[coffeebean1]

Hi everyone,

I am reaching out for your valuable advice on what towns we should be looking into to buy our first home. Here is what is important to us:

1. Great public schools
2. House under $300k, with a 1/2 acre of land or more (but could settle for 1/3)
3. 30 minutes or less to downtown Hartford (I could deal with 35 minutes for the right situation)
4. Not so rural that the conveniences (grocery store, gas station) are miles and miles away

Our agent suggested Marlborough, Glastonbury, East Hampton, and Bloomfield. What are your thoughts there?



I had posted a thread before inquiring about areas with "quaint" downtowns with affordable houses, under a 45 minute commute. Suggestions were New Hartford, Canton/Collinsville, Chester, Colchester. We did like all of these areas, but we rethought our goals - we want to settle somewhere with good schools for my girl, a yard for her to run around in, and I want to spend no more than an hour total in the car each day. That knocks New Hartford and Chester out of the possibilities. But Canton/Collinsville and Colchester - how are their schools?


Thanks as always for your advice to a someone new to the state.

[Stylo]

Well, cross off Bloomfield if schools are a priority. They have some challenges.

Marlborough is nice but a bit rural and you do have to drive for conveniences. East Hampton similar. You're driving to Glastonbury or Middletown. Also "commute" to the high school can be long depending on where you live.

Glastonbury is a great choice.

Canton schools are good. As you may have noticed it's not the most charming of towns. Collinsville is okay but there's not much going on there. It does have everything you need though if you've reduced the need for that "charm".

I'd also throw in a couple other suggestions: Farmington, West Hartford, Simsbury, Wethersfield.

[bomgd3]

You'd be able to find a house for that price in Avon, too, though not a big one.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by bomgd3

You'd be able to find a house for that price in Avon, too, though not a big one.

Missed that one. Another good choice.

[KaoCT]

You could try Granby too, its not as expensive as Avon and Simsbury and a little more rural (but not isolated). Great schools and a 30 minute commute to Hartford.

[coffeebean1]

Thanks. I'm not worried about Marlborough or East Hampton being too remote. I just don't want a 25 minute commute through 2 or more towns to get to the grocery store (that is how I grew up).

I will add Farmington, West Hartford, Simbsury, Wethersfield, Avon, and Granby. Removing Bloomfield.

How are the Colchester schools?

Appreciate the responses and feedback!

[Pammyd]

Originally Posted by coffeebean1

Hi everyone,
I am reaching out for your valuable advice on what towns we should be looking into to buy our first home. Here is what is important to us:Great public schools

1. House under $300k, with a 1/2 acre of land or more (but could settle for 1/3)
2. 30 minutes or less to downtown Hartford (I could deal with 35 minutes for the right situation)
3. Not so rural that the conveniences (grocery store, gas station) are miles and miles away

Our agent suggested Marlborough, Glastonbury, East Hampton, and Bloomfield. What are your thoughts there? I had posted a thread before inquiring about areas with "quaint" downtowns with affordable houses, under a 45 minute commute. Suggestions were New Hartford, Canton/Collinsville, Chester, Colchester. We did like all of these areas, but we rethought our goals - we want to settle somewhere with good schools for my girl, a yard for her to run around in, and I want to spend no more than an hour total in the car each day. That knocks New Hartford and Chester out of the possibilities. But Canton/Collinsville and Colchester - how are their schools?
Thanks as always for your advice to a someone new to the state.

Don't know too much about Canton or Collinsville but Colchester is a beautiful area. My son's friend lives there and has for quite a while now. I do think that the Colchester area is maybe kinda far away from a bigger city not too sure about that part.
Have you looked in the Cheshire, Southington or even Meriden area? I have lived in Meriden my whole life and like any city, it can get rough from time to time. I am on the border of Meriden/Southington and love it here. My son went to schools in this area and had absolutely no issues at all. We presently have several middle schools, one being a magnet school and three High schools, one is a Technical school. This area is BIG on sports especially softball..several fields going all summer long.
As far as how close to Hartford we are..hmmmm..gonna say maybe 20 minutes? Depends on the traffic.
Good Luck with your search and come on over to this part of our beautiful state!!

[JViello]

South Windsor. Great town access to everything and you'll get more for your money.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by Pammyd

Don't know too much about Canton or Collinsville but Colchester is a beautiful area. My son's friend lives there and has for quite a while now. I do think that the Colchester area is maybe kinda far away from a bigger city not too sure about that part.
Have you looked in the Cheshire, Southington or even Meriden area? I have lived in Meriden my whole life and like any city, it can get rough from time to time. I am on the border of Meriden/Southington and love it here. My son went to schools in this area and had absolutely no issues at all. We presently have several middle schools, one being a magnet school and three High schools, one is a Technical school. This area is BIG on sports especially softball..several fields going all summer long.
As far as how close to Hartford we are..hmmmm..gonna say maybe 20 minutes? Depends on the traffic.
Good Luck with your search and come on over to this part of our beautiful state!!

Meriden doesn't NOT have great public schools...not even "good".

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JViello

Meriden doesn't NOT have great public schools...not even "good".

Agreed. No way on Meriden.