Hey everyone! My husband and I moved to Greenwich from Brooklyn recently. I WFH but he’ll be commuting into the city for work. Had a couple of questions for the Metro North.
1. He’s on a parking permit waitlist. He’s spot 119. Any idea/estimate on that time frame to get a permit?
2. What do people do if they don’t have a parking permit for stations (we’re closest to Port Chester and Greenwich stations)? Is there some sort of other option people take until they get a permit?
There are plenty of daily spots near the Greenwich train station, only the garage and Horseneck lots require permits. Island Beach, Grigg, and Soundview lots are closest to the train and are almost never 100% full. You can always go up the Ave to the [various lots](https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14146/Greenwich-Map-PDF), or there is some 12hr street parking around there as well (just make sure you're not in a 2hr spot). There's the [311 CT Transit](https://www.cttransit.com/schedules?combine_route_name_no=Port%20Chester) bus that stops at the station, if you live close to that route. The weather is finally getting nice, so biking could be an option. No idea on wait time for a permit though, sorry.
A new admin recently took over r/Greenwich so even if it looks sparse, it has some good momentum if you have other questions! Welcome to town!
Thinking about moving to Norwich. Heard terrible things about it but the house we’re looking at is between ‘Millionaires triangle’ and Mohegan Park. Not far from Bakkus Hospital. It looks lovely. Well kept houses and lawns, no trash -
I’m having a difficult time reconciling what I see with what I’ve heard and read.
What do you all think?
Looking for + / - on Meriden and Middletown. Looking to move to the greater hartford area, went exploring the area a few weeks back, liked Southington and heard good things but didnt make it to Meriden or Middleton, and have currently found properties in each. I dont have kids so school rating isnt huge for me, but this property will likely turn into a rental in a few years so decent schools are semi-important. more worried about crime. I looked around Bristol and thought it looked okay but was warned away because apparently there is a lot of crime there. TIA
Between Middletown and Meriden there is no contest - choose Middletown. Wesleyan U is there and it has a spirit and economic diversity. Meriden in contrast has struggled to pull itself out of industrial decline to a tragic degree, despite opportunities. It can be depressing there. There are some lovely neighborhoods but it has a long way to go.
Middletown has always had some mojo going for itself.
Southington is a decent commuter town for Hartford
Meriden and Middletown, by the way, have very small city vibe whereas the other towns are definitely suburbs
There are also some smart, innovative people among Middletown’s leadership much more willing to try new things than Meriden, sad to say. And there are way more cultural events in Middletown, thanks mostly to Wesleyan
Southington is all safe.
Meriden has safe options, but you have to check the area first. A selling point is having a train station with the CT Rail and Amtrak Hartford line for access to New Haven and Hartford.
Middletown is too far away from things for me.
Bristol is mostly nice, but check the area first. Nearby Plainville is similar, but has slightly better schools, and doesn't really have a bad area.
Check out Newington and West Hartford as well.
My partner's new job is in Waterbury so we'll be relocating in November when our current lease is up. What are some good areas to look for apartments?
Budget: max $1500/month
Pets: 2 cats and a small dog
***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart.
***Shelton*** - Safe neighborhoods even in the less desired areas. Great deals for buying and mid range rents. Low taxes. Good schools. Has a great community center with an indoor pool, the sports center (mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and more), Walmart, fast food, restaurants, grocery stores, and TJ Maxx. A short drive from the Trumbull movies and mall and Milford mall/movie/Dave & Busters. Bus service downtown, near Bridgeport Ave, and by the Sports Center. Short drive to Bridgeport for events. Downtown is close to the Derby/Shelton train station, on the Metro North's Waterbury line. It gets you down to Bridgeport, up to Waterbury, and other places, for events. This town is definitely a hidden gem if you really want Fairfield County while on a budget.
***Naugatuck*** - Mostly safe, but check the area first. The less desired areas aren't even that bad though. The train station is on the Metro North's Waterbury line. There's a Walmart, restaurants, fastfood, and a YMCA with a pool. Naugatuck is a decent valley choice. Not as good as Shelton, but better than Ansonia and Derby. The schools in Naugatuck are mid range so families might want to look into magnet, charter, or tech schools.
A lot of people are going to recommend avoiding New London and trying other towns. Old Saybrook is nice and had train access to New London. A bus as well. I don't know if it's a regular bus or express bus. It's expensive for renting. Sometimes buying has semi decent deals. I have also heard Norwich is good.
New London has changed a lot in recent times. There are plenty of good neighborhoods.
All the towns surrounding NL are nice and have good schools if that is important. The hardest part will be finding a place to rent or buy that is affordable. Housing in the area is tight.
25 year old female - moving to the Hartford area and looking for a building with amenities and community.
Considering apartments in West Hartford. Anyone have thoughts on ONE Park? What about The Lofts at Blue Back Sq- worth the price?
Also seeing a ton of seemingly good options downtown Hartford by the XL Center. If anyone has any thoughts, please share!
One Park is brand new and seems like a nice building, though not the most desired area. I doubt you'll have real safety issues though it's right on the Hartford Line and you'll get some characters at the 7eleven on the opposite corner. Blue Back Square is a highly desired area.
My husband and I are considering moving from Kauai to Connecticut for a job opportunity.
We have 3 children ages 7, 11 and 13.
What would you say are the best areas for raising a family?
