Connecticut, the state I can never spell correctly. If Ive learned anything from living the past 4 years in CT, its that theres good and bad everywhere. I grew up in Michigan, which despite its gloomy economy (and winters), has some exceptionally beautiful areas and friendly people. With that background, Ive had some difficulties with CT. Ill be as honest, and fair, as I can. CT is such a hybrid of things its hard to rate it at all. It is beautiful geographically hills, winding roads, streams, the ocean. There are plenty of things to do and places to see. Its a great jumping off point to explore New England so many places worth seeing no more than a few hours drive. The hiking trails are incredible. Every town has its own character and peculiar charm, something thats missing in the Midwest. Thats what I love about it, and will miss when I leave. Culturally it has a lot of variety. Its a mish-mash of small towns like Chester and cities like New Haven, some ok, others very grimy. Which leads me to what I dislike about it. Its very crowded here (except for the quiet corners and upper interior towns like Colchester). The highways are ridiculous and the drivers are seriously the worst Ive ever seen. Rushed and rude. Not everyone but a lot more people than Michigan. Connecticut people, and Im just being honest, are not friendly overall. There are snobby people, sure, but thats the case everywhere Im afraid. I just mean people on the street you say hello to and they stare back at you blankly. They also seem to have a very dry sense of humor, not off-beat at all. Some are loud but not really interesting. The cost of living is VERY HIGH. The state has one of the largest rich-poor gaps in the country. My fiancée and I have jobs each earning about $45,000/year. Not great but not shameful. Yet all we could afford here is a then-rundown $179,000 ranch house, and thats the best deal we could find. A basic 3-bedroom ranch or Cape Cod will run you anywhere from $215,000-$280,000 depending on where you live. A basic two-story house is in the $300-400K range. Property taxes are high. If you can afford to live here and dont mind the hustle and bustle, its lovely. But for me, Im sick of it. Mostly because of the people. They tend to be very into themselves and feel superior to any place outside of New England. Many travel to Florida, but few have been further west than Pennsylvania. Most of the country is deemed flyover states. So its like its own mini universe. If you love it, you love it. If you hate it, you hate it. I love and hate it. Like I said, theres good and bad everywhere. I dont want to move back to Michigan but I guess I just prefer a slower pace of life without so many arrogant and rude people. The economy is strong here and can withstand more of a recession than most states, but its also a place where regular people have to struggle to find affordable housing.