Middlesex is a county in the central part of Connecticut. It has a population of 165,000 that can enjoy the natural beauty the county is known for, with many parks, lakes, and rivers being available to the public. Middlesex hosts several quaint towns and villages, including Middletown, Cromwell, and Portland, which offer a variety of cultural and recreational activities. It is also home to Wesleyan University, a highly regarded liberal arts college. The county has a diverse economy, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education, in addition to being well-connected to other parts of Connecticut and neighboring states by road, rail, and air.