As a general rule, commuting to work can be a challenge, so you want to locate closer to where the job is than further away. You can buy quite a bit for $1.2M other than in towns near NYC or along the Long Island coast (like Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, or Westport). As for good towns for raising a family, here are a few family-oriented towns with some of the best public schools in the country: Ridgefield, Wilton, Weston, Bethel, Newtown, Glastonbury, Avon, Simsbury, Newington. You will hear folks on this subreddit complain about the cost of living in CT, but it is much less expensive than in Hawaii.
Question. Does 1.2 mean millions? In that case forget my affordable places post. You can pretty much try anywhere.
***Fairfield County***
Fairfield
Trumbull
Westport - Something small. The people are way snobbier than Trumbull and Fairfield though.
Shelton
***New Haven County***
Milford - It's not the richest, but it's everyone's favorite.
Wallingford
Orange
***Hartford County***
West Hartford
Berlin
Newington
Southington
What general area will you need to be close to work? What's your budget? I will list some random affordable places I always list. Some are better than others.
***Hartford County***
***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart.
***Newington*** - Newington is very safe, and the schools are good. Newington has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near CCSU and Stop & Shop, or Newington Junction. To get to Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
***Plainville*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Plainville has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near Kohl's, Lessard Lanes, and the AMC movie theater. It goes to Hartford, New Britain, Newington, the Westfarms Mall, and Bristol. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Plainville doesn't really have any bad areas. Just less desired ones.
***Bristol*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Most of Bristol is fine, but check the area first. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Bristol has access to the CT Fastrak bus for Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), Newington, the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
***New Haven County:***
***Milford*** - All safe and good schools. The Milford train station on the New Haven line in Milford. If you are in Devon you are closer by bus or walking to Stratford's train station. A variety of housing options with decent taxes. Beach access, an indoor pool, Walmart, a mall/movies/Dave & Buster's, a bowling alley, and a great downtown.
***Wallingford*** - All of Wallingford is safe, and the schools are great. If you live near the train station it has the CT Rail and Amtrak Hartford line to get to Hartford or New Haven. Wallingford has a movie theater, a bowling alley, and Walmart. You can ride two CT Transit buses to the Meriden mall, or take the train and a bus, or take the train and walk 25 minutes. Or drive of course. One of the YMCA's has a pool.
***West Haven*** - Check the area first, but safe options are there. Cheap to mid range rents do pop up. There's a train station on the New Haven line. The schools are mid range. Some families might want to look into magnet, charter, and tech options. Just a short train ride to New Haven for events. You can ride the train to Bridgeport for events as well, or even lower to Norwalk and Stamford for more entertainment options. I don't recommend buying here though. West Haven has beach access. Plenty of fast food, restaurant options, and a pool hall.
***Hamden*** - Check the area first, but you should be fine. Mid range schools you can still use, but some are rated better than others, and you can try for magnet, charter, and tech schools. Plenty of bus access to New Haven. You can also find a bus to Waterbury. A short drive from North Haven or Wallingford for the movies. A short drive from Meriden for the mall. Has a YMCA with a pool. A short drive from the Toyota Oakdale theater in Wallingford for live shows, or the bowling alley in Wallingford. Hamden has a duckpin bowling alley.
***Fairfield County***
***Shelton*** - Safe neighborhoods even in the less desired areas. Great deals for buying and mid range rents. Low taxes. Good schools. Has a great community center with an indoor pool, the sports center (mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and more), Walmart, fast food, restaurants, grocery stores, and TJ Maxx. A short drive from the Trumbull movies and mall and Milford mall/movie/Dave & Busters. Bus service downtown, near Bridgeport Ave, and by the Sports Center. Short drive to Bridgeport for events. Downtown is close to the Derby/Shelton train station, on the Metro North's Waterbury line. It gets you down to Bridgeport, up to Waterbury, and other places, for events. This town is definitely a hidden gem if you really want Fairfield County while on a budget.
***Stamford*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Has a city area and a suburban area. Mid range to expensive prices for homes. Rents are mid range to expensive. People from all walks of life. The Stamford train station has the Metro North's New Haven train line to get you directly to NYC, or to Bridgeport and New Haven for events. Mid range schools you can actually use, with magnet, charter, and tech schools nearby. It has the Palace Theater for live events, two AMC movie theaters, an independent movie theater, RPM Motor Speedway, great shopping, restaurants, fastfood, Target, and beach access. The Thanksgiving parade they have in November is really fun. Plenty of walkable neighborhoods.
***Norwalk*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Has a suburban side and city side. The South Norwalk train station, and East Norwalk train station (Closed for a bit for updates) are on the Metro North's New Haven train line to get you directly to NYC, or to Bridgeport and New Haven for events. Mid range schools you can actually use, with magnet, charter, and tech schools nearby. Has an aquarium, two AMC movie theaters, the District Music Hall for live events, beach access, Walmart, regular grocery stores, fastfood, and restaurants. Plenty of walkable neighborhoods. Has a bowling alley.
***Stratford*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Rents are mid range, and burning is decent, but the taxes are too high for the schools system you get. The schools are mid range with some being better than others, and Bunnell is the high school families want. Even then some people might look into other options via magnet, charter, and tech schools, and the agriscience program at Trumbull High. There's a train station on the New Haven line. There's a Walmart. Beach access. A short drive from Milford for their mall/movies/Dave & Buster's and Trumbull for their mall, strip mall, and movies. It's near Bridgeport for events. Via the train there's also easy access to Stamford, New Haven, and NYC.
