Make Up Your Mind, Connecticut: New England or the Tri-State Area?

They can’t keep getting away with this.

After centuries of double-dipping, Connecticut has finally found itself at a crossroads. With its geographical location, it has long enjoyed the benefits of being part of both New England and the Tri-State Area. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the time has come for Connecticut to make a choice. Should it fully embrace its New England roots or commit itself wholeheartedly to its Tri-State Area identity? The answer may not be easy, but it's a decision that desperately needs to be made.

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The Constitution State has long been considered and embraced as part of the New England region, an area defined by its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant communities. With its close ties to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, Connecticut has flourished as a proud member of this esteemed group. From the bustling streets of Hartford to the steeple-filled charm of Enfield, the state has embodied the New England spirit.

On the other hand, Connecticut is also considered a member of the Tri-State Area, an economic powerhouse anchored by the bustling metropolis of New York City. With its close proximity to the Big Apple, Connecticut has enjoyed the benefits of being part of this vast, vibrant, and unbelievably wealthy region. Cities like Bridgeport, Greenwich, and Stamford have thrived as significant components of the region, offering residents a vibrant urban lifestyle. They provide the advantage of being able to commute to the big city without having to reside there.

The decision to choose between New England and the Tri-State Area is not an easy one, as both options offer undeniable advantages. New England represents a sense of tradition, community, and a slower pace of life. The Tri-State Area, on the other hand, embodies the fast-paced, cosmopolitan energy that comes with being in close proximity to one of the world's most breakneck cities.

To complicate matters further, there is the issue of sports team allegiance. Connecticut finds itself divided, with fans in the eastern part of the state leaning towards the Boston-based teams like the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots, while those in the western regions tend to support the New York franchises such as the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, and Giants. This rivalry can create tensions among passionate fans, especially when the local stations are unable to broadcast games in certain markets of the state.

Perhaps it is time for Connecticut to take a bold, but necessary step and make a definitive choice. The state could sever its ties with New England, fully embracing its identity as part of the Tri-State Area. This would allow Connecticut to align itself more closely with its “cooler and more wealthy friends,” New York and New Jersey. Alternatively, Connecticut could choose to fully claim its place in New England and open the door for Pennsylvania to join as the third state in the Tri-State Area.

Regardless of the decision, it is important to acknowledge the interconnectedness of these regions. Urban expansion from New York City has had a profound impact on Connecticut's economy, and the ties between the two areas are deeply ingrained. The U.S. Census Bureau even groups certain counties in western Connecticut with New York City and other parts of New York and New Jersey as a combined statistical area,Credit: Google Maps & Nick Fewings/Maxence Bouniort on Unsplash emphasizing the symbiotic relationship.

Connecticut really stands at a unique crossroads, or not, either way. They've been double-dipping for too long.