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however the laws in these red states tend to be very regressive-
and outside of Atlanta and yes Savannah it is in fact very conservative in Ga. The same holds true for all of the south- gay people are second class citizens with no legal rights.
Some may become complacent or spoiled by the liberal attitudes in CT- I used to, now? NO
however the laws in these red states tend to be very regressive-
and outside of Atlanta and yes Savannah it is in fact very conservative in Ga. The same holds true for all of the south- gay people are second class citizens with no legal rights.
Some may become complacent or spoiled by the liberal attitudes in CT- I used to, now? NO
To add to what skytrekker has said, I will never forget one of my first drives down the coast leaving Maryland and entering Virginia. At the state/commonwealth line along a local route was a sign proclaiming "The South starts here" along with a Confederate Flag. I must admit that it did send shivers down my spine being a multi-generational Yankee (and having a last name of "Lee" to boot).
Unfortunately, regional differences and local laws sometimes go hand in hand. Who can change this? The local citizenry. Do they? Yes, but o-v-e-r time.
If you watch the Sunday morning new programs, many paint the Northeast as nothing short of a socialist enclave of the U.S. It's funny that we usurp California in this respect. However, we do have the highest standard of living. This is illustrated in income, available health care, diet (or obesity rates), anti-smoking legislation, and life expectancy.
We do send more money to Washington than we get back. Unfortunately, we are paying for pork projects proposed by elected officials in RED states whose states don't have the funds to pay for them. The irony here is that the funds don't go toward education, health care, or infrastructure!
Hey Guys,
I understand your feeling. Having grown up in the South, and moved away for several years it has been an uncomfortable fit in some ways to move back for a few years. But, it is just as uncomfortable to hear someone make unflattering generalizations about millions of people because of the behavior of some (even if that some if a larger section of that population). As I said earlier, we are ecstatic about moving to CT. Some of that is the level of a certain type of culture that is available in the northeast and some of that feeling is based on the fact that my own political beliefs are quite left of center and I think the northeast may be a better fit for us right now. I just know, based on my travels and friendships with people who are like me, and who are very different from me, that there are great people to be found everywhere. I even made friends in Paris (France, not Texas )! I think if you enjoy where you live, fantastic. There's no need to disparage an entire state full of millions of people based upon your experiences with SOME of those people. You would probably despise that kind of attitude if it was directed at you, or towards someone based on ethnicity or religion. Stereotyping leads to bias. Period.
I guess I have been surprised because I expected information about CT in this forum: the positives, negatives, quirks, and need-to-know information. I didn't expect full out discussions on North Carolina or other states. I would check out those pages if I wanted that information. From what I can tell thus far, Connecticut seems great, and I don't need to assert that North Carolina is the pits to make that true. They can both be great places to live, depending on what is the best fit for you.
Hey Guys,
I guess I have been surprised because I expected information about CT in this forum: the positives, negatives, quirks, and need-to-know information.
Here are a select few:
The POSITIVES:
We're a state that 1) supports both UConn Basketball teams (equally); 2) is small in size but benefits from diverse geographical features (shoreline, river valleys, plains, and Berkshire Mountains); 3) promotes a global economy as evidenced by our exports (pharmaceuticals) and acceptance of imports (especially automobiles); 4) is diverse in population; 5) is typically progressive (civil unions, pro-choice, state lotteries, Powerball, casinos); 6) has just two area codes though soon becoming four (overlays of 475 in the 203 and 959 in the 860); benefits from four seasons
The NEGATIVES:
We're a state that 1) is adjusting to the loss of manufacturing jobs during the '80s leaving many municipalities in a state of flux, 2) is confronting an antiquated highway system as the population continues shifts outward from urban/sub-urban areas and/or commutes greater distances, 3) has town-based budget systems being challenged (so far, unsuccessfully) by surrounding urban areas who desire a county-based system, 4) is considered "expensive" by some from other regions of the country, 5) has limited radio offerings*.
The QUIRKS:
Many Left-hand exits on our Interstates; extreme allegiances to New York- or Boston-based sports teams (but usually not to both); blue laws (no retail alcohol purchases after 9:00 pm or on Sundays); personal property taxes (basically, a New England thing); state (primary) elections along party affiliation; has ATMs/POS's in at least four languages; carbonated beverage bottle deposit laws
*Fans of 103.5KTU or Party105 know what I mean - no club music stations.
Last edited by Rich Lee; 03-24-2007 at 10:49 PM..
Reason: Change preposition
Some of those of a more conservative stripe in Connecticut call Governor Rell a 'Democrat' -she is actually a Republican of course. They called the Democrats in the state legislature 'Socialists' in the mold of western European style social Democrats.
Perhaps there is some validity to this. I also lean pretty far left (no surprises there -right!)