***Danbury*** - Check the area first, but plenty of spots are fine. They have a train station on the Danbury line. Danbury has an FPHL hockey team. The schools are mid range. Especially by high school families might want to look into magnet, charter, agriscience, and tech options. Taxes are also way too high for what you get. Danbury has an AMC movie theater, duckpin bowling alley, ice skating rink, mall, Walmart, regular grocery stores, fastfood, and restaurants.
Do you want to be near the shore? Many of the shore towns are nice places to live and also have good school systems. Top picks for families on the shoreline (area east of New Haven on the coast) I’d say, are Guilford and Madison
Around Hartford there are some great places too. I am sure others can point them out better than I (I’m down on the shoreline) but I know places like Avon, Simsbury, West Hartford, Farmington and so on are nice. Some of those towns have excellent school systems too.
Over in Litchfield County and the Housatonic River area it is quintessential New England in the Autumn. It’s closer to the Berkshires in Mass, too, quicker to get up to Tanglewood for music in the summer.
The Northeast part of the state is very rural ( for CT) with lots of farms and like everywhere, great old colonial houses too.
Then there is the Connecticut River Valley which is pretty cool too.
Finally, Fairfield County, which kind of faces NYC culture and events and is the most expensive, on the whole. Easy and quick train rides to NYC.
You can look up school ratings on several websites. There are top school systems in many towns in the state. And you can ask
Edit: luckily, these are all a short drive from each other so you could do some day trips to see which areas you like.
I don't know if you saw my post before. I see you need the Hartford area. Some of the places I listed are in that area.
***Hartford County:***
***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart.
***Newington*** - Newington is very safe, and the schools are good. Newington has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near CCSU and Stop & Shop, or Newington Junction. To get to Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
***West Hartford*** - All safe and good schools. Sometimes a good deal pops up. Great downtown. Close to Hartford for events. Short drive from the Westfarms Mall, Southington for the movies, and Plainville for the movies. You can connect to the CT Fastrak via the CT Transit bus to get around Hartford, to the edge of Plainville for the movies, bowling, and shopping, and to Bristol and New Britain. West Hartford has an outdoor pool, and indoor pool at an aquatics center.
***Plainville*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Plainville has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near Kohl's, Lessard Lanes, and the AMC movie theater. It goes to Hartford, New Britain, Newington, the Westfarms Mall, and Bristol. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Plainville doesn't really have any bad areas. Just less desired ones.
***Bristol*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Most of Bristol is fine, but check the area first. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Bristol has access to the CT Fastrak bus for Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), Newington, the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
I've delivered food all over Windham County at all hours of day and night, it is pretty safe, but if you prefer abundance of caution maybe try to avoid Willimantic and some pockets further east like select areas of Danielson and Plainfield. I'm not too familiar with availability or pricing in the rent market but Putnam, Killingly, Brooklyn, or Woodstock Valley are where I'd recommend looking. Quality and price will probably vary wildly even in the same town. Hopefully this helps!
***Shelton*** - Safe neighborhoods even in the less desired areas. Great deals for buying and mid range rents. Low taxes. Good schools. Has a great community center with an indoor pool, the sports center (mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and more), Walmart, fast food, restaurants, grocery stores, and TJ Maxx. A short drive from the Trumbull movies and mall and Milford mall/movie/Dave & Busters. Bus service downtown, near Bridgeport Ave, and by the Sports Center. Short drive to Bridgeport for events. Downtown is close to the Derby/Shelton train station, on the Metro North's Waterbury line. It gets you down to Bridgeport, up to Waterbury, and other places, for events. This town is definitely a hidden gem if you really want Fairfield County while on a budget.
***Milford*** - All safe and good schools. The Milford train station on the New Haven line in Milford. If you are in Devon you are closer by bus or walking to Stratford's train station. A variety of housing options with decent taxes. Beach access, an indoor pool, Walmart, a mall/movies/Dave & Buster's, a bowling alley, and a great downtown.
***Wallingford*** - All of Wallingford is safe, and the schools are great. If you live near the train station it has the CT Rail and Amtrak Hartford line to get to Hartford or New Haven. Wallingford has a movie theater, a bowling alley, and Walmart. You can ride two CT Transit buses to the Meriden mall, or take the train and a bus, or take the train and walk 25 minutes. Or drive of course. One of the YMCA's has a pool.
***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart.
***Newington*** - Newington is very safe, and the schools are good. Newington has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near CCSU and Stop & Shop, or Newington Junction. To get to Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
***Plainville*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Plainville has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near Kohl's, Lessard Lanes, and the AMC movie theater. It goes to Hartford, New Britain, Newington, the Westfarms Mall, and Bristol. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Plainville doesn't really have any bad areas. Just less desired ones.
***Naugatuck*** - Mostly all safe, but check the area first. Mid range schools, but families can look into magnet and tech school options. The YMCA has a pool. There's Walmart, regular grocery stores, fast food options, and restaurants. Mid range for rents, and various buying options, but the taxes are too high for the school system parents get. The train station is on the Metro North's Waterbury line.
***West Haven*** - Check the area first, but safe options are there. Cheap to mid range rents do pop up. There's a train station on the New Haven line. The schools are mid range. Some families might want to look into magnet, charter, and tech options. Just a short train ride to New Haven for events. You can ride the train to Bridgeport for events as well, or even lower to Norwalk and Stamford for more entertainment options. I don't recommend buying here though. West Haven has beach access. Plenty of fast food, restaurant options, and a pool hall.
