[anon860]

New Haven is a city of neighborhoods, just like every other place in CT. New Haven is not a small town like Chester or Litchfield. However, many of the city neighborhoods have much more of a "small town feel" than most of CT's sprawling suburban (quasi urban) areas, which are pockmarked with strip malls -- in the "small town" sense that people actually know their neighbors for blocks in every direction, there are common community activities and gathering places, etc. I think of them more as villages within a town, than as parts of a large city. Westville is basically the equivalent of West Hartford, for example, which has a similar town feel to it.

In terms of schools, like people have pointed out elsewhere, the conventional wisdom isn't always right. It depends on the person and how much research they are willing to put in. Some parts of New Haven have neighborhood schools, not magnet schools, for example, so if you live within an area you are guaranteed a spot. These include Worthington Hooker, which has been ranked one of the top 10 out of hundreds of elementary schools in the entire state, and a few others.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by anon860

Westville is basically the equivalent of West Hartford, for example, which has a similar town feel to it.

Westville is pretty quaint compared to West Hartford, which has a pretty large town center with dozens of restaurants and shops.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by anon860

New Haven tends to unfairly get lumped into a group with Bridgeport, Hartford and Waterbury by people on this comment board.

I'd actually say that Bridgeport and Waterbury unfairly get lumped in with New Haven.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

I'd actually say that Bridgeport and Waterbury unfairly get lumped in with New Haven.

Bridgeport has very little to offer compared to New Haven and just about the same crime level.

[JayCT]

Sorry I have been off the boards for the past few days due to Hurricane Irene. I agree with the others that the towns you initally mentioned are not close enough to New York to commute in 2 hours. I also agree with those that New Haven is not what you describe either. New Haven is a major city and while having some very nice areas, it also has many not so nice ones.

I agree Milford and Stratford may be good options but you will only get a modest home in Orange for your price. Trumbull is a very nice town and has excellent schools but again you will opnly get a modest home for your money.

I would also add Fairfield to your list. It too is a very nice town with excellent schools and a lot of nice neighborhoods. For you price you will get a modest cape or ranch but your husband's commute will be a little shorter than the other towns mentioned. Jay

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by anon860

In terms of schools, like people have pointed out elsewhere, the conventional wisdom isn't always right. It depends on the person and how much research they are willing to put in. Some parts of New Haven have neighborhood schools, not magnet schools, for example, so if you live within an area you are guaranteed a spot. These include Worthington Hooker, which has been ranked one of the top 10 out of hundreds of elementary schools in the entire state, and a few others.

Worthington Hooker is a very good school, but probably the only one within New Haven. And after 8th grade you'd still have to consider private school or move though.....