chance of success.
Lots of Florida retirees go back to their home state. Missing their family and friends is a major reason. Adjusting to a completely different culture can be challenging. If moving was expensive and stressful, doing it twice would be twice the life disruption.
Connecticut is a great state. Yeah, stay in Connecticut. You can be happy you did.
Barry Dexter lives in the Unionville section of Farmington.