[nep321]

So, now that I have lived in Vernon for two years and moved out, I would like to post a review of the town overall (scale of 0 - 10). Let me know what you think

Affordability - 8

Vernon is a middle class town by American standards. There are numerous budget-friendly shopping plazas and outlets, and plenty of affordable rental housing. Even real estate isn't that expensive. That is not to say it's a particularly cheap place to live, being in central Connecticut. Like any place, the more amenities you want, the more you usually must be willing to pay. But, anyone who is budget conscious and looking to live in the Hartford metro area would be wise to consider the town of Vernon

Demographics - 9

Like most towns in CT, Vernon is overwhelmingly white (nothing wrong with that), but it is still common to see blacks, puerto ricans, asians and other racial groups out in public. This town is an example of a suburb where anyone of any demographic can feel comfortable in public, and at home, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.

Environment - 5

I would not consider Vernon to be a desirable place to live. It's alright. It generally has a cheap, run-down appearance, and most of the buildings are outdated. Strangely, Vernon feels both urban and suburban at the same time. I would say, however, that the area south of I-84 is far more desirable for anyone looking to raise a family or who wants a more rural feel. If Rockville was not a part of Vernon, this score would have been higher. Very undesirable and ghetto IMO.

Infrastructure - 7

Easy access to I-84, with exits 64 - 67 serving the town of Vernon, exclusively. My complaint, however, is that Route 30, which runs parallel to I-84, is too often, too congested during rush hours, with too many traffic lights along the way. This road gets severely backed up during rush hours and can easily add up to 20 minutes to your trip, if you strike it at the wrong time.

Schools - 6

Not a great school system by Connecticut standards. It's rather mediocre, from what I hear, but it still does the job. It is possible for a child to obtain a solid education, in junction with having good, caring parents.

Overall - 6

Vernon is one of those towns that can suit virtually any type of person, at any time in their life, on any type of budget. Young professionals, families, singles, elderly, you name it. Rich and poor. Black or white. Vernon is the definition of middle class. And it's only about 15 minutes from downtown Hartford, for those who work there and don't want a long commute. Vernon is on the edge of the core central CT populated region. Beyond Vernon, it's country!

With that said, having lived in other towns like Granby and Rocky Hill, there is still a lot to be desired. Those towns, and most other towns in CT are generally cleaner and "nicer" to live in, often with less traffic, too.

For haha's, here is what I would give other CT towns I have lived in:

Granby - 8
Rocky Hill - 8

[Uconn97]

i think its funny you are moving to middletown. Good luck

[basehead617]

No offense meant to anyone at all but.. if rocky hill is an 8, there's about 50 towns in the state that are 20 out of 10..

Your comments on Vernon seem correct to me, just seems like your scores are kinda high overall..

I guess it depends on what these towns are compared to.

[JayCT]

You must remember that the commercial center of Vernon is an old mill town, Rockville, that has seen better days. The town has struggled to improve it but like any similar community it will take time. Overall I think your assessment of Vernon is accurate.

I am not sure why UConn97 thinks it is funny you moved to Middletown. It is a great location and is a very nice community. Jay

[Uconn97]

Gee, I don't know - maybe because someone so down on towns like manchester/vernon chose a larger version of similar towns to call his next home. In a month or so we'll be hearing about what a ghetto Middletown is.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Uconn97

Gee, I don't know - maybe because someone so down on towns like manchester/vernon chose a larger version of similar towns to call his next home. In a month or so we'll be hearing about what a ghetto Middletown is.

I agree. Nothing bugs me more than that posters casual usage of the word "ghetto". It sounds so uneducated and snobby.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

I agree. Nothing bugs me more than that posters casual usage of the word "ghetto". It sounds so uneducated and snobby.

Lol, well, I'm not sure how to describe it then. Maybe "bad element" or "sketchy" is a more appropriate phrase than "ghetto?"

Anyway, I am well aware that Middletown has some bad element here and there, but overall, I still feel okay with it, because most of the people in town are just plain normal.

I've been living there for almost a week now, and so far I like it
Can't believe I even wasted 2 years of my life in Vernon. Now, in Middletown, I feel like i can reach anywhere within 30 minutes, whereas Vernon felt like it was on the edge of civilization. My only minor complaint so far is that the closest big box stores are either in Meriden or up on the Berlin Tpk. At least a 15 minute drive to either place.

