It's been a while since I got my PhD and started working in Connecticut, but I occasionally get messages from juniors asking how Hartford is.

They wonder if Hartford is a good place for Koreans to live, unlike New York or LA.

To be honest, here's how it is. It's not perfect, but it has quite a few favorable conditions. I'll summarize the reasons based on my experiences.

First, having a community is important. There are about 14,000 Koreans living throughout Connecticut.

A significant number of them are located in the Hartford metropolitan area, especially in suburban areas like West Hartford, Glastonbury, and Avon.

The Korean Association of Connecticut, established in 1957, and the Korean Language and Cultural Education Institute, which has been providing Korean language education for local Korean children since its establishment in 1985, are both present here.

The existence of such organizations is evidence of a rooted community. There are also several churches, and it's relatively easy to obtain information through the Korean network.

Another major reason is the good educational environment. Connecticut boasts a high level of education nationwide.

The public schools in suburban areas like West Hartford, Avon, and Glastonbury, which are popular among Korean families, are of high quality. Connecticut is also one of the first states to legally require the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history in public school curricula.

This is why Korean parents considering where to live for their children's education often look at this area. There are also many universities nearby, including Yale, UConn, Trinity College, and the University of Connecticut.

The geographical advantages cannot be overlooked. It takes about 2 hours by car to New York and also about 2 hours to Boston. It's not difficult for the Korean community to venture out to the larger New York area on weekends, and there are people who go to Korea Town to shop or enjoy food.

While Hartford itself is a small city, its accessibility to major cities broadens the scope of living. The atmosphere of respecting diversity is also helpful. Initiatives like Hello! West Hartford welcome residents from various language and cultural backgrounds, creating a community campaign. Although it's not perfect, the open atmosphere is psychologically beneficial for immigrants settling in.

Of course, it doesn't have a dense Korean area like New York or LA. Korean markets and restaurants are not as abundant as in New Jersey or Flushing.

However, for those who want a family-oriented, quiet life, stable schools, relatively low crime rates in suburban areas, accessibility to workplaces, and a Korean community network, the Hartford metropolitan area is definitely a viable option.

I believe it's a neighborhood that suits those who prefer a quiet and stable lifestyle over a bustling and flashy one.