Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1547355
HBJ | 2026 BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS 20 | HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM MID-MARKETS | TOP 10 MID-MARKETS: 5,000–14,999 JOBS (42 TOWNS). #9 OLD SAYBROOK #10 WILTON 66.8 66.7 61.7 70.3 78.8 58.3 OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE MARKET STRENGTH MARKET STRENGTH TRANSACTION COST & PROCESS TRANSACTION COST & PROCESS WHY IT RANKED HERE: A shoreline location, relatively low property taxes and favorable development conditions strengthen Old Saybrook's commercial market. WHY IT RANKED HERE: A sizable employment base, strong recent business growth and access to the Fairfield County market bolster Wilton's commercial environment. SIGNATURE STAT: 18.26 mills — One of the lower five-year average property tax rates among Connecticut's midsize communities. SIGNATURE STAT: 24% growth — Business registrations grew 24% from 2021 to 2025. MARKET SNAPSHOT MARKET SNAPSHOT Jobs Jobs 6,737 9,983 Business establishments Business establishments 1,668 2,645 Commercial tax base Commercial tax base 15% 14% Population within 45 minutes Population within 45 minutes 971,247 1.79 million 5-year avg mill rate 5-year avg mill rate 18.26 26.74 Business registration growth (2021–25) Business registration growth (2021–25) +10% +24.5% OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100 #7 EAST WINDSOR #8 BROOKFIELD 68.9 68 70.8 65 64.4 75 OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE MARKET STRENGTH MARKET STRENGTH TRANSACTION COST & PROCESS TRANSACTION COST & PROCESS WHY IT RANKED HERE: Its location along the I-91 corridor, substantial commercial tax base and double-digit business growth give East Windsor a strong foundation for commercial activity. WHY IT RANKED HERE: A strong Route 7 retail corridor and relatively favorable conditions for development strengthen Brookfield's commercial market. SIGNATURE STAT: 30% commercial — Commercial and industrial property accounts for 30% of East Windsor's tax base. SIGNATURE STAT: 1.17 million people — Brookfield has access to nearly 1.17 million people within a 45-minute drive. MARKET SNAPSHOT MARKET SNAPSHOT Jobs Jobs 6,100 7,094 Business establishments Business establishments 1,002 2,125 Commercial tax base Commercial tax base 30% 14% Population within 45 minutes Population within 45 minutes 1.64 million 1.17 million 5-year avg mill rate 5-year avg mill rate 30.52 27.93 Business registration growth (2021–25) Business registration growth (2021–25) +14.5% +5.1% OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100 OUT OF 100