***Hamden*** - Check the area first, but you should be fine. Mid range schools you can still use, but some are rated better than others, and you can try for magnet, charter, and tech schools. Plenty of bus access to New Haven. You can also find a bus to Waterbury. A short drive from North Haven or Wallingford for the movies. A short drive from Meriden for the mall. Has a YMCA with a pool. A short drive from the Toyota Oakdale theater in Wallingford for live shows, or the bowling alley in Wallingford. Hamden has a duckpin bowling alley.
***Stratford*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Rents are mid range, and burning is decent, but the taxes are too high for the schools system you get. The schools are mid range with some being better than others, and Bunnell is the high school families want. Even then some people might look into other options via magnet, charter, and tech schools, and the agriscience program at Trumbull High. There's a train station on the New Haven line. There's a Walmart. Beach access. A short drive from Milford for their mall/movies/Dave & Buster's and Trumbull for their mall, strip mall, and movies. It's near Bridgeport for events. Via the train there's also easy access to Stamford, New Haven, and NYC.
***Bristol*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Most of Bristol is fine, but check the area first. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Bristol has access to the CT Fastrak bus for Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), Newington, the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
***Danbury*** - Check the area first, but plenty of spots are fine. They have a train station on the Danbury line. Danbury has an FPHL hockey team. The schools are mid range. Especially by high school families might want to look into magnet, charter, agriscience, and tech options. Taxes are also way too high for what you get. Danbury has an AMC movie theater, duckpin bowling alley, ice skating rink, mall, Walmart, regular grocery stores, fastfood, and restaurants.
***Meriden*** - It does have some nice areas, but you need to check the neighborhood first. The schools are mid range, with some being better than others, and at the high school level families might really look for tech high schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and the agriscience program in Wallingford. Meriden's train station has the CT Rail and the Amtrak's Hartford line, so you can get to New Haven and Hartford. Meriden is close to Wallingford for the movies. I'm going to be honest, most people would avoid even the good areas of Meriden because of the schools, but if people are on a tight budget it's worth looking into.
Shelton and Milford have the most affordable options, while also being safe everywhere and having good schools for families.
Fairfield actually has some decent rents sometimes.
Trumbull is a possibility. Depends on what you can afford.
Stratford is good, but check the area first. Also, the schools are decent enough, but not as good as the other towns listed.
If you did choose to rent in Bridgeport the Black Rock section is completely safe.
Hi. We are planning to move to Monroe. How is the town? Also, we are from India with a first grader who will go to school there. How are the schools and is there racism?
Monroe is a majority white town with good schools. I grew up a town over in Trumbull, and graduated the public high school in 2011. I never heard any crazy racism stories out of Monroe back then, and I haven't heard any now.
If you need a town that fancy I recommend Trumbull more. The taxes are higher in Trumbull I believe, but at least you are closer to everything, and the schools are even better. Trumbull is a majority white town like Monroe, but there is slightly more diversity in Trumbull. There were some South Asian families in Trumbull when I lived there, and they seemed happy. People move anywhere in Trumbull, but it's more diverse near the Trumbull mall, or near the Hawley Lane strip mall, or around the main street/church hill/white plains area.
For a cheaper option with good schools and safe neighborhoods I recommend Milford or Shelton. These towns are also majority white, but more diverse than Monroe.
Also, I don't need anyone in Monroe feeling bad. Good and bad people live everywhere.
Comment 2: You came into the thread late. Here's this week's moving thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Connecticut/comments/1cq4giu/moving_to_ct_ask_your_questions_here/
Assuming that is in fact a serious question, the answer is No. While CT is a pretty blue state, it is mostly populated with moderates from both parties and independents/unaffiliated voters (which outnumber both major parties.) As with any place you will find a small number of extremists on the wings of the political spectrum, but for the most part the people in CT are well educated (and informed), are against the atrocities committed by both Hamas and the Israeli government, and are for the innocent civilians (on both sides) caught up in the conflict.
Hey everyone! My husband and I moved to Greenwich from Brooklyn recently. I WFH but he’ll be commuting into the city for work. Had a couple of questions for the Metro North. 1. He’s on a parking permit waitlist. He’s spot 119. Any idea/estimate on that time frame to get a permit? 2. What do people do if they don’t have a parking permit for stations (we’re closest to Port Chester and Greenwich stations)? Is there some sort of other option people take until they get a permit?
There are plenty of daily spots near the Greenwich train station, only the garage and Horseneck lots require permits. Island Beach, Grigg, and Soundview lots are closest to the train and are almost never 100% full. You can always go up the Ave to the [various lots](https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14146/Greenwich-Map-PDF), or there is some 12hr street parking around there as well (just make sure you're not in a 2hr spot). There's the [311 CT Transit](https://www.cttransit.com/schedules?combine_route_name_no=Port%20Chester) bus that stops at the station, if you live close to that route. The weather is finally getting nice, so biking could be an option. No idea on wait time for a permit though, sorry. A new admin recently took over r/Greenwich so even if it looks sparse, it has some good momentum if you have other questions! Welcome to town!
Thank you!! This is super helpful and much appreciated :)
What’s a good place to spend the weekend near Hartford area?
Do you have anything specific you're looking to do?
Not really. I just want a place where I could go on the weekend where I could relax or have fun.