[pulpfiction]

Vernon's okay. It does offer numerous relatively new-construction condo complexes at quite reasonable prices (without the mall traffic that comes with comparables in South Windsor).

I agree that the town's image (and public school system) is significantly dragged down by its coexistance with Rockville. That place just feels depressed.

Is Route 30 really THAT bad? I-84 seems to be a non-issue, even at the peak of rush hour.

Rocky Hill and Granby (much more rural) are both nice...but not really in the same ballpark in terms of price.

Originally Posted by nep321

So, now that I have lived in Vernon for two years and moved out, I would like to post a review of the town overall (scale of 0 - 10). Let me know what you think

Affordability - 8

Vernon is a middle class town by American standards. There are numerous budget-friendly shopping plazas and outlets, and plenty of affordable rental housing. Even real estate isn't that expensive. That is not to say it's a particularly cheap place to live, being in central Connecticut. Like any place, the more amenities you want, the more you usually must be willing to pay. But, anyone who is budget conscious and looking to live in the Hartford metro area would be wise to consider the town of Vernon

Demographics - 9

Like most towns in CT, Vernon is overwhelmingly white (nothing wrong with that), but it is still common to see blacks, puerto ricans, asians and other racial groups out in public. This town is an example of a suburb where anyone of any demographic can feel comfortable in public, and at home, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.

Environment - 5

I would not consider Vernon to be a desirable place to live. It's alright. It generally has a cheap, run-down appearance, and most of the buildings are outdated. Strangely, Vernon feels both urban and suburban at the same time. I would say, however, that the area south of I-84 is far more desirable for anyone looking to raise a family or who wants a more rural feel. If Rockville was not a part of Vernon, this score would have been higher. Very undesirable and ghetto IMO.

Infrastructure - 7

Easy access to I-84, with exits 64 - 67 serving the town of Vernon, exclusively. My complaint, however, is that Route 30, which runs parallel to I-84, is too often, too congested during rush hours, with too many traffic lights along the way. This road gets severely backed up during rush hours and can easily add up to 20 minutes to your trip, if you strike it at the wrong time.

Schools - 6

Not a great school system by Connecticut standards. It's rather mediocre, from what I hear, but it still does the job. It is possible for a child to obtain a solid education, in junction with having good, caring parents.

Overall - 6

Vernon is one of those towns that can suit virtually any type of person, at any time in their life, on any type of budget. Young professionals, families, singles, elderly, you name it. Rich and poor. Black or white. Vernon is the definition of middle class. And it's only about 15 minutes from downtown Hartford, for those who work there and don't want a long commute. Vernon is on the edge of the core central CT populated region. Beyond Vernon, it's country!

With that said, having lived in other towns like Granby and Rocky Hill, there is still a lot to be desired. Those towns, and most other towns in CT are generally cleaner and "nicer" to live in, often with less traffic, too.

For haha's, here is what I would give other CT towns I have lived in:

Granby - 8
Rocky Hill - 8

[mlassoff]

I think Vernon is fine. It serves it's purpose for me. Cheap living while I travel for work and save downpayment. My preference is for a more upscale community. If I buy in the Hartford area-- which it looks like I will, I really like it here-- it will be in Glastonbury or West Hartford. This is not a dig against Vernon. Vernon is remarkably quiet, the people are nice, and despite what Nep says, pretty convenient for me. It's nice to leave two hours before my flight, instead of 4.5 hours before my flight like when I was living in Black Rock and using LGA and JFK primarily.

[pulpfiction]

Couldn't agree more about the convenience factor of the Hartford area.

I'll never understand how people deal with the headaches that come with living in Fairfield County.

Leaving 4 hours ahead to get to an NYC airport from FFC may actually be on the conservative side. The bridges or BQE/Van Wyck could easily cause you to miss your flight Bradley is SO easy.

Originally Posted by mlassoff

I think Vernon is fine. It serves it's purpose for me. Cheap living while I travel for work and save downpayment. My preference is for a more upscale community. If I buy in the Hartford area-- which it looks like I will, I really like it here-- it will be in Glastonbury or West Hartford. This is not a dig against Vernon. Vernon is remarkably quiet, the people are nice, and despite what Nep says, pretty convenient for me. It's nice to leave two hours before my flight, instead of 4.5 hours before my flight like when I was living in Black Rock and using LGA and JFK primarily.