With estates named "Gold Coast", it's no surprise Connecticut is the wealthiest state in the nation, in terms of per capita income. It's close proximity to New York City and Boston allow residents to enjoy big city perks with suburban luxury.
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Up until the Civil War, Connecticut was a simple agricultural society. Then the state underwent a transformation to a complex, urbanized manufacturing economy. Population shifted quickly from rural to urban areas. Its overwhelming dependence on industry caused it to be severely crippled by the Great Depression. After this near fatal fall and all but imminent demise, Connecticut bounced back with savvy advances in labor and employment.
Manufacturing is still the largest employer in the state, however other sectors, especially the service industry, have shown extraordinary growth in recent years. Submarine manufacturing has become a major industry, with Groton being dubbed as the submarine capital of the world. Other primary businesses are aircraft engines, helicopters and chemicals along with insurance, banking and real estate sales.
The statewide sales tax is 6 percent. There is an Admissions Tax of 10 percent on most places of amusement and 5 percent on goods and services and any cabaret.
Swimming is popular along Connecticut’s numerous, long, rocky coastal beaches. Long Island Sound, with its indented shore and Litchfield Hills are both major attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, artists and sightseers. Long Island Sound also draws boaters and fisherman, with bluefish, striped bass and flounder being the premier catches of the day. The Farmington and Housatonic rivers are among the nation’s leading trout rivers. With over 70 public golf courses, Connecticut can cater to most golfer’s drive or handicap. Winter brings out the best in skiers, snowmobiling and snowboarding in Litchfield Hills or at Mohawk Mountain State Park.
