[Pike320]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

There's nothing here for retired people. I'm retired and I would know.

Yes. It's a terrible place for retirees.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

I think it's a good state for families. The schools are generally good and the place is mostly safe. Since it's boring (and it IS boring) the kids probably aren't tempted to stray far from home. They probably just play on their phones and hang out.

It's a pretty good place for the parents because there are jobs in FFC and in the greater Hartford area.

I wish it could be made into a better tourist state. Get some of those tourist dollars--publicize some of the few interesting things that we have, like Mystic Seaport, the cute coastal towns, and...and...and?

There's nothing here for retired people. I'm retired and I would know. Maybe proximity to NYC is a plus for retired people who can afford to go to NYC. The coastal towns are nice for those retired people who can afford them. You need quite a bit of money when you're retired and live in CT.

I disagree that there is nothing here for retirees. There is a LOT here for them. First you have excellent medical care which should be a top priority for people as they age. Then there are other services like Dial-a-Ride or Meals-on-Wheels. Most towns have senior centers and libraries with lots of activities. Finally there are tons of things to do. You are right between two of the greatest cities in the world. You have beaches, mountains, farms, cities and suburbs. You have history and charm and some of the best higher education institutions in the country. Many allow the elderly to audit classes for free or a modest fee. Taxes are high here but many towns offer tax breaks for seniors. I am not sure what else anyone can expect. As I said before if you are bored here, even as a Senior, the problem is you, not the state. Jay

[SubieB4]

I’m here waiting for my flight right now back to JFK my wife’s family members both asked us what does CT have to really offer and we really can’t give a good reason why they would want to leave California to go to CT. To be honest my wife feels so out of place here being the only Filipina in the area and none else around.. vs California with at least 20+ family members.

[Lincolnian]

It's all what you make of it. There is plenty to do in CT. In the 19th Century Hartford was one of the world's premier locations for literature and the arts. The Wadsworth still remains a well respected museum rich in history and collections. Unlike many states our compact state allows one to make a short drive to the shore and mountains to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Connecticut is also a great launching point to each of the New England states as well as NY, NJ and parts of PA.

Unfortunately the fiscal problems continue to dominate the media and obviously cause dissatisfaction and concern among many residents, myself included. However, one needs to take care not to let negative perceptions cloud one's judgement about the many positives things that our state offers and impede enjoyment. Contrary to what many people contend there are many positive developments taking place in spite of the state's fiscal problems.

Many people who claim they are bored here unfortunately would be bored elsewhere, even with lower taxes. If someone doesn't like snow, cold or some other climate-related issue that is a different story. That is not Connecticut's fault, it is our climate and it would be unrealistic to expect it to be different. However, if someone likes the climate, then the best advice would be to turn off the news and look and you will find plenty to do.

When we retire if we decide to leave CT it won't be due to boredom. It would most likely be due to changes in the type of age-related activities we enjoy doing and where the best place to live is to accomplish that goal. But who knows, we may just end up staying right here in CT. If the fiscal situation improves all the better!

[RunD1987]

I think CT should spend more on tourism. We have the foundation of stuff but IDK hard to explain needs something.

Example New London a City in close proximity to an aquarium, an art museum, a Fort, a beach, college's, a working old time seaport, and so on. You have Casinos near by. Work on making that a hub. Has a beautiful downtown waterfront area by the train station.

[dazzleman]

There are a lot of good things about Connecticut, but the people we have elected to run the state government are ruining it. The people in the legislature have long been worse than any of the governors, IMO, and they are bringing the state to its knees.

It's sad to watch because I love the state. I moved here nearly 25 years ago and adopted it as my own, but it has gone downhill quite a bit since I came. It has a lot of natural beauty, beautiful towns, lots to do on the weekends, etc. I really want to stay here, and I hope I won't be forced to leave by the people that we continue to elect to represent us in Hartford.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by dazzleman

There are a lot of good things about Connecticut, but the people we have elected to run the state government are ruining it. The people in the legislature have long been worse than any of the governors, IMO, and they are bringing the state to its knees.

It's sad to watch because I love the state. I moved here nearly 25 years ago and adopted it as my own, but it has gone downhill quite a bit since I came. It has a lot of natural beauty, beautiful towns, lots to do on the weekends, etc. I really want to stay here, and I hope I won't be forced to leave by the people that we continue to elect to represent us in Hartford.

Exactly my feelings.

[Ericonnecticut]

I'll tell you all something my mother told me awhile back. I was thinking of going off to college in Maine. She told me that going to another state won't solve my problems, and that she tried to do the same decades ago. She thought being away from her parents would be like heaven on earth, but it turned out not to be. She then said that location isn't what matters, it's the content of your character. So I stick by that, if you let yourself have fun and not be bored, you won't be bored. Maybe that burger shop you pass by every day but never visit has some interesting people. Maybe book club is a lot more fun than it sounds. Maybe the neighbour you never talk to is a seasoned traveler with plenty of tales.

Just my two cents.

[hconstan]

I've lived in West Virginia, Indiana, California, rural Japan, and here. I liked California's weather best, but i could maybe never afford a house there. I have a very nice house in CT. I love biking on the Farmington Canal in the summer, hiking at Wadsworth Falls and Sleeping Giant, and skiing at Powder Ridge and Southington in the winter. I teach and i find the students and my colleagues all to be kind and helpful. New Haven has many interesting restaurants. I love how close it is to Rhode Island which i explore each summer. I love Silver Sands beach. My kids are enjoying their schools. It's a good place.

[DanBev]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I disagree that there is nothing here for retirees. There is a LOT here for them. First you have excellent medical care which should be a top priority for people as they age. Then there are other services like Dial-a-Ride or Meals-on-Wheels. Most towns have senior centers and libraries with lots of activities. Finally there are tons of things to do. You are right between two of the greatest cities in the world. You have beaches, mountains, farms, cities and suburbs. You have history and charm and some of the best higher education institutions in the country. Many allow the elderly to audit classes for free or a modest fee. Taxes are high here but many towns offer tax breaks for seniors. I am not sure what else anyone can expect. As I said before if you are bored here, even as a Senior, the problem is you, not the state. Jay

With a good income and maybe in 60's age bracket,what you say might be half true.
How do you justify tax,tax and more taxes to someone like me at 86,you keep mentioning senior exemption,I am below poverty as far as income is concerned and for this exemption I have to include Social Security,bank interest and pension,the limit is $43,900.
Unlike Florida with same situation,they only wanted 1099 pension for $23,000 exemption,which was peramnent,did not have to file yearly, plus Homestead and a limit on tax increase of 3 percent.I was assessed at $57,000 and exemptions of $73,000,hence no taxes.This I would call real help,not $250.
Ct drivers and conjestion make for miserable driving.
I also would like to add as a senior I could and did vote absentee,in CT I would have to get doctors report indicating disability,hence will not vote.