[Calisonn]

So I visited Hartford for the first time, first thing I noticed was "typical" east coast housing/architecture, less people out and about than I expected. Much of the city seems somewhat neglected, nothing really stood out in the city, very middle-of-the-road, however I wasn't blind to the grand potential of Hartford, an often overshadowed, and neglected city that has all the bones for a renaissance, does anyone else have the same or opposing views?

[HumpDay]

I've lived in Hartford for over 35 years and it's had better days. It's nothing what it used to be. Much of the activity or foot traffic you're trying to find is in the suburbs. Only concerts and sporting events attract outsiders. It's been like that as far as I can remember. If the highways didn't plow into Hartford then the city would be much different. These highways divide neighborhoods and creates barriers. Interstate 91 destroyed our chance for a great waterfront. Hartford will only get better if we elect the right people. Many residents in Hartford don't care who gets elected, as long as keep their services and welfare programs then they're happy. Hartford is very immigrant friendly city because we hand out welfare like it's in a cereal box. That's why we're losing so much money...People's are less motivated to work because they rely on the government.

[Calisonn]

Well I'm originally from Los Angeles and that city is no better in handing out freebies, but the difference to me is that even in the low income neighborhoods it feels bustling and you see people out trying to hustle burned dvd's, tacos, bbq, party supplies, toys, etc. In Hartford it just seem like people had almost given up on trying if that makes any sense.

[jax12479]

My one and only visit to Hartford was on a Saturday for a graduation. The city seemed absolutely deserted and we had a hard time finding any open restaurants, cafés or delis. It was very odd, and sad to see.

[HumpDay]

Originally Posted by jax12479

My one and only visit to Hartford was on a Saturday for a graduation. The city seemed absolutely deserted and we had a hard time finding any open restaurants, cafés or delis. It was very odd, and sad to see.

A majority of the Greater Hartford's population is in the suburbs. Many suburbanites give off a bad vibe about Hartford so they stay and do their daily activities in the suburbs.

[HumpDay]

Originally Posted by Calisonn

Well I'm originally from Los Angeles and that city is no better in handing out freebies, but the difference to me is that even in the low income neighborhoods it feels bustling and you see people out trying to hustle burned dvd's, tacos, bbq, party supplies, toys, etc. In Hartford it just seem like people had almost given up on trying if that makes any sense.

Makes sense...

But the thing is Los Angeles has almost the same population as the whole state of Connecticut. It will be much easier to sell in LA because it's larger and a bigger market. Were you in Hartford during rush hour? Downtown is pretty busy during then.

[Calisonn]

Originally Posted by HumpDay

Makes sense...

But the thing is Los Angeles has almost the same population as the whole state of Connecticut. It will be much easier to sell in LA because it's larger and a bigger market. Were you in Hartford during rush hour? Downtown is pretty busy during then.

I got there noon til 11pm, my experience was obviously limited but we did drive around the city, not everywhere was neglected but with such good bones in the core I would have thought I would see more gentrification.

[RunD1987]

If I am up in Hartford it's usually to do an event or work related too crowded. Really like to check out the Bushnell and Riverside Park area.

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by HumpDay

I've lived in Hartford for over 35 years and it's had better days. It's nothing what it used to be. Much of the activity or foot traffic you're trying to find is in the suburbs. Only concerts and sporting events attract outsiders. It's been like that as far as I can remember. If the highways didn't plow into Hartford then the city would be much different. These highways divide neighborhoods and creates barriers. Interstate 91 destroyed our chance for a great waterfront. Hartford will only get better if we elect the right people. Many residents in Hartford don't care who gets elected, as long as keep their services and welfare programs then they're happy. Hartford is very immigrant friendly city because we hand out welfare like it's in a cereal box. That's why we're losing so much money...People's are less motivated to work because they rely on the government.

I worked in downtown Hartford from the late 80s to the mid 90s. During the week, it was always busy at lunchtime with the Civic Center Mall and G Fox drawing crowds, and a lot of nice retail on the just re-done Pratt Street. Several of the young women I worked with at Aetna also worked part time at the Ann Taylor in the Civic Center Mall so they could get the employee discount.

However, when I returned in 2003 for another job, it was a lot different - not nearly as busy, and the nicer retail shops on Pratt Street were already being replaced by lower end retail. It was still busy at lunchtime, but not like nearly like before.

[EUPL]

That's what we are missing the hustle and bustle, I hope this city gets busy like Boston, or NYC one day. This is why I love NYc, Chicago, Boston, or any big city in Europe, I hate the boringness that this state is filed with.

Only way to do that is do something that will attract tons of people, haha


1. Legalize some sort of cool thing that will make this economy grow. ( Just like CO did ) Denver is booming!

I am in Hartford on the weekends usually late at night and I can tell you it does come alive after 10pm, specifically front st, asylum ave, allyn st.

Constitution plaza use to throw massive parties out doors, so did Spritz... I spoke with the new owner of the building a month ago, they had a public meeting, they plan on doing something like this again. Get allot more people into the city, give it that hustle and bustle.

http://articles.courant.com/2008-06-...crowd-s-energy