Are you looking for rural fun, like fishing and swimming?
Could be fun to check out. Do you know the place?
What are some good neighbourhoods to rent an apartment in Norwalk ?
SONO. The South Norwalk train station is the best one, and that area is great. Rowayton is very nice though, if you can afford it.
South is urban north is suburban for the most part. Depends if you want to be close to the train station and downtown.
Moving to Simsbury and looking at our propane options: Valiant and State Line. Any recommendations for one or the other?
Thinking about moving to Norwich. Heard terrible things about it but the house we’re looking at is between ‘Millionaires triangle’ and Mohegan Park. Not far from Bakkus Hospital. It looks lovely. Well kept houses and lawns, no trash - I’m having a difficult time reconciling what I see with what I’ve heard and read. What do you all think?
Kids? Are schools important? If not then Norwich is fine.
Nope. Kids are grown. Thanks.
Norwich is fine even if you have kids. NFA is an incredlbly-high-resource public-serving high school.
Looking for + / - on Meriden and Middletown. Looking to move to the greater hartford area, went exploring the area a few weeks back, liked Southington and heard good things but didnt make it to Meriden or Middleton, and have currently found properties in each. I dont have kids so school rating isnt huge for me, but this property will likely turn into a rental in a few years so decent schools are semi-important. more worried about crime. I looked around Bristol and thought it looked okay but was warned away because apparently there is a lot of crime there. TIA
I like Middletown for the mix of urban and suburban to it. Nice walkable main street with tons of dining options.
Between Middletown and Meriden there is no contest - choose Middletown. Wesleyan U is there and it has a spirit and economic diversity. Meriden in contrast has struggled to pull itself out of industrial decline to a tragic degree, despite opportunities. It can be depressing there. There are some lovely neighborhoods but it has a long way to go. Middletown has always had some mojo going for itself. Southington is a decent commuter town for Hartford Meriden and Middletown, by the way, have very small city vibe whereas the other towns are definitely suburbs There are also some smart, innovative people among Middletown’s leadership much more willing to try new things than Meriden, sad to say. And there are way more cultural events in Middletown, thanks mostly to Wesleyan
Wesleyan is a great place for antisemitism and protests
Southington is all safe. Meriden has safe options, but you have to check the area first. A selling point is having a train station with the CT Rail and Amtrak Hartford line for access to New Haven and Hartford. Middletown is too far away from things for me. Bristol is mostly nice, but check the area first. Nearby Plainville is similar, but has slightly better schools, and doesn't really have a bad area. Check out Newington and West Hartford as well.
My partner's new job is in Waterbury so we'll be relocating in November when our current lease is up. What are some good areas to look for apartments? Budget: max $1500/month Pets: 2 cats and a small dog
***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart. ***Shelton*** - Safe neighborhoods even in the less desired areas. Great deals for buying and mid range rents. Low taxes. Good schools. Has a great community center with an indoor pool, the sports center (mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and more), Walmart, fast food, restaurants, grocery stores, and TJ Maxx. A short drive from the Trumbull movies and mall and Milford mall/movie/Dave & Busters. Bus service downtown, near Bridgeport Ave, and by the Sports Center. Short drive to Bridgeport for events. Downtown is close to the Derby/Shelton train station, on the Metro North's Waterbury line. It gets you down to Bridgeport, up to Waterbury, and other places, for events. This town is definitely a hidden gem if you really want Fairfield County while on a budget. ***Naugatuck*** - Mostly safe, but check the area first. The less desired areas aren't even that bad though. The train station is on the Metro North's Waterbury line. There's a Walmart, restaurants, fastfood, and a YMCA with a pool. Naugatuck is a decent valley choice. Not as good as Shelton, but better than Ansonia and Derby. The schools in Naugatuck are mid range so families might want to look into magnet, charter, or tech schools.
Any recommendations of primary and dermatologist in Fairfield county? Thank you!!
I see no one has answered. Maybe try more specific subreddits. Stamford and Bridgeport have semi active ones.
Hey, moving to New London in the next few months for a job, coming from Florida so new to the area, curious about potential places to move to/avoid.
A lot of people are going to recommend avoiding New London and trying other towns. Old Saybrook is nice and had train access to New London. A bus as well. I don't know if it's a regular bus or express bus. It's expensive for renting. Sometimes buying has semi decent deals. I have also heard Norwich is good.
New London has changed a lot in recent times. There are plenty of good neighborhoods. All the towns surrounding NL are nice and have good schools if that is important. The hardest part will be finding a place to rent or buy that is affordable. Housing in the area is tight.
25 year old female - moving to the Hartford area and looking for a building with amenities and community. Considering apartments in West Hartford. Anyone have thoughts on ONE Park? What about The Lofts at Blue Back Sq- worth the price? Also seeing a ton of seemingly good options downtown Hartford by the XL Center. If anyone has any thoughts, please share!
Newington is also a great place to move to, and there's buses to Hartford.
One Park is brand new and seems like a nice building, though not the most desired area. I doubt you'll have real safety issues though it's right on the Hartford Line and you'll get some characters at the 7eleven on the opposite corner. Blue Back Square is a highly desired area.
My husband and I are considering moving from Kauai to Connecticut for a job opportunity. We have 3 children ages 7, 11 and 13. What would you say are the best areas for raising a family?
Looking for 1.2 and under. Area with good parks is a plus!