As Rich said above about health care- our Republican Governor and Democratic legislature are trying to reform the system and have universal health care for all- a program based in household income. But today most Americans say Universal health care is necessary-so is it such a radical concept? Considering all representative Democracies on the planet have nationalized health care.
I still hear many conservative commentators, and politicians from red states, use the word 'liberal' like its a dirty word, they trash the New England states, Northeastern Megalopolis, California and the west coast. But in comparing quality of life issues with the south we in New England win overwhelmingly
It seems in the south, parts of the southwest and plains states progressive social policy is something 'alien'- or 'foreign'. That is what Herbert Hoover called social programs in the depths of the depression. The rest is history.
Seriously though on issues such as gay rights, and gay marriage/civil unions many of these Red states in and outside of the deep south- and even 'bluish' PA are 15-35 years behind us on social issues. It seems like New England and many parts of the center of the country and south are two different cultures.
Also MM welcome- again... I hope you study Rich's list of good and bad- its very informative-and on target. For me in Eastern CT- I am in Red Sox nation.
Last edited by skytrekker; 03-25-2007 at 05:21 AM..
No generalizations are 100% correct because obviously no population is 100% homogenous. However, if you are very capitalistic in that you are the type that likes to keep up with the Jones so to speak. Is status orientated. Fancy cars,property,and goods are what you strive for. Would take more money over time off with family. Would sneak ahead of someone in line instead of letting them go first. Grow impatient when told there is a 15 minute wait in a restaurant. Then Connecticut may be the place for you. Now this is considering my families expieriences living in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Farther out are probably better. I have had different territories to call on from my work and have gotten to know people from all over the country. There are real differences in people from different regions. Some of the nicest people are from the midwest. I loved dealing with people from Indiana,Kansas,Ohio and the like. I also loved dealing with people in the south. California was actually my favorite territory. Of course I loved visiting there with so much to do and such a varied topography. After these places when I got New York and New England wow! The people were so much harsher and harder to deal with. Much more agressive and less friendly. Not everyone of course. This is just an overall impression. On this site it is up to you if you want to read the threads that have negative titles. IT is up to your discretion. If we only posted a rosey picture it wouldn't be an accurate one. Every state has it's positives and negatives. It's up to you to decide how the particular positives and negatives of a state effect you personally. In my families case and many of our friends and relatives, it's time to go. Maybe it's time to come for you. I want to leave as fast as possible with all my heart. I love the sunshine and the heat and don't want to waste 7 months of the year anymore hibernating up here! I pray my house sells today at the open house!
Great salatheel - we all appreciate the fact that you are moving for your own reasons. But you are trolling in the CT forum with the purpose of trashing CT. Of course you are going to anger a few people who happen to love the great state of CT. Is what you are doing serving a purpose? No, only self serving maybe.
I hope you will come to appreciate CT more once you leave. I know we did after moving.
For my family, it's time to leave CT too. CT does have many good things, and it's very pretty, but for a young middle-class family, you just can't get a leg up. We can 'survive' but not 'thrive'.
Frankly, it's taxes and cost of real-estate. Housing, housing, housing...it's crazy when folks who make decent money struggle for that.
It's just the reality of the situation. Facts and figures back that up. I don't know why CT is like that, but it is.
Again, don't think that NC is the promised land. I know, we are there right now and cannot wait to come back to the Hartford area.
If you think you are going to get a leg up here, please do your research as it costs a lot more than you would think to live here in NC. And the costs are only getting worse too.
Are you also going to NC? Seems thats the new 'Kool Aid Paradise'
Housing expensive here? Median home prices for a single family home in Greater Hartford according to the NAR is around 250K- the national average is around 220K- Seems that 30 K above the national average is not that big a deal.
If you want to compare with San Francisco (761K) or Orange county Ca (600k) Phoenix AZ 270K Las Vegas 312K Seattle 365K Miami/ Fort Lauderdale 365K Chicago 262K Minneapolis St Paul 225K Portland Oregon 285K Is central Connecticut all that high? Considering its favored geographic location? In fact central CT is not overpriced for real estate- but for local incoomes and economic conditions is
fairly priced- many areas in NC are overpriced for those conditions.
Also the Median home price in Raleigh/Durham/Cary NC is near 220K
What now glitters like gold- is not gold- perhaps a fools gold.
Since housing in central and eastern Connecticut is so reasonably priced- it will have room for greater appreciation in years to come.
Move now loose later- do your research and avoid making financial mistakes.
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)! I think if you enjoy where you live, fantastic. There's no need to disparage an entire state full of millions of people based upon your experiences with SOME of those people. You would probably despise that kind of attitude if it was directed at you, or towards someone based on ethnicity or religion. Stereotyping leads to bias. Period. 
