[This Moi]

I'll be starting law school at UConn in Hartford next year, and coming from MA, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the housing search. My main concern right now is the commute - my experience with driving in CT during rush-hour traffic is pretty limited, so I figured I should get some advice from the pros.

I know that I don't want to live in Hartford. Ideally, I'd like to end up in West Hartford, but if that's not doable I'd like to end up somewhere with a maximum 25 - 30 minute commute to school. I've been looking at places like Manchester, Farmington, New Britain, Glastonbury, Rocky Hill, etc. These all have reasonable commute times...according to Googlemaps, which operates in a perfect world of no traffic.

So if anyone could give me some insight as to how not/terrible the average REAL commuting experience is from some of these places, that would be greatly appreciated! And if you want to throw any suggestions for towns to check out at me, that would be awesome too. Thanks!

[willow wind]

West Hartford is probably the liveliest of the towns you noted- very walkable downtown, tons of restaurants, etc. Probably also the most convenient to UCONN law.

I'd also consider Wethersfield and Newington, especially Newington, adjacent to the south of Hartford. I mention these as they are pleasant towns, have lots of housing options and in case of tie ups on the highway, or if you don't want to take the highway, you can always take city streets /the back way home.

[ctcoldplay11]

Originally Posted by willow wind

West Hartford is probably the liveliest of the towns you noted- very walkable downtown, tons of restaurants, etc. Probably also the most convenient to UCONN law.

I'd also consider Wethersfield and Newington, especially Newington, adjacent to the south of Hartford. I mention these as they are pleasant towns, have lots of housing options and in case of tie ups on the highway, or if you don't want to take the highway, you can always take city streets /the back way home.

Great advice. As you know, UCONN Law is in West Hartford, so you'd want to live WEST of the CT River and and/or South of Hartford. Glastonbury is a definite no-go. Newington is safe, and surprisingly affordable for the Hartford Metro - Wethersfield as well. Rocky Hill, Farmington, and West Hartford itself are all great options. You're smart to avoid Hartford, but also avoid SOME parts of Eastern West Hartford. Welcome to Connecticut, UCONN Law is a fantastic school!

[parentologist]

Actually, the law school is in Hartford, but not too far from West Hartford. That building on Asylum that says Law School is now the school of social work, and the law school is a bit further east, in Hartford, not in such a safe neighborhood as the West Hartford campus of UConn.

Your best bet by far is West Hartford, near the center. Lots of apts for rent, great atmosphere for young people in the Center.

[Silli]

What is it about West Hartford that appeals to you? That might help us to give you suggestions. Also what is your budget/ # bedroom needs.

[ctcoldplay11]

Originally Posted by parentologist

Actually, the law school is in Hartford, but not too far from West Hartford. That building on Asylum that says Law School is now the school of social work, and the law school is a bit further east, in Hartford, not in such a safe neighborhood as the West Hartford campus of UConn.

Your best bet by far is West Hartford, near the center. Lots of apts for rent, great atmosphere for young people in the Center.

Haha, you're right! My apologies. UCONN Law is definitely in Hartford.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by ctcoldplay11

You're smart to avoid Hartford, but also avoid SOME parts of Eastern West Hartford.

Well, clearly, this is a matter of opinion considering that Hartford's West end does have college students (both undergraduates and graduate level scholars) and WH's lower east end is looking better than when I lived there a few years ago. Neither area is perfect, nor is either area as garish as WH center, but to say these areas need to be avoided is an exaggeration. They're not unsafe.

[ctcoldplay11]

Originally Posted by MikefromCT

Well, clearly, this is a matter of opinion considering that Hartford's West end does have college students (both undergraduates and graduate level scholars) and WH's lower east end is looking better than when I lived there a few years ago. Neither area is perfect, nor is either area as garish as WH center, but to say these areas need to be avoided is an exaggeration. They're not unsafe.

Address the OP if you have a differing opinion, because quite frankly, I could care less.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by ctcoldplay11

Address the OP if you have a differing opinion, because quite frankly, I could care less.

I was stating something I thought the OP would find useful. You stated your opinion, I stated mine. No need for the attitude. And no, I'm not taking offense to what you said, but as someone who used to live in the nabe that people pull rank on and have misconceptions about, I thought my $0.02 would be useful to the OP and anyone else reading this.

Cheers,
Mike

[Stylo]

West Hartford for sure.