Middletown, CT, United States

Capital City

The population is 47,717, but don't let that fool you - Middletown has its fair share of headaches. Bureaucracy is a persistent issue, with the city retaining its role as the former county seat even after the elimination of county government. And while the downtown has seen a revival, pockets of poverty and crime still plague the North End. On the plus side, the city offers a diverse array of cuisines and a vibrant arts scene centered around Wesleyan University. Overall, Middletown is a mixed bag - a politically progressive city that caters to those seeking an urban-adjacent lifestyle, but one that still has work to do to address longstanding challenges.