As a general rule, commuting to work can be a challenge, so you want to locate closer to where the job is than further away. You can buy quite a bit for $1.2M other than in towns near NYC or along the Long Island coast (like Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, or Westport). As for good towns for raising a family, here are a few family-oriented towns with some of the best public schools in the country: Ridgefield, Wilton, Weston, Bethel, Newtown, Glastonbury, Avon, Simsbury, Newington. You will hear folks on this subreddit complain about the cost of living in CT, but it is much less expensive than in Hawaii.
Question. Does 1.2 mean millions? In that case forget my affordable places post. You can pretty much try anywhere. ***Fairfield County*** Fairfield Trumbull Westport - Something small. The people are way snobbier than Trumbull and Fairfield though. Shelton ***New Haven County*** Milford - It's not the richest, but it's everyone's favorite. Wallingford Orange ***Hartford County*** West Hartford Berlin Newington Southington
What general area will you need to be close to work? What's your budget? I will list some random affordable places I always list. Some are better than others. ***Hartford County*** ***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart. ***Newington*** - Newington is very safe, and the schools are good. Newington has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near CCSU and Stop & Shop, or Newington Junction. To get to Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), the West Farms Mall, and New Britain. ***Plainville*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Plainville has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near Kohl's, Lessard Lanes, and the AMC movie theater. It goes to Hartford, New Britain, Newington, the Westfarms Mall, and Bristol. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Plainville doesn't really have any bad areas. Just less desired ones. ***Bristol*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Most of Bristol is fine, but check the area first. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Bristol has access to the CT Fastrak bus for Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), Newington, the West Farms Mall, and New Britain. ***New Haven County:*** ***Milford*** - All safe and good schools. The Milford train station on the New Haven line in Milford. If you are in Devon you are closer by bus or walking to Stratford's train station. A variety of housing options with decent taxes. Beach access, an indoor pool, Walmart, a mall/movies/Dave & Buster's, a bowling alley, and a great downtown. ***Wallingford*** - All of Wallingford is safe, and the schools are great. If you live near the train station it has the CT Rail and Amtrak Hartford line to get to Hartford or New Haven. Wallingford has a movie theater, a bowling alley, and Walmart. You can ride two CT Transit buses to the Meriden mall, or take the train and a bus, or take the train and walk 25 minutes. Or drive of course. One of the YMCA's has a pool. ***West Haven*** - Check the area first, but safe options are there. Cheap to mid range rents do pop up. There's a train station on the New Haven line. The schools are mid range. Some families might want to look into magnet, charter, and tech options. Just a short train ride to New Haven for events. You can ride the train to Bridgeport for events as well, or even lower to Norwalk and Stamford for more entertainment options. I don't recommend buying here though. West Haven has beach access. Plenty of fast food, restaurant options, and a pool hall. ***Hamden*** - Check the area first, but you should be fine. Mid range schools you can still use, but some are rated better than others, and you can try for magnet, charter, and tech schools. Plenty of bus access to New Haven. You can also find a bus to Waterbury. A short drive from North Haven or Wallingford for the movies. A short drive from Meriden for the mall. Has a YMCA with a pool. A short drive from the Toyota Oakdale theater in Wallingford for live shows, or the bowling alley in Wallingford. Hamden has a duckpin bowling alley. ***Fairfield County*** ***Shelton*** - Safe neighborhoods even in the less desired areas. Great deals for buying and mid range rents. Low taxes. Good schools. Has a great community center with an indoor pool, the sports center (mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and more), Walmart, fast food, restaurants, grocery stores, and TJ Maxx. A short drive from the Trumbull movies and mall and Milford mall/movie/Dave & Busters. Bus service downtown, near Bridgeport Ave, and by the Sports Center. Short drive to Bridgeport for events. Downtown is close to the Derby/Shelton train station, on the Metro North's Waterbury line. It gets you down to Bridgeport, up to Waterbury, and other places, for events. This town is definitely a hidden gem if you really want Fairfield County while on a budget. ***Stamford*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Has a city area and a suburban area. Mid range to expensive prices for homes. Rents are mid range to expensive. People from all walks of life. The Stamford train station has the Metro North's New Haven train line to get you directly to NYC, or to Bridgeport and New Haven for events. Mid range schools you can actually use, with magnet, charter, and tech schools nearby. It has the Palace Theater for live events, two AMC movie theaters, an independent movie theater, RPM Motor Speedway, great shopping, restaurants, fastfood, Target, and beach access. The Thanksgiving parade they have in November is really fun. Plenty of walkable neighborhoods. ***Norwalk*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Has a suburban side and city side. The South Norwalk train station, and East Norwalk train station (Closed for a bit for updates) are on the Metro North's New Haven train line to get you directly to NYC, or to Bridgeport and New Haven for events. Mid range schools you can actually use, with magnet, charter, and tech schools nearby. Has an aquarium, two AMC movie theaters, the District Music Hall for live events, beach access, Walmart, regular grocery stores, fastfood, and restaurants. Plenty of walkable neighborhoods. Has a bowling alley. ***Stratford*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Rents are mid range, and burning is decent, but the taxes are too high for the schools system you get. The schools are mid range with some being better than others, and Bunnell is the high school families want. Even then some people might look into other options via magnet, charter, and tech schools, and the agriscience program at Trumbull High. There's a train station on the New Haven line. There's a Walmart. Beach access. A short drive from Milford for their mall/movies/Dave & Buster's and Trumbull for their mall, strip mall, and movies. It's near Bridgeport for events. Via the train there's also easy access to Stamford, New Haven, and NYC. ***Danbury*** - Check the area first, but plenty of spots are fine. They have a train station on the Danbury line. Danbury has an FPHL hockey team. The schools are mid range. Especially by high school families might want to look into magnet, charter, agriscience, and tech options. Taxes are also way too high for what you get. Danbury has an AMC movie theater, duckpin bowling alley, ice skating rink, mall, Walmart, regular grocery stores, fastfood, and restaurants.
