CT in 2024: Rats, Roads, Wealth, and Debt

This year, Connecticut’s identity has been defined by a variety of striking stats, ranging from rat infestations to the state of our roads and beyond. As we move through 2024, I’ve compiled a number of rankings and studies that paint a detailed picture of where Connecticut stands—both in comparison to other states and on its own. From surprising high rankings in "rattiest cities" to recognition for having some of the best roads in the nation, it’s been a year of stark contrasts and, at times, uncomfortable truths. These statistics highlight the quirks, challenges, and unexpected strengths of the Nutmeg State, shaping how we see ourselves and how others might view us.

CT in 2024: Rats, Roads, Wealth, and Debt—The Stats You Need to Know

In 2024, Connecticut’s identity has been shaped by a series of eye-opening rankings and studies. From its surprising place on the list of the rattiest cities to its reputation for having some of the best roads in the nation, the year has offered a wide range of insights into life in the Nutmeg State. Alongside these unexpected high points, Connecticut also faced tough realities like record debt, a reputation for being one of the most boring states, and high rental costs. This gallery takes a closer look at the statistics and figures that have helped define the state’s image in 2024.

What this gallery really proves is I worked my ass off. That is the most important takeaway. Just sayin'

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

If you look at the total picture and are being fair, Connecticut still comes out looking great compared to the rest of the nation. We have the best of everything, so much beauty, great opportunities and wonderful people. The real downside is the cost of living which is beyond considerable. It's a classic case of "you get what you pay for."

P.S. If you take any one thing away from this article it should be this, I'm awesome.

Want more Connecticut news? Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast. The show is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify. The program is the same one we do on the radio but with limited commercials and no music. You can also listen live by streaming the show on the I-95 Rock Mobile app or tune into I-95 (95.1FM).

Rarely Seen Corners of Danbury

If you've lived here your whole life you probably know most of these places but I am willing to bet even the most grizzled Danbury vet will see something, they have never seen before. Some are wonderful, some historic and others are just places where trash gets thrown, these are some of the Rarely Seen Corners of Danbury.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Danbury Resident Has Astonishing Close Encounter With Famous Moose

His name is Daryl Pitman, and he's a Danbury resident who recently had a super-close encounter with a moose that has become famous in the Greater-Danbury area. In the past few days this moose has been seen in multiple Danbury locations, it's been seen in Newtown, New Fairfield, Woodbury and even Pawling, NY to name a few.

I saw Daryl's pictures in a different moose related thread and reached out to him. I asked him to tell me more. I wanted to know if these photos were real? Did he take the pictures? Was this in Danbury? When was this? How did he feel. An excited Daryl got back to me with the following responses.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

10 Connecticut Retailers Shutting Down on Thanksgiving— What You Need to Know

There was a time when I thought Thanksgiving was going to be completely destroyed by BIG RETAIL and then Covid-19 hit and things changed. The pandemic gave some of the country's biggest retailers an opportunity to alter their stance on holiday shopping and many did. Here is a list of some of Connecticut's biggest retailers who have decided to close their doors for Thanksgiving 2024.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Categories: Articles