[JayCT]

Because Madison is an upscale suburb, it can have all the trappings that go along with that type of community (basically keeping up with the Jones - which I am sure you see a lot in Ridgewood). There are however a lot of people there that can help you avoid this as well. I think the best way would be to just get involved in activities and meet as many different people as possible. My concern for you moving to one of the other towns in the area is that it may be too different from Ridgewood in types of people and amenities offered. The towns mentioned (Clinton, Westbrook, Essex, Old Saybrook, Deep River, Old Lyme) are all pretty small. Madison is a little bigger and more up to date than the other towns (not meant to be an insult, but Ridgewood is one of the nicest suburbs in the country). Another option would be Guilford, which is a little more down to earth than Madison, but it is a little further from Essex. Good luck, Jay

[ExitFive]

Actually, JViello - most of my friends were from Boston

The op needs to know that there is a definite attitude in Madison. But it didn't bother me enough to move to Old Saybrook

So I hear L&M's has reopened (just "M" now....althought it was just "L" without really changing the name....). At least the town has a decent watering hole again!

[glxyman21]

These oceanside towns are greatly influenced by the summer, many of the towns see their populations increase around %35+, Traffic is increased , even the prices of items in the grocery store! (think of the people that rent cottages, they don't know where to shop so they just go to the closest store so they buy whatever they need at any price).

Beware that the state is trying to force the towns of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Clinton to build sewer systems (the towns run on septic) to protect the sound. The towns have been fighting this battle for the better part of 15 years or so. If this were to happen you could expect sharp increases in taxes along with paying for the installation of piping on the frontage of your property plus the cost to connect. Just something to think about for the future. Its something many towns are facing if they front water or have major rivers flowing through them. Denitrification facilities are being forced on many towns to be built,

if I were to rate, I would choose Old Saybrook, Clinton, and Westbrook in that order. Madison is a nice choice and an easy commute since you will be going opposite of the traffic

[kristin1]

It's on! We will be traveling to CT tomorrow to get the feel for the area! We just received most of the info on my husband's new job and are waiting for his relocation package (and praying it's good!).

My husband has been there a few times during the interview process and was totally wowed by Essex. He absolutely loved it! He said Madison was very similar to where we live now. We are trying to decide whether to take the plunge and move to a small town like Essex or move within our comfort zone which would probably be Madison. I guess we nee to figure out what we want, but what's available in the area will likely affect our decision too.

Glxyman - thanks for all the info and the heads up on the possible tax hike! It would really suck to move into an area and find this out afterwards!

I was surprised when I mapped some homes available in Madison and found they were pretty far from the town center - many of them looked like they were in Killingworth or Deep River. That would add some time on the commute.

Can anyone recommend any specfic neighborhoods or family friendly areas within Essex or Madison? I would also love to hear some recommendations for preschools that are not daycare centers in those areas. My web search has turned up very little, and I need to get my oldest enrolled!

Thanks again for all your help! You have all been right on target in describing this area to me, according to my husband!

[JayCT]

Kilingworth and Deep River are closer to Essex than Madison.

You are right about homes being far from the center of town. Madison is narrow and long so you could live in North Madison and be a few miles from the center of town. you should know that North Madison has a small shopping center with a small supermarket and shops so you are really not too far from civilization.

I can't make any specific recommendations of neighborhoods, but all of Madison is nice. Good luck and let us know what you think of the area. Jay

[kristin1]

Thanks Jay! We are headed up there this afternoon to check out the area - will let you know what I find!

Thanks again!

[JayCT]

Kristin - I think I am a bit jealous of you. That area is so beautiful that I would like to live there someday. Maybe when I retire. Good luck, Jay

[kristin1]

I had absolutely no idea how beautiful this area is! I LOVED Essex and Madison when we went to visit yesterday.

In Essex, we walked along the main street and then visited the local toy store, where the owner gave us some great advise on where to search for homes. We would love to live close to town, although most of the more affordable homes seem to be in Ivoryton. I have to admit I got a little sick whipping around those narrow country roads as we headed North of Essex, so my view of Chester and East Haddam was a little skewed. Not fun getting car sick on those roads with two screaming toddlers in the backseat!

I loved Madison - it really does seem like a small version of where we live now plus the beach (and minus the attitude). I love the fact that the school system is centralized. It has more neighborhoods, and alot more listings in our price range. And the proximity to New HAven and 95 is a huge plus to me.

Today I called around to preschools and was psyched to find many had openings. I initially could not find any preschools listed in Essex, so I called the library there and asked to speak to the children's librarian. She spent 45 minutes advising me about local preschools and fun things to do with the kids. I could not believe she spent so much time helping me! Where I live, if I called the library, I'd probably be told to go find myself a phone book!

Thanks again for all the info! I truly cannot wait to move to CT!

[JayCT]

Kristin - It sounds like you have a difficult decision to make *which town to live in). I think you have discovered another nice thing about Connecticut, things here are just not as crowded as NJ. The Librarian was able to help you because she had the time to help you. Also, you will find that only the top restaurants are hard to get into and then only during the busiest of times. It is kind of nice to just walk into a restaurant and be seated. In NJ I remember always having to wait for an hour or more to get a table. Keep us informed as you make your plans and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. Jay

[POAlover]

Kristin,
Another area to consider is the Haddam/Higganum area. We have lived here for 5 years now and absolutely love it!

Its small town, friendly people, with an easy commute to most major towns. Good schools and a nice home town feel. 25 minutes away from the beaches.

I can't imagine living anywhere else.