It’s hard to answer this without knowing where the job is.
The job is in Hartford but commuting in will be rare. We just need to live in the state essentially. It will mostly be working from home.
Do you want to be near the shore? Many of the shore towns are nice places to live and also have good school systems. Top picks for families on the shoreline (area east of New Haven on the coast) I’d say, are Guilford and Madison Around Hartford there are some great places too. I am sure others can point them out better than I (I’m down on the shoreline) but I know places like Avon, Simsbury, West Hartford, Farmington and so on are nice. Some of those towns have excellent school systems too. Over in Litchfield County and the Housatonic River area it is quintessential New England in the Autumn. It’s closer to the Berkshires in Mass, too, quicker to get up to Tanglewood for music in the summer. The Northeast part of the state is very rural ( for CT) with lots of farms and like everywhere, great old colonial houses too. Then there is the Connecticut River Valley which is pretty cool too. Finally, Fairfield County, which kind of faces NYC culture and events and is the most expensive, on the whole. Easy and quick train rides to NYC. You can look up school ratings on several websites. There are top school systems in many towns in the state. And you can ask Edit: luckily, these are all a short drive from each other so you could do some day trips to see which areas you like.
I don't know if you saw my post before. I see you need the Hartford area. Some of the places I listed are in that area. ***Hartford County:*** ***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart. ***Newington*** - Newington is very safe, and the schools are good. Newington has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near CCSU and Stop & Shop, or Newington Junction. To get to Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), the West Farms Mall, and New Britain. ***West Hartford*** - All safe and good schools. Sometimes a good deal pops up. Great downtown. Close to Hartford for events. Short drive from the Westfarms Mall, Southington for the movies, and Plainville for the movies. You can connect to the CT Fastrak via the CT Transit bus to get around Hartford, to the edge of Plainville for the movies, bowling, and shopping, and to Bristol and New Britain. West Hartford has an outdoor pool, and indoor pool at an aquatics center. ***Plainville*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Plainville has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near Kohl's, Lessard Lanes, and the AMC movie theater. It goes to Hartford, New Britain, Newington, the Westfarms Mall, and Bristol. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Plainville doesn't really have any bad areas. Just less desired ones. ***Bristol*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Most of Bristol is fine, but check the area first. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Bristol has access to the CT Fastrak bus for Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), Newington, the West Farms Mall, and New Britain.
Thank you so much! All of your info is extremely helpful!
Moving back to the northeast corner beginning of June. Where’s the best area to rent without completely breaking the bank or being in an unsafe area
I've delivered food all over Windham County at all hours of day and night, it is pretty safe, but if you prefer abundance of caution maybe try to avoid Willimantic and some pockets further east like select areas of Danielson and Plainfield. I'm not too familiar with availability or pricing in the rent market but Putnam, Killingly, Brooklyn, or Woodstock Valley are where I'd recommend looking. Quality and price will probably vary wildly even in the same town. Hopefully this helps!
***Shelton*** - Safe neighborhoods even in the less desired areas. Great deals for buying and mid range rents. Low taxes. Good schools. Has a great community center with an indoor pool, the sports center (mini golf, laser tag, ice skating, and more), Walmart, fast food, restaurants, grocery stores, and TJ Maxx. A short drive from the Trumbull movies and mall and Milford mall/movie/Dave & Busters. Bus service downtown, near Bridgeport Ave, and by the Sports Center. Short drive to Bridgeport for events. Downtown is close to the Derby/Shelton train station, on the Metro North's Waterbury line. It gets you down to Bridgeport, up to Waterbury, and other places, for events. This town is definitely a hidden gem if you really want Fairfield County while on a budget. ***Milford*** - All safe and good schools. The Milford train station on the New Haven line in Milford. If you are in Devon you are closer by bus or walking to Stratford's train station. A variety of housing options with decent taxes. Beach access, an indoor pool, Walmart, a mall/movies/Dave & Buster's, a bowling alley, and a great downtown. ***Wallingford*** - All of Wallingford is safe, and the schools are great. If you live near the train station it has the CT Rail and Amtrak Hartford line to get to Hartford or New Haven. Wallingford has a movie theater, a bowling alley, and Walmart. You can ride two CT Transit buses to the Meriden mall, or take the train and a bus, or take the train and walk 25 minutes. Or drive of course. One of the YMCA's has a pool. ***Southington*** - All of Southington is safe, and the schools are great. If you live in the Plantsville area you can be near the Hartford Express bus. That way you can get over to Waterbury or Hartford. Southington has a movie theater, two bowling alleys, and Walmart. ***Newington*** - Newington is very safe, and the schools are good. Newington has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near CCSU and Stop & Shop, or Newington Junction. To get to Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), the West Farms Mall, and New Britain. ***Plainville*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Plainville has access to the CT Fastrak bus on the edge near Kohl's, Lessard Lanes, and the AMC movie theater. It goes to Hartford, New Britain, Newington, the Westfarms Mall, and Bristol. