[VT'er]

Pondering a possible voluntary job transfer from Burlington, Vermont to Hartford, CT. Wife and I are native Eastern Massachusetts folks and have discovered a gem of a city up here in BTV but we still long to be closer to family & friends (currently 4-5 hours from both). Took a ride to Sturbridge, Mass. this weekend and although a very nice NE town, it was not for us. We are in our mid 30's, no children (that could change which is another reason we would like to get a "bit" closer to family) and are active in outdoor activities (biking, hiking, running). We enjoy the fact that our current city is not overrun by chain stores and restaurants and has a vibrant downtown vibe. We fully understand that we would be giving up the lake & mountain views if we pull the trigger but still hope that there is a city/town that would make us happy to live and play in. Want to be within a 30 mile radius of Hartford, CT(that is where my office would be located in) but not live directly in the city. Would like a vibrant, clean city/town that has the amenities within their borders (or very close by) and a downtown that can be enjoyed with restaurants/bars/stores. City maintained running/biking trails are a huge plus along with places for our very active dog. For housing we would be looking for single family homes within the 350K-400K range, newer neighborhoods if possible. I understand every city/town has its "tougher" area but I would like to keep that at a minimum. Manchester has caught my eye as West Hartford has...any other places I am overlooking? I know my "wish" list is long and most people would tell me just to stay in Burlington, VT and not give up any of the stuff we enjoy now but we all know the power of family. Thanks in advance

[skytrekker]

Perhaps your needs would be met easily with West Hartford- which in many ways has very 'walkable' amenities close together as you desire.

West Hartford center has no big chain stores, and a fantastic town center, with small shops, great restaurants, coffee houses, and the new 'Blue Back Square' which will add a very beautiful dimension to a town center that is already one of the best in Connecticut.

Blue back will add more smaller shop's A theater, restaurants and a 'Main St' walkable center that will blend into the rest of West Hartford center.

West Hartford, population about 62,000 is an older suburb, with close proximity to all of the culture of downtown Hartford as well. West Hartford does have chain stores and a large mall- but it is several miles from the charming center.

Manchester, population 54,000 and east of the river, has a very pleasant downtown as well- with no chain stores. There is easy access to all greater Hartford has; but the north end of town also has a large mall, and a number of chain stores.

Housing will be cheaper in Manchester- in the 350-400K price range you will get more for your money then in West Hartford.

Crime will be lower in West Hartford, but not dramatically so. Manchester has more of a working class, blue collar and professional mix- and is a bit more diverse.

East of the river Glastonbury is also a very charming and pleasant town that will remind you of Burlington. A very pleasant town center- the town has few chain stores, excellent places to eat, very low crime and very pleasant neighborhoods. Housing can be a bit more expensive however.

South Windsor is another nice town to consider, east of the river. With 'Evergreen Walk'- A nice shopping venue with a 'Main street like theme'- low crime, nice neighborhoods, protected open spaces, and housing that is reasonably priced.

[VT'er]

Skytrekker
Thanks for the quick reply. After reviewing the numerous posts I see that the towns you wrote of are the ones most recommended. After a quick tour on a real estate web site I see that our $$ would stretch a bit further in some of the other towns beside West Hartford although that town seems to match closely to what we would be looking for. We are not allergic to chain stores, as they certainly have their place but sometimes it gets depressing to see every corner taken up with a Dunkin Donut, Applebee's and WalMart!!!

[JayCT]

Glastonbury does not have a great "walkable" town center like West Hartford does. It is a bit more suburban in nature (cars rule here), but there are many great hiking trails and areas to bike to (though no marked bike routes or bike trails in town).

Few towns in Connecticut are over-run by chain stores unless you consider the Buckland Hills area in Manchester which is chain store heaven. But Manchester's downtown is still full of small stores run by families.

It is going to be difficult to find new construction at your price in a town you describe. West Hartford housing would be older but still very nice with a lot of charm. You might pay a bit more for West Hartford but it is worth it in the long run. Excellent schools and amenities make it a desirable place to live. Plus living close to your office would be desrable when and if you have children. The commute to/from West Hartford to Hartford would be easy. JMHO, Jay

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by VT'er

Skytrekker
Thanks for the quick reply. After reviewing the numerous posts I see that the towns you wrote of are the ones most recommended. After a quick tour on a real estate web site I see that our $$ would stretch a bit further in some of the other towns beside West Hartford although that town seems to match closely to what we would be looking for. We are not allergic to chain stores, as they certainly have their place but sometimes it gets depressing to see every corner taken up with a Dunkin Donut, Applebee's and WalMart!!!

You might look into Vernon, Bolton, Coventry, Willington-all in Tolland county- where your dollar will 'stretch' even further. However there will not be the 'Burlington VT' & West Hartford walkable downtown. The commute will be further, but the lower housing prices should make you consider these towns.

[VT'er]

Thanks Jay
I do see that one might need to step it up another level in the West Hartford area (400K-450K) to get into something newer. Maybe the wife will land a nice high paid job!!!!!
Skytrekker
Thanks for the further suggestions for towns to look at. We would more likely downsize the house for the right town with the ammenities we like rather than the other way around but more choices are always a good thing!

[JDizzy]

Edited due to skytrekker's remarks.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by JDizzy

Trust me you don't want Vernon. We live here and compared to Ellington or South Windsor or Manchester, Vernon/Rockeville is ghetto!

Excuse Me JDizzy

I live in Vernon- near West street-bordering on the so called 'rough section' and 'historic district' which is also 'Rockville'- I have lived here 15 years- I do not need an alarm system- never had my home broken into, had anything stolen from my rear patio or car- and have slept at night with my front door unlocked, and A downstairs window unlocked. With a crime rating at 131 (per city data 2005) and the national average at 352- I feel I have reason to feel safe here.
South Windsor is rated at 100, Manchester, 261 (double that of Vernon) On Ellington there is no data.

Vernon schools are excellent- I suggest you watch your descriptions in calling a town a 'ghetto' in the future- frankly it offended me, and also others who may live here.

[JDizzy]

I guess your definition of ghetto is different than mine. I will just leave it at that. What I meant by ghetto has nothing to do with crime.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by JDizzy

I guess your definition of ghetto is different than mine. I will just leave it at that. What I meant by ghetto has nothing to do with crime.

Thanks for deleting your earlier post- since you are new here- be careful when describing towns and cities in a highly negative light- its not appropriate, and may offend other members.

The former Governor of Virginia, Mark Warner graduated from Rockville HS- he will be running for US Senate in that state next year.
I would like to hear Mr. Warner's opinion on Vernon being a ghetto or something 'like that', without the crime.......