[JayCT]

Originally Posted by mj55

We are looking at downtown because we were told there are only two places in the area with a walkable downtown, and that is West Hartford and Hartford. We were told West Hartford has more shopping, but Hartford has the culture, museums, theater, concerts. Our agent said taxes in West Hartford are extremely high. She said Glastonbery is nice, but you really have to drive everywhere and other towns like Rocky Hill are cheaper, but all strip malls.

This is true. The cultural venues are in Hartford but the shopping is in West Hartford. That may change as downtown Hartford becomes more residential. There are few walkable central business districts with upscale housing in the state. Check taxes on any property you are interested in. Hartford may be higher than West Hartford. Good luck, Jay

[akerley]

Hi - I actually used to live in a downtown condo in Hartford; sold it about 2 years ago. It was on Congress Street, which is actually one mile from downtown - easy walking distance, honestly. The Congress Street condos are quite a bit less expensive than ones currently being marketed downtown, and you can typically find a garage included with 2 and maybe 3-bedrooms, perhaps 2 or more bathrooms. Mine was quite roomy (1400 sf) with 2 1/2 baths, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room and a beautiful porch. I'm sorry I can't sell it to you now.

I didn't mean to try to persuade you from any of the other condos offered in Hartford. I wanted to share my knowledge because I know that my old neighborhood is a very nice one, and the prices are quite reasonable as well. Feel free to contact me.

[ctman1987]

Two things...

1) I know that two newcasters from WFSB who are married with a baby (I wont give names) live in a Capital Avenue brownstone. They loved the city and are still there even after WFSB relocated to Rocky Hill they still live in their brownstone

2) Yes West Hartford has the shopping for real shopping needs you need a car in Greater Hartford. You can buy a condo in West Hartford Center but most of the shops in West Hartford Center are not the stores you use everyday. Granted they do have a new Whole Foods now but you would need a car to get to the West Hartford Stop & Shop and you would need a car to go buy some normal clothes and everyday things. This is not New York City where you can hop on the subway or walk out your door and be able to get to Macy's, CVS, and Target without ever needing your car. Both West Hartford Center and Downtown Hartford residents will be doing their shopping at places like Westfarms, Buckland, Evergreen Walk, Somerset Square, Bishops Corner, etc.

[JayCT]

Actually, both Hartford and West Hartford have bus lines that will take you to supermarkets and West Farms Mall. So needing a car, while probably easier, is not a necessity like it is in the suburbs. Jay

[westender]

While you could get by living in West Hartford Center, or even Hartford downtown (after the promised grocery store is open), without a car, it would be challenging.

[mj55]

I am told the brownstone is owned by a couple with a baby, maybe it is them.

[ctman1987]

I am from Hartford and have never used the buses or have either bothered to learn how the use the buses because it takes way to long and is not convenient. Sadly Greater Hartford lacks a solid system of public transporation because the area can become very sprawling, lets not kid ourselves.

Now on the other hand I have nothing wrong with public transporation. I go to school in New York City and dont have a car and use the subway and bus to go everywhere as well as Metro North to come home to CT.

[mj55]

There is a big open house of different downtown condos this weekend, so we'll be able to check them all out.

[mj55]

My husband's job situation has changed and we won't be re-locating to Connecticut after all.

[JayCT]

mj55 - Sorry to hear that. Best wishes wherever you end up. Jay