[MillyPR]

My husband and I want to move to Connecticut. We have 13, 11, and 6 years old daughters. As part of our move we are searching for excellent academically schools, affordable house and a great family environment. We have not specific area in mind, as we never been there before. So, your experiences, findings or comments, will be highly appreciated.

...and please, don't forget to mention about the job market? How is it? I am a Corporate Risk Manager for a Construction Loan Department. Have a degree in Finance and many years of experience.

Thanks for any guidance or advice!

MillyPR

[JayCT]

Hi MillyPR - Welcome to Connecticut. I am sure you and your family will like it here. You have many options for employment but the most affordable areas are generally east of the Connecticut River and away from the shoreline. I would suggest checking out the Hartford or New Haven areas. They have wonderful suburbs with excellent schools and there are a lot of employment opportunities. I would suggest checking the Sunday papers (Hartford Courant or New Haven Register) for listings.

Once you decide on what area you want to live in, then you can selecta town to look in. Jay

[sunshinecities]

Hi,

I've lived in CT about 30 years. I am originally from NJ. I'm curious what part of the country you would be moving from - to know how much it vary from where you are etc. I have lived in Hartford County for 30 years and my husband's relatives live in Old Saybrook. So- I'll comment on the areas I know most. Prices for homes on the East side of the river are generally cheaper. East Hartford has homes from approximately $165k-$500k. The $165's are like mine - only 1000 square foot ranch from the 50's but in a pretty good area. I'd say for a better/larager house expect to pay $225-350k on average. The new ones going up are $400-500 in some areas. Some towns that are good around the Hartford area are Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill. (these are your more tradtional built up suburban areas). Further out are towns more in the country like Marlborough, Lebanon (way out), East Hampton. As far as Old Saybrook - it's by the water. I just LOVE it there. It is so pretty but quite expensive because it's by the water. It has shops, doctor offices and all of that. If you are looking for super country - way way out Lebanon is way out there - and Colchester is pretty far out although getting a bit more built up, Woodstock and those areas. Hope this helps some. If you want to know more about climate let us know - or anything else that may help you out in your decisions. Welcome to CT if you do come!

[sunshinecities]

I forgot to mention the employment aspect above. I do not feel there are numerous jobs around here. Yes, there are jobs, but I would not say the place is hopping with employment like a large growing city might be. My husband's brother has been looking for work for almost a year - he was laid off and was a really good worker - he was in manufacturering though and it was hit hard here. Yet, many of my friends at a local insurance co. were laid off the last few years because the operations moved out of the country - as seems to be happening a lot in the US all over. Check carrer builder site - and like the person above said perhaps check out the HARTFORD COURANT newspaper. There are many insurance companies and banks around and hospitals and other types of office jobs.

[yogaroots]

east lyme is a nice area

[notjustamom]

I can think of several nice towns and cities. Are you looking for a rural, or more urban environment?