[skytrekker]

Depends on the type of heat you use. Gas, Propane, electricity or oil.

With oil, look at the current price per gallon. Gas is not too bad- I pay about $139 a month in January for an 1100 sq foot townhouse with vaulted ceilings, lots of windows and an end unit. Electricity is going to be the most expensive. Also the age, and insulation of the building is important,

[HowlinWolf]

I've only been to Hartford once. I plan on renting an apartment (relatively new) called Hartford21. they don't use gas or electricity. i've been told they a steam system to heat up the place. So the monthly rent for a one bed is fixed at about $1500. This includes heating and cooling costs. I've checked other apartments (all online as well) and they're older building with a monthly rent of $1200 (also for 700 sqft). I'm afraid that these older buildings would lose lots of heat. So I expect this total cost to be about $1400 ($200 for heat) using electricity. What do u think, is $1500 for rent and heating costs way above the average cost of a relatively new place Hartford city. has anyone stayed at Hartford21? I haven't seen ratings for this place online.

[HowlinWolf]

The Hartford21 is 900sqft.

[skytrekker]

That high rise is new, I imagine it has the latest technology available for energy efficiency.
The cost actually is not bad, considering that heating and cooling is included with the rent. Hartford 21 is a beautiful place to live, and part of downtowns renaissance.

You will still pay for basic electricity which will run anywhere from $75-105 a month for 1 person. C L & P is not cheap.

[JayCT]

Hartford 21 is brand new and a welcome addition to downtown Hartford. It looks to be a beautiful building and the location can't be beat. The heating system they are talking about is a centralized steam system that serve downtown. Not sure how it works with AC though. Anyway, $1500 per month doesn't sound too bad for a brand new place with heat and views. Jay

[HowlinWolf]

I'm just concerned about other expenses in Hartford, CT. Coming from Atlanta, I expect the general cost of living to be 20% higher. But the large portion of that increase comes from housing and utility costs. Is that area relatively safe to walk about in the evenings? Are grocery stores nearby or is it all a driving distance away. I'll be travelling to Simsbury, is that against the traffic flow, or will it be bumper to bumper traffic

[JayCT]

You will definitely be travel against traffic if you live in Hartford and commute to Simsbury, so it should not be bad at all. The area around Hartford 21 is safe. You are in the heart of downtown and there are people around. There are no grocery stores in the immediate area but the owner of Hartford 21 is planning on opening a store in the building. Not sure what it will be or when it will be completed but they know it is important to the overall quality of life downtown. Does your rent include parking? That could be a major expense in downtown Hartford. Check cnn-money.com's Cost-of-Living calculator for cost differences between Atlanta and Hartford. Jay