Connecticut's Top Ten Business-Friendly Towns

Yankee Letter
Connecticut has so many advantages for businesses: an educated population and
some of the country’s best schools a prime location midway between Manhattan
and Boston in the beautiful heart of New England, and a rich history of research
and innovation. “A Connecticut Yankee” has for centuries been a byword for a
shrewd, clever and successful business person.
In spite of her natural advantages and charm, Connecticut has in recent decades
become a state riddled with high taxes and regulatory burdens—ingredients for a
bleak economic future. State-level policies play a massive role in defining the state’s
overall economic health. But Connecticut’s economic policy is not solely defined at
the state level.
Indeed, Connecticut’s 169 towns are especially adept at meeting the specific needs
of local commerce and community. It is at the town level where we see encouraging
economic development in Connecticut. Across the state, various towns of varying
sizes are embracing free-market principles—often unknowingly—and creating a
more hospitable landscape for businesses and entrepreneurs.
This study examines and measures data collected from Connecticut’s 50 most
populous towns. We have ranked the towns based how thoroughly they represent
various criteria that ensure business success and protection of the entrepreneurial
spirit. The four categories ranked are: Community Allure, Economic Vitality, Tax
Burden and Transportation Infrastructure.
Our aim is to bring a new statewide focus to the potentially positive power of local
decision-making. We applaud the efforts of those Connecticut towns that are
creating business-friendly economies.