HBJ | 2026 BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS
18 |
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM
MID-MARKETS |
TOP 10
MID-MARKETS: 5,000–14,999 JOBS (42 TOWNS).
#1 DARIEN #2 OR ANGE
72.3 70.6
69 77.6
80 54.3
OVERALL
SCORE
OVERALL
SCORE
MARKET
STRENGTH
MARKET
STRENGTH
TRANSACTION
COST &
PROCESS
TRANSACTION
COST &
PROCESS
WHY IT RANKED HERE: One of the state's
lower property tax rates, combined with a
relatively accessible development process,
gives Darien a competitive environment for
commercial investment.
WHY IT RANKED HERE: A strong concentration
of jobs and commercial property, anchored by
the Boston Post Road corridor, gives Orange
a substantial commercial presence for a
community of its size.
SIGNATURE STAT: 16.37 five-year avg. mill
rate — Among the lowest commercial mill
rates in the state.
SIGNATURE STAT: 10,198 jobs — An
employment base that nearly matches the
town's resident population.
MARKET SNAPSHOT MARKET SNAPSHOT
Jobs Jobs
7,072 10,198
Business establishments Business establishments
3,196 1,895
Commercial tax base Commercial tax base
10% 25%
Population within 45 minutes Population within 45 minutes
2.97 million 1.81 million
5-year avg mill rate 5-year avg mill rate
16.37 31.67
Business registration growth
(2021–25)
Business registration growth
(2021–25)
+17% +8%
OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100
OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100
A Japanese maple in Darien. Photo | Alison Jones/Danita Delimont
