[geo23]

Which city do you think is worse off currently bridgeport or hartford?

[PAsafetyman]

I currently am in working in Bridgeport and let me tell you it is no paradise. As soon as I got here there was a tripple homicide by our site and then a few others to follow. I dont hear much about Hartford on the news.

[skytrekker]

Both cities have post industrial urban problems. I would not rate one city worse then the other. The positive view is that Hartford and Bridgeport are seeing significant urban renewal with a plethora of projects. Both are currently improving - and will continue to progress in the future. Crime, homicides, drugs etc are issues that do exist. However compared to many other cities nationally, many places are far worse.

[cosmonewman]

I would say Bridgeport. There are some pretty good parts of Hartford.

As far as I can tell there is no good part of Bridgeport.

[hfd]

I would have to say the crime is worse in Bridgeport than Hartford, but surprising some of the rough sections of New Haven (parts of Newhallville) are pretty bad. I think the drug trade tends to be worse the closer to NYC. New Haven has Yale and Hartford has the corporations and smaller colleges, but Bridgeport hasn't taken advantage of its assets (nice waterfront, etc.)

[mels]

Originally Posted by hfd

New Haven has Yale and Hartford has the corporations and smaller colleges, but Bridgeport hasn't taken advantage of its assets (nice waterfront, etc.)

I agree. While Bpt. does have a couple good sections (Black Rock, Beardsley Zoo area), a lot of it isn't so hot. I feel like Hartford's bad areas are fewer in number. Bpt. has tons of potential due to its location, it just needs to get its act together and do something about it.

[cosmonewman]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Both cities have post industrial urban problems. I would not rate one city worse then the other. The positive view is that Hartford and Bridgeport are seeing significant urban renewal with a plethora of projects. Both are currently improving - and will continue to progress in the future. Crime, homicides, drugs etc are issues that do exist. However compared to many other cities nationally, many places are far worse.

Sky,

Your stock answer whenever somebody mentions Connecticut cities that are run down is to discuss revitalization projects in those cities and comparisons to other places in the US.

This is all interesting and true but it doesn't really answer the question. The OP asked about the situation in Hartford and Bridgeport NOW not in the future and not as compared to other cities nationwide.

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by cosmonewman

I would say Bridgeport. There are some pretty good parts of Hartford.

As far as I can tell there is no good part of Bridgeport.

There are a couple of good areas--very good areas--of Bridgeport. The Brooklawn section in Northwest Bridgeport is gorgeous--graceful and stately homes bordered with country clubs, parks, and landscaped street medians. And there's Blackrock--a "hip" and secluded ocean front upper-middle class to wealthy neighborhood that is reminiscent of classic New England meets resort ocean-front destination. It's a very high-end, hip neighborhood.
Downtown Bridgeport, Eastern Bridgeport, and Western Bridgeport have small pockets here and there of good areas. There is a lot of improvements on the drawing board right now.
The city has been sitting neglected, for the most part--and in some areas, for 30-40 years. Things will start to improve now though--and Bridgeport should have a bright future.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by cosmonewman

Sky,

Your stock answer whenever somebody mentions Connecticut cities that are run down is to discuss revitalization projects in those cities and comparisons to other places in the US.

This is all interesting and true but it doesn't really answer the question. The OP asked about the situation in Hartford and Bridgeport NOW not in the future and not as compared to other cities nationwide.

As moderator my mission here is to give fair, and unbiased answers that try and reflect the current geographic realities of both cities. I feel my background in geography, urban planning, urban geography and sociology allow me a more broad and 'liberal view'

I feel I did answer the question- and it was not a 'stock' or generic response as you say. As a moderator I try and give responses that are in fact 'moderate'.

Hartford has yes come along further in eliminating many of its problems- That is something we can all agree on. However Hartford and Bridgeport are still vexed with crime, low income, high taxes, and rampant drugs. (as is New Haven)

Bridgeport has been bedeviled by inept corrupt politico's, low self esteem, and has become the 'stepchild' to the current renaissance going on in Hartford and New Haven. But hope springs eternal- and Bridgeport's enormous potential may be born out in the new 'Steel Point' project being conceived which could be a great new beginning to utilize the cities wonderful waterfront.

And as far as comparing Connecticut cities with elsewhere- I feel that comparisons are helpful to others. There are in fact many myths about this state, and its urban centers that need to be exposed.

[yankee.peddler]

Asking whether Bridgeport or Hartford is worse is like asking if a rotten apple or a rotten orange is worse. Both cities face similiar urban challenges like poverty and crime. However, there are enough differences in terms of location, regional influences, and private-sector jobs to make Hartford and Bridgeport -- in my view -- more dissimilar than similiar these days.

I would answer the original poster's question by arguing Bridgeport has a longer road to travel in terms of urban renewal than Hartford.