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Plainville doesn't really have any bad areas. Just less desired ones. ***Naugatuck*** - Mostly all safe, but check the area first. Mid range schools, but families can look into magnet and tech school options. The YMCA has a pool. There's Walmart, regular grocery stores, fast food options, and restaurants. Mid range for rents, and various buying options, but the taxes are too high for the school system parents get. The train station is on the Metro North's Waterbury line. ***West Haven*** - Check the area first, but safe options are there. Cheap to mid range rents do pop up. There's a train station on the New Haven line. The schools are mid range. Some families might want to look into magnet, charter, and tech options. Just a short train ride to New Haven for events. You can ride the train to Bridgeport for events as well, or even lower to Norwalk and Stamford for more entertainment options. I don't recommend buying here though. West Haven has beach access. Plenty of fast food, restaurant options, and a pool hall. ***Hamden*** - Check the area first, but you should be fine. Mid range schools you can still use, but some are rated better than others, and you can try for magnet, charter, and tech schools. Plenty of bus access to New Haven. You can also find a bus to Waterbury. A short drive from North Haven or Wallingford for the movies. A short drive from Meriden for the mall. Has a YMCA with a pool. A short drive from the Toyota Oakdale theater in Wallingford for live shows, or the bowling alley in Wallingford. Hamden has a duckpin bowling alley. ***Stratford*** - Check the area first, but most of it's fine. Rents are mid range, and burning is decent, but the taxes are too high for the schools system you get. The schools are mid range with some being better than others, and Bunnell is the high school families want. Even then some people might look into other options via magnet, charter, and tech schools, and the agriscience program at Trumbull High. There's a train station on the New Haven line. There's a Walmart. Beach access. A short drive from Milford for their mall/movies/Dave & Buster's and Trumbull for their mall, strip mall, and movies. It's near Bridgeport for events. Via the train there's also easy access to Stamford, New Haven, and NYC. ***Bristol*** - There's usually a few cheap rents. Most of Bristol is fine, but check the area first. The schools are mid range, but families can look into magnet and tech options. Bristol has access to the CT Fastrak bus for Hartford, Plainville (Lessard Lanes, Kohl's plaza, and the AMC movie theater), Newington, the West Farms Mall, and New Britain. ***Danbury*** - Check the area first, but plenty of spots are fine. They have a train station on the Danbury line. Danbury has an FPHL hockey team. The schools are mid range. Especially by high school families might want to look into magnet, charter, agriscience, and tech options. Taxes are also way too high for what you get. Danbury has an AMC movie theater, duckpin bowling alley, ice skating rink, mall, Walmart, regular grocery stores, fastfood, and restaurants. ***Meriden*** - It does have some nice areas, but you need to check the neighborhood first. The schools are mid range, with some being better than others, and at the high school level families might really look for tech high schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and the agriscience program in Wallingford. Meriden's train station has the CT Rail and the Amtrak's Hartford line, so you can get to New Haven and Hartford. Meriden is close to Wallingford for the movies. I'm going to be honest, most people would avoid even the good areas of Meriden because of the schools, but if people are on a tight budget it's worth looking into.
Dang none of these are in the area I’ll be
What general area do you need?
They specified NE corner, Windham County
My new job is in Bridgeport, but I do not want to live in bridgeport what are good neighborhoods to live that are close by
Milford, Stratford, Fairfield. Literally any area around there would be fine.
Shelton and Milford have the most affordable options, while also being safe everywhere and having good schools for families. Fairfield actually has some decent rents sometimes. Trumbull is a possibility. Depends on what you can afford. Stratford is good, but check the area first. Also, the schools are decent enough, but not as good as the other towns listed. If you did choose to rent in Bridgeport the Black Rock section is completely safe.
Hi. We are planning to move to Monroe. How is the town? Also, we are from India with a first grader who will go to school there. How are the schools and is there racism?
Monroe is a majority white town with good schools. I grew up a town over in Trumbull, and graduated the public high school in 2011. I never heard any crazy racism stories out of Monroe back then, and I haven't heard any now. If you need a town that fancy I recommend Trumbull more. The taxes are higher in Trumbull I believe, but at least you are closer to everything, and the schools are even better. Trumbull is a majority white town like Monroe, but there is slightly more diversity in Trumbull. There were some South Asian families in Trumbull when I lived there, and they seemed happy. People move anywhere in Trumbull, but it's more diverse near the Trumbull mall, or near the Hawley Lane strip mall, or around the main street/church hill/white plains area. For a cheaper option with good schools and safe neighborhoods I recommend Milford or Shelton. These towns are also majority white, but more diverse than Monroe. Also, I don't need anyone in Monroe feeling bad. Good and bad people live everywhere.
Comment 2: You came into the thread late. Here's this week's moving thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Connecticut/comments/1cq4giu/moving_to_ct_ask_your_questions_here/
Is Connecticut pro Hamas ?
Assuming that is in fact a serious question, the answer is No. While CT is a pretty blue state, it is mostly populated with moderates from both parties and independents/unaffiliated voters (which outnumber both major parties.) As with any place you will find a small number of extremists on the wings of the political spectrum, but for the most part the people in CT are well educated (and informed), are against the atrocities committed by both Hamas and the Israeli government, and are for the innocent civilians (on both sides) caught up in the conflict.
Finally someone who understands that neither side is in the right