SNET Internet : Features : Survey : Living in CT

How long do you plan to live in Connecticut?

I have no idea - 847 (18%)
The rest of my life - 1,902 (40%)
I'd love to leave now - 1,282 (27%)
A year - 60 (1%)
2-4 years - 264 (5%)
5-10 years - 409 (9%)
I don't live in CT - 42 (1%)

Your comments:

"It is getting too expensive to live here on a retirement income. When I can no longer drive there will not be any convenient way to shop, get to a doctor, etc." K.K., Tolland

"I think Connecticut is a nasty, dirty state." D.C., Watertown

"I absolutely abhor living in this state where politicians build monuments to themselves such as Riverfront and Adrian's Landing in Hartford at a cost of millions of dollars -- which could certainly be spent with much more positive results -- for example: education or housing for the needy." J.K., Windsor

"I would love to move out of Connecticut. The state income tax, state sales tax, and then town property tax - I think we're taxed to death here. I feel the Federal tax is necessary, but the Indian casinos contribute enough statewide to justify dropping the state tax or the sales tax ... Come on, give us a break. Anywhere else in the USA would be better. Maybe Alabama to start." J.K.K., Seymour

"I would love to stay in Connecticut but my husband wants to move due to the high taxes. We are on a fixed income. I realize the taxes are high but I don't like leaving my family. I think if we didn't have the state tax it would make a big difference for all retired people. Some states don't even have to pay taxes on their automobiles, but we have state and city taxes." Marie, West Haven

"Connecticut has put itself in a bad situation. The primary reason for this is the union led state Democrat Party. The conservative southern states elect Republicans who are business friendly. These states say to business, 'come on down to greener pastures' and business does. When the voters in Connecticut start electing conservative, business friendly legislators the trend of opportunity being better in other states will end." A.C., Bristol

"The reason I would love to leave CT Is the high taxes by the state and the income tax. The other reason is that the state taxes social security (which is Federal money) and no one will help the people who have worked all their lives so they can live in comfort. With the money the State wastes, it is a shame. Let the state officials be taxed for 85 per cent of their money and I'll bet something would be done." E.A.P., East Hartford

"I'd like to leave now. It's hard to find a job here. I lost a job back in November of 2000. I have lived here since I was one year old. It's time for a change." S.A.S., Winsted

"I've been up and down the whole east coast and I stay here. I like it here!" G.L., Guilford

"Can you folks somehow back Fairfield County out of the salary average state wide? Then average the difference for the existing residents. The article in the paper leads people outside Connecticut to assume that everyone in Connecticut makes $ 200,000 per year! I am in sales and calling around the country, companies won't send quotes because they feel we will charge to much for our services, due to the articles in the paper stating that 'everyone' in CT is a millionaire!" Jim, Forestville

"The neighbors are not friendly if not outright hostile. The same is true of the town administration, and the police. Drivers are always in state of rage, honking in a heartbeat when the light changes. May God save this place, it is not the country that I once loved. I was born here but will leave as soon as I complete arrangements. Something has gone seriously wrong with this place." R.H., Fairfield

"I grew up in Connecticut and moved away to join the Navy. I have since moved back to Connecticut 2.5 years ago. I came back so that my children can be near their other family members. Also so that they can experience like I did the wonderful season changes that Connecticut has. I plan on staying in Connecticut with my family. I am sure there are many other beautiful places in the world ... some I have seen. But since I was brought up here, I think I tend to see it in a different way -- especially after being to other places around the world. Connecticut is a beautiful place, people just don't get to realize that if they don't get to experience other places." J.W., Naugatuck

"I will live in Naugatuck until I want to move. If I don't have a reason to move, then I won't." A.L., Naugatuck