[BostonGirl22]

Hello everyone:

I will be moving to the Hartford area next summer, I got a job in East Hartford (coming from Boston, it's very close to where I got off I-84).

Since we'll be there for two years only, we will be renting a home rather than buying one, since I think that's probably smarter. My budget allows me to spend about 1,300-1,600 per month on rent.

What areas would you recommend? I have heard that, for example, West Hartford's nice but I've no idea how it's "rentals-wise". I don't particularly care about staying west of Hartford, east might actually be better because my husband will have to make occasional Boston trips. We have two small kids, which means I'd like to live close to good kindergartens, playgrounds. Also, please let me know how the neighboring towns are when it comes to walking around. I know I'll have to commute to work, but I was wondering what towns are good for walking to grocery stores etc.

If anyone can offer any advice on nice places to rent, and how much they go for, please let me know. Thank you so much!

[JViello]

To rent a home for that price, East of the river - Manchester is where I would look.

It's a decent small city 10 miles East of DT Hartford and borders E Hartford. Hardly any traffic this side of the river.

[JayCT]

I would consider Manchester or Vernon. These are very nice towns with good schools. You would get more for your money. Jay

[BostonGirl22]

Are sources like Craigslist or Hartford Courrant misleading then in terms of rental prices? I have found a lot of property at these prices, even much lower, in places like Avon, West Hartford, yet you make it sound like the actual rental prices are much higher.

How are Manchester and Vernon in terms of waking around? Do they have downtown areas, are they sustaniable, or would I need to drive distances in order to find shops etc.

[JViello]

Manchester has a nice walkable downtown with shops, businesses, restaurants, couple cafe's etc.

Here is an arial of Main Street to give you an idea.



Manchester is beyond sustainable. It's the "go to" place for the Hartford Metro regarding retail. (On the NW side of town)

[BostonGirl22]

Thanks, JViello. I did some research and Manchester really does sound nice. We're definitely going to check it out!
Last question- any ideas on what sources to use to look for rentals? Which local newspaper? Any site? I found a lot of Manchester rentals on craigslist, but let me know if there's anything else.

Thanks a lot again.

[JayCT]

You could also check the Hartford Courant and the Manchester Journal Inquirer. Both have classifieds with apartment rentals and they are available online. Good luck, Jay

PS: Jviello - Nice picture! Thanks

[JViello]

Originally Posted by BostonGirl22

Thanks, JViello. I did some research and Manchester really does sound nice. We're definitely going to check it out!
Last question- any ideas on what sources to use to look for rentals? Which local newspaper? Any site? I found a lot of Manchester rentals on craigslist, but let me know if there's anything else.

Thanks a lot again.

No problem. Manchester is not utopia, but it is a decent working class town with a large variety of housing, and people with a short commute to Hartford. (About 10-15 minutes)

If you find something specific and need some more info feel free to ask.

JayCT - your welcome. As soon as the rain stops plan on going out and taking some pics of all the "run down" neighborhoods for the clueless who post from time to time.