As a lifetime Connecticut resident, I have often pondered the similarities and differences between Connecticut and our neighbor to the north, Massachusetts. Admittedly, the comparison usually ends up being between Boston and pick any city in Connecticut. Outside of the major city comparison, it seems to me the two states have more in common than differences. Lots of history, communities ranging from urban, to suburban, to rural. I think diversity in the natural landscape is a major attribute of both Connecticut and Massachusetts, albeit true of many northeastern states. The negative similarities are also there. High cost of living, high taxes (income and property), and relatively high costs of doing business are all obstacles that both states face. So why does Massachusetts (particularly Boston) seem to chug along while Connecticut seems to be floundering as of late? A great article by Connecticut Magazine highlights some of the challenges, and possible opportunities, for Connecticut being located between the two major cities of Boston and New York. Obviously, Boston is a bigger city than any in Connecticut, and while Connecticut has several great universities, Boston has dozens. And the types of universities matter. Massachusetts outnumbers Connecticut in research universities, which are the type that foster opportunities for students to remain long after graduation, continuing to work in the industries, even the very companies, they had exposure to during college. Stamford Connecticut does seem to be having a resurgence that might warrant comparison to Boston, with several new residential buildings being built across the downtown area, but no city in Connecticut could ever be a Boston given the geographic barriers. Considering the adage, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’, Connecticut should look to find ways to complement our neighbors to the east and west and hopefully the things that are uniquely Connecticut will also flourish as a result.
Proverbial Living 