Left CT in 1981, right after college. Many of my friends eventually did, as well. Was back there two years ago. Not one person I knew was glad to reside there. Not one. “Leaving as soon as I can” or “wish I could leave” were the only two sentiments I heard expressed. Sad, to be honest.
It has only gotten worse due to Lamont’s CCPVirus response. A friend of mine lives in New Haven. Last time I visited them in Sept 2019 we walked around the good areas of NH, near Yale, etc.
It was full of people, plenty of Restaurants and stores. Almost every store front occupied. A few weeks ago, vacant restaurants everywhere, some replaced by cell phone stores, etc. Big increase in homeless and much more aggressive in their begging as well.