[kareno999]

This is also my first post, yay!

I'm offered a summer internship with BMS at Wallingford and I'm still deciding whether to take it or not. The problem is that I do not drive and as far as I know, there is no decent public transportation in that area, if anything at all. (I guess I can rent a car but let's just say I prefer low carbon emission at this point.)

The company is helping me find a solution. They suggest living in Meriden and rely on bus+bike to commute everyday. Now Meriden seems a run-down town and I've read some bad things about it on this forum. Is it safe to walk around or bike around in Meriden, especially after dark. As an Asian guy, I'm also interested to know if the city is friendly and open minded (i.e. not racist). And equally important, are there anything fun to do over the weekend, given that I have no friend in that area yet?

I'm not a picky guy and I can survive 10 weeks anywhere but the point is, if the living conditions are going to make me feel miserable, I could be better off somewhere else.

Any of your thoughts will be very helpful and much appreciated. The company has been really nice to me so I'd rather let them know my decision asap so that they can arrange accordingly. Thank you!

[KH02]

Hmmm..that's a tough one. I suppose I would say it depends on the area of meriden. Near Hubbard Park is a good area and I would walk around there after dark, the area near Thomas Hooker School is also a great choice. However, there are areas that I would avoid.

I will admit if you want fun things to do on the weekend, it will be tough to find anything without a car. It really is hard to get around CT in general without one.

[Stylo]

Meriden isn't as bad as it looks. It's not the prettiest city, but it's still below average in crime for the US.

Wallingford Center is definitely nicer as a walkable community. You could live there and bike or take a taxi to work.

[vvcronosvv]

Let me know what street you're looking at. In general anything close to Wallingford is pretty decent. I work there a lot, and know most of the town. Pick up a paper map of meriden. The center of the map is very congested and it's blown up on the back side of the map and it's in blue. That's the ****hole section of town. Stay away from there and you'll be fine in any other area of the town.

[jxzz]

Meriden is not as bad as the reputation. We went to Meriden fair many times in the past. But if you prefer a better and safer place, then stick with Wallingford town.

In general, it is better to drive than bus/walking. Meriden and Wallingford both are rural. It is difficult to move around without car.

[jxzz]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Meriden isn't as bad as it looks. It's not the prettiest city, but it's still below average in crime for the US.

Wallingford Center is definitely nicer as a walkable community. You could live there and bike or take a taxi to work.

Wallingford Town Center is quite far away from BMS office. I am not sure bus and walk works here.

BMS location is actually quite rural, near mountain.

[kareno999]

Thank you guys. Really appreciate it.

Right now I'm looking at Newbury Village Apts near E. Main street and Research Pkwy. The area close by seems to be convenient (with some restaurants, grocery stores and stuff) but finding temp rental there might be a problem.

[Rich Cabeza]

Newbury is $$$ but very nice if you can afford it and very close. You know, on Bee St. they have two large extended stay hotels; one runs about $1500/month and very nice. I bet a few people there work at BMS so maybe you could pool with somebody. GL.

[kareno999]

Originally Posted by Rich Cabeza

Newbury is $$$ but very nice if you can afford it and very close. You know, on Bee St. they have two large extended stay hotels; one runs about $1500/month and very nice. I bet a few people there work at BMS so maybe you could pool with somebody. GL.

Thank you Rich but unfortunately I declined the offer already. Will just focus on big cities with decent public transportation (which seems a luxury in many states )