Even more U-Hauls headed out of Connecticut

The moving trucks are revving their engines, and unfortunately for the Constitution State, they’re mostly pointed toward the border. According to the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index released this week, Connecticut has slipped another notch, falling from 41st to 42nd place in the nation.

For the second year in a row, more people are packing up than moving in.

The Red vs. Blue Divide

The 2025 data highlights a massive correlation between state leadership and migration. Families aren't just moving for better weather; they are moving toward specific policy climates.

The Growth Leaders (Top 10): Dominating the top of the list are Texas (#1) and Florida (#2). As a group, the top 10 states are a GOP stronghold: 7 out of 10 feature Republican governors. Notably, none of the top ten states are designated as sanctuary jurisdictions.

The Exit Zone (Bottom 10): Connecticut sits in the bottom tier alongside states like California (#50), Illinois (#49), and New Jersey (#48). In this group, the political math flips: 9 out of 10 have Democratic governors. This list is dominated by states, like Connecticut, with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration officials.

What the Greenwich Governor candidates have to say about this:

State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich): "We are going in the wrong direction. Under one-party Democrat rule, Connecticut becomes more and more unaffordable. Working families are struggling under the third-highest electric bills in the country, and dreams are getting buried under sky-high taxes." His plan: a 20% cut to electric rates, direct family tax relief, and a repeal of the state's sanctuary Trust Act.

Betsy McCaughey (R): "In tax-beleaguered Connecticut, homeowners are nearing desperation. The state capitol pushes for more revenue to keep the government gravy train running while residents get fleeced with exorbitant utility rates. Homeowners be damned." Her plan: strict caps on property tax increases tied to inflation and an end to taxpayer-funded subsidies for undocumented residents.

Incumbent Governor Ned Lamont (D): "Today’s forecast shows continued economic growth for families and businesses alike. We are staying on the right track with the largest income tax cut in state history, making Connecticut a more affordable and attractive place to live and work." He wants increased housing stock, universal preschool, and continued support for the Trust Act to build community trust.

The "Mamdani Effect"

While the rest of the state struggles, Greenwich has been uniquely buoyed by the "Mamdani Effect"—a surge of New Yorkers fleeing the socialist policies of NYC’s newly inaugurated Mayor, Zohran Mamdani. However, this influx of "tax refugees" is a temporary trend that will eventually play out.

Between the Lines: Whether it's the U-Haul data showing a middle-class exit or the Mamdani Effect bringing a temporary influx to Greenwich, Connecticut is at a crossroads. The choice is clear: continue with the Governor's version of stability or pivot toward the affordability and law-enforcement reforms promised by his challengers.

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