tolland commute and schools (New Haven, Hartford: houses, travel, job)

[karelise]

Hi,

Can anyone out there tell me the approx. commute time from Tolland to West Hartford? We are considering a move to Tolland but my husband would probably wind up working in West Hartford, or possibly Danbury. I assume the commute might get trickier during the snowy months.

Also, any general thoughts on the quality of schools in Tolland? Quality of life for kids?

Thanks!

[mels]

Tolland to West Hartford would probably be half an hour with no traffic. The problem is that there will be traffic if traveling during peak hours. I-84 around Hartford is jammed every morning and evening. If his job takes him to W. Hartford or Danbury, I strongly suggest looking at towns west of the Connecticut River.

[yankee.peddler]

From Tolland, the commute to West Hartford is probably 35-50 minutes during rush hour. The level of congestion on I-84 through Hartford (as mels indicated) and how far your husband's job is from I-84 are determining factors. If your husband ends up working in Danbury, you should not look to move in Tolland. That commute would probably be over 90 minutes each way. I suggest searching for towns in western New Haven County (Middlebury, Oxford, Southbury) or northern Fairfield County (Bethel, Newtown).

Other folks on this forum can give you a better sense about the quality of life in Tolland than I. I will say, however, I've always liked the town. It's close enough to Hartford; however, it's also quiet and has retained a quasi-rural feel. I've heard the schools are good.

[skytrekker]

If working in Danbury, a town as far west of Hartford would be necessary-the commute time will be considerable from Tolland- and not practical.

If working in West Hartford- and living in Tolland -the commute will be up to an hour, or more if there is an accident, or inclement weather.

The town has remained mostly semi rural- a quiet small town atmosphere in the states eastern hills. Great place for a family- schools are quite good.

[JayCT]

The commute from Tolland to West Hartford without traffic would be approximately 30 minutes with no traffic. Traffic crossing the Connecticut River on I-84 westbound backs up in the morning and traffic eastbound backs up in the evening heading into downtown. If your husband will be commuting during peak hour (7:00 to 9:00 AM or 4:00 to 6:00 PM) it will probably be more like 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Danbury would be an even more difficult commute. Not only would he have to face traffic in Hartford, he would face traffic into Waterbury and Danbury as well. When there is no traffic it would take about 90 minute, with traffic is would take well over an hour.

I would suggest looking for a home in a community in between the two locations. Southington is a nice town with good schools (though the high school is large and crowded) and most of the amenities you would want (shopping, restaurants, parks, etc.). Cheshire has excellent schools and is very well thought of as a town for families. It also has most of the amenities you would need.

Tolland is a very nice town that has a more rural character to it. There is limited shopping and the schools are considered to be very good. There are the normal activities for kids that mainly revolve around sports. Beyond that you may have to travel to Vernon or Manchester for more things. Hope this helps. Jay

[Woodfaeries]

The other postings are accurate regarding commuting time. As a Tolland resident of 5 years, I can tell you the schools are very good with the high school being demanding. We have few stores but you are just a town away from the big box stores like Walmart. We have one Dunkin Donuts who were not allowed to put in a drive in window, that ought to tell you something.

Taxes are outrageous and there are sections of town with "affordable" houses (low to mid 200's for starter ranches) and then the most common home which goes for well above that price range. We came from a diverse town, Vernon and my kids felt and noticed very little ethnic diversity in Tolland. If you want your children to experience friends of other nationalities, this is not the town to do that. I find it to be very clicky. Though not to stereotype, my kids are in a very small percentage who have to work so that they can buy their 1st car and pay for the insurance. Most of their friends received some pretty fancy wheels for birthday gifts!

We are headed out of this town and most likely CT once our youngest graduates from high school.

It is a beautiful town but pricey!

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by Woodfaeries

The other postings are accurate regarding commuting time. As a Tolland resident of 5 years, I can tell you the schools are very good with the high school being demanding. We have few stores but you are just a town away from the big box stores like Walmart. We have one Dunkin Donuts who were not allowed to put in a drive in window, that ought to tell you something.

Taxes are outrageous and there are sections of town with "affordable" houses (low to mid 200's for starter ranches) and then the most common home which goes for well above that price range. We came from a diverse town, Vernon and my kids felt and noticed very little ethnic diversity in Tolland. If you want your children to experience friends of other nationalities, this is not the town to do that. I find it to be very clicky. Though not to stereotype, my kids are in a very small percentage who have to work so that they can buy their 1st car and pay for the insurance. Most of their friends received some pretty fancy wheels for birthday gifts!

We are headed out of this town and most likely CT once our youngest graduates from high school.

It is a beautiful town but pricey!

I have to dispute your assertion that Tolland is pricey- since Tolland county has a median home price of about 220K- the lowest in Connecticut.

Cary NC has a median home price of 229K. Tolland county according to money magazine has a very reasonable price of living- in fact it is below the national average! Lets make sure we check our facts before we make statements that may be incorrect.

One can buy a new raised ranch in Tolland county 1800 square feet on 1 acre for 289K- that is not bad.
I will agree the town lacks diversity, I live in Vernon which does have diversity.

[clamboy]

Originally Posted by Woodfaeries

The other postings are accurate regarding commuting time. As a Tolland resident of 5 years, I can tell you the schools are very good with the high school being demanding. We have few stores but you are just a town away from the big box stores like Walmart. We have one Dunkin Donuts who were not allowed to put in a drive in window, that ought to tell you something.

Taxes are outrageous and there are sections of town with "affordable" houses (low to mid 200's for starter ranches) and then the most common home which goes for well above that price range. We came from a diverse town, Vernon and my kids felt and noticed very little ethnic diversity in Tolland. If you want your children to experience friends of other nationalities, this is not the town to do that. I find it to be very clicky. Though not to stereotype, my kids are in a very small percentage who have to work so that they can buy their 1st car and pay for the insurance. Most of their friends received some pretty fancy wheels for birthday gifts!

We are headed out of this town and most likely CT once our youngest graduates from high school.

It is a beautiful town but pricey!

I have heard the same about the Taxes from a few residents.

It seems they like to spend in Tolland.

C

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by clamboy

I have heard the same about the Taxes from a few residents.

It seems they like to spend in Tolland.

C

They spend less then Long Island-or so it seems.

[clamboy]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

They spend less then Long Island-or so it seems.

That aint saying much Sky.
LI goes through tax dollars like poop through a goose.