Leaving Connecticut can bring unexpected nostalgia for the everyday comforts and quirks that once seemed ordinary. Here are ten things people often find themselves missing after moving away:
1. Spacious Living and Backyards
Many who leave Connecticut, especially for big cities, are surprised by how much they miss the generous living spaces, large bedrooms, and sprawling backyards typical of the state. Apartments elsewhere often feel cramped by comparison.
2. The Natural Beauty of New England
Connecticut offers stunning seasonal changes—vivid fall foliage, snowy winters, and lush summers. The picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and roadside orchards become cherished memories.
3. The Quiet and Calm of Small-Town Life
The peace and quiet of Connecticut’s smaller towns—where nighttime is filled with the sounds of crickets and coyotes rather than sirens—can be sorely missed in busier, louder environments.
4. Ease of Driving and Parking
In Connecticut, driving is straightforward, and parking is rarely a hassle. Many miss the convenience of hopping into a car and parking right at their destination, a luxury not always available in urban areas.
5. Lower Cost of Living (in Some Ways)
While Connecticut is known for its high taxes, many find that everyday expenses—like groceries, restaurants, and some services—are less expensive than in major metropolitan areas.
6. Home-Cooked Meals and Family Proximity
Being close to family and enjoying home-cooked meals—especially those with a New England twist—are comforts that often become more precious with distance.
7. Familiar Community and Local Traditions
Small-town Connecticut life comes with local festivals, fairs, and a sense of community that can be hard to replicate elsewhere. Even those who once found the gossip tiresome may miss the familiarity and neighborly connections.
8. Unique Local Eats
From Mystic Pizza to apple cider stands, Connecticut has its own food culture. Local favorites and quirky eateries are often missed, especially when replaced by generic chains.
9. Slower Pace and Simpler Life
The slower, more relaxed pace of life in Connecticut contrasts with the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Many come to appreciate the simplicity and predictability of daily routines back home.
10. The Sense of Safety and Security
Connecticut’s smaller towns often feel safer, with less crime and a stronger sense of community vigilance. This peace of mind is something many realize they took for granted after moving away.
These elements of Connecticut life—often overlooked or even taken for granted—can become sources of unexpected nostalgia after leaving, shaping fond memories of the state’s unique charm.
Sources:
- https://www.businessinsider.com/small-town-moved-to-new-york-city-2019-8
- https://ctmirror.org/2016/06/15/why-i-fled-connecticut-and-how-much-money-i-saved/
- https://nohomejustroam.com/heres-our-best-worst-things-from-connecticut/
- https://i95rock.com/10-things-that-shock-people-after-moving-to-connecticut/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Z59XQvN6s
- https://www.ctpost.com/slideshows/slideshow/50-things-to-do-before-you-leave-CT-78337.php