[JayCT]

It would take about 25 minutes to get from Essex to Middletown. Seems kind of far to go for schools but that is just me.

Kristin - While Madison is closest to Ridgewood in this area, it isn't really that similar that I would discount it completely. Ridgewood is an upscale suburb of New York city and considered one of the nicest suburbs in New Jersey (even the country). It is very upscale and comparable to Greenwich or New Canaan. Madison is an upscale suburb of New Haven and a lot different than those towns. I would say Madison is a little more like Glen Rock or Allendale than Ridgewood. But this is your choice and I know how you have toiled over this decision for the last couple of months.

If your gut tells you that the people were rude in Old Saybrook than stay away. If you are unsure, call again and speak to someone other than the secretary. That will give you a better idea of what it is really like. Jay

[jerseymama]

Hi Kristin,

I too, moved to SE CT recently from the hustle and bustle of Bergen Cty....Actually, we lived right on the border in North Haledon, but we practically lived in Ridgewood. I totally understand what you are looking to leave behind....we looked for the same things. Our budget was a bit less than yours, and we settled into Colchester....about 30 min north of Essex area. I absolutely love the Essex/Madison/Guilford areas....they seem comparable to Ridgewood on a MUCH smaller, much more quaint scale. We have lived here now for 6 months and just love the difference. I have done quite a bit of research in these areas, most especially for the schools.....being a teacher, I know exactly what you are leaving behind in Ridgewood, both for the better and the worse. Actually, all the areas you are looking at have very good schools.....I had not found any of the schools in that area to be below any standard I was leaving behind from NJ (I taught in Montvale). We moved a bit more inland to save a few bucks on housing so we could still significantly upgrade from our sale in NJ. Shopping is not nearly as prominent here as it was back home....the outlets are decent, and the malls not so great...however, like you, I will take less offerings to have a better experience....GSP was a mess....rude, rude and more rude.....and wait till you see how wonderful it will be to show up at the outlets or malls on a Sat or Sun (gasp!) at 1pm and still easily find a parking spot!!! Amazing!

Good luck with your move.....please pm if you have any further questions; I remember being in your position and I so appreciated any help I could find!

ps...I do so badly miss Ivangie Tea House and Thai Chef over at Riverside.....and the 20 dollar mani/pedi specials on Mon-Wed...they have nothing like it here!!! But we feel moving here is the best thing we did for our family.....the people are great and the atmosphere lovely!

Jen

[jerseymama]

Originally Posted by kristin1

Belated thanks JAy! We are working on figuring out what will be best in the long run for us.

I am worried about not being able to meet people in Essex, I have this vision of me being a lonely housewife and talking to myself all day long

Unfortunately, we have not been able to sell our current home, so it may come down to whichever home is available.

Thanks again!

Can anyone weigh in on how loud this train would be if one lived in Essex?

Have you searched a local MOMS club chapter.....that is what I joined here in Colchester and am not sure if there is one in Essex....but since Essex is a small town, it may partner with another town....it is a great way to meet people and have things to do with your little ones....google MOMS club and that should get you a list of all states and chapters (sorry, don't know that main web address off hand).

Jen

[frogcreekwoods]

Originally Posted by dougnaie

Kristen -

We are relocating to the area in June, and are also considering St. John's. Can you tell me more about your experience there? It does not sound like it went well. Other than the Catholic elementary school in Madison (OUr Lady of Mercy?), I have heard some people refer to Catholic schools in Middletown. Have you heard about any that might be located there? Thanks in advance for any information you might have and be willing to share...

OLM is okay, but it is VERY small. Madison has one of the best school systems in the state (try CMT Data Interaction (Public) for a comparison of CMT results). That being said, Madison has a reputation for being uppity. Guilford not so much. Guilford is at least a 30 minute commute from Essex though. You can get more for your real estate money in Clinton and Killingworth, who both also have great and improving school systems. Check out Clinton Public Schools Official Home Page- Clinton CT and Regional School District 17 (for Killingworth/Haddam regional district).

Your question about the age of the populations in the different towns intrigued me. I went to Census Bureau Home Page, and found out the following :

Town Mean age % under 5 yrs old % over 65
Essex 43.4 6.5 19.5
Madison 41.0 6.7 14.1
Guilford 41.8 6.0 12.8
Killingworth 39.8 7.5 11.8
Clinton 38.2 6.5 11.3

So it seems that Essex may indeed be a town for older folks, which sometimes translates into fighting every year for school budget money. Clinton and Killingworth are younger towns. I have to tell you though, if you buy in these towns, try to stay out of the new development houses (McMansions as we all know them). Those are the ones afflicted with Affluenza aka consumerism, that you are looking to stay away from. There are some lovely old houses and farms in Killingworth in your price range that you might like. Killingworth also has a brand new middle school. Clinton is a bit better for sports participation - soccer is the thing here, and baseball in the spring.

Just be prepared that shopping isn't that convenient. We do have a TJ Maxx in Clinton, and the two outlet malls with a Gap, Children's Place, Osh Kosh, Carters (for the kids). Any other major mall is 40 minutes away. WalMart is in Guilford or Old Saybrook, not too far away.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.