I grew up there from birth to 18, went back there every summer from UNI in Maine from 18-23, and had a one-year stint there after 2 years abroad @ 26 and revisited for holidays for 3 years from 27-29 when I lived in DC. 38 now, haven't been back in nearly 8 years.
That is my experience with the state. I also think it is enough to come to a solid conclusion as far as a personal opinion. I did not like growing up in CT. It was hard being a lower-income shy student in a predominantly higher-income town in the SE of the state where quite a number of students got gifted Benz or other similar types of cars once they got a license. I was not exposed to the diversity I have since grown to love in traveling to, now, 40 countries/living in 7, whether that is from the people or the food I enjoy so much. I personally found it relaxing to visit from UNI, a novelty that usually wore off after a week or so, and after became boring, not a heck of a lot to do. From DC, similar feeling. Cool to go to the beach after being away from it for months, then you realize all the out of towners from other CT areas treat your hometown as a rubbish bin. I don't find the people I came across during my time to be the most friendly (not unfriendly either). Just the same they don't look up at others as they pass by, just stare at the ground. I don't find many residents to be that warm but at the same time, kind of nosy in situations where they have no business being part of. The food quality is...ok. Lifestyle, a little too much "keeping up with the Jones" for my taste. But with that said, it is not the "worst" and I think any CT resident claiming that is being a little outrageous unless they have very difficult life circumstances. I don't think I would go back for good as I did for a year in 2010/11, but an occasional week-long visit is ok for family. W/o family or friends, I'd never go back, honestly. I think if you are looking to live somewhere and set down roots in the US, there are better values for your money, especially in regard to housing and more cultural offerings/things to do.