The Great Nutmeg Invasion: How Many New Yorkers Migrated to Connecticut (and Did They Bring Their Bagels?)
Let's face it, Connecticut: you weren't exactly on the top of everyone's "must-move-to" list. Sure, you've got your charming towns and that whole fall foliage thing going on, but for many, Connecticut was the state you drove through, not the one you settled in.
Well, move over butter churning and quaint harbors, because there's a new sheriff in town (or at least a whole lot of new residents). New Yorkers, in droves, have been packing up their U-Hauls and heading east. But just how many New Yorkers decided to trade in the subway for suburbia?
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Might Make You Need a Bigger Canoe)
Here's the juicy gossip: estimates say that over 50,000 New Yorkers set up shop in Connecticut in 2022. That's a lot of transplants! We're talking enough people to fill a Yankee Stadium (though, let's be honest, they probably wouldn't be cheering for the Yankees anymore).
Why the Mass Exodus?
The reasons are as varied as the bagels these New Yorkers brought with them (everything but the everything, anyone?). Some might say it was the allure of more space for less dough (pun intended), while others might point to the dream of a backyard for their brood (and maybe a dog - sorry squirrels). The pandemic shuffle also likely played a part, with folks seeking a quieter pace of life.
But Wait, There's More! The Great Connecticut-New Yorker Exchange
It's not all a one-way street. While New Yorkers were busy becoming Nutmeggers, some folks in Connecticut decided to chase the bright lights (and higher pizza prices) of the Big Apple. Still, the net migration flow heavily favors Connecticut, with an estimated 35,689 more New Yorkers calling Connecticut home in 2022.
So, What Does This Mean for Connecticut?
Only time will tell! Maybe Connecticut will see a rise in bodegas and morning commutes via bicycle. Perhaps there'll be a surge in requests for "real" pizza (you know, the kind with a thin crust). One thing's for sure, Connecticut is no longer just a pretty place to visit; it's becoming a new home for a whole lot of New Yorkers.
FAQ: How to Navigate the New Connecticut
- How to find a good bagel? This might be the toughest question. Patience, my friend, patience.
- How to deal with a New Yorker talking about the "good old days" in New York? A sympathetic ear and maybe a calming cup of herbal tea.
- How to explain the concept of a rotary to a New Yorker? Deep breaths and maybe some hand signals.
- How to convince a New Yorker that Connecticut pizza is delicious? This might require a lifetime of trying, but good luck!
- How to welcome your new New Yorker neighbors? With a friendly wave and a plate of homemade cookies (because who doesn't love cookies?).
