Quote:
Originally Posted by CateP
My partner and I were driving through the western part of CT this past Thanksgiving and drove through Kent. We didn't have time to stop in town, but thought the shops looked very nice. We got a very good vibe from Kent and thought it was beautiful. We are hoping to relocate to CT at some point and would like the inside scoop about Kent. Here are some questions:
What are the housing prices like?
Taxes?
Services?
Healthcare?
Culture?
Gay friendly?
Summer tourists?
The area seems to offer a lot of outdoor activity and nature, which we love, but we don't want to feel isolated. We are looking for a friendly welcoming community where neighbors say hello and look out for another, and there are community activities to get involved in. (not religious)
Thanks in advance for replies.
|
Well you read the "google" info report
, now you get a local resident. I live 11.4 miles from the center of Kent and previously lived in the center of Kent for nearly two years.. Yes, it sure is a terrific little town, isnt it? Two nice state parks-Macedonia and Kent falls offer hiking/picnicing. Hunting opportunities are plentiful. I'll try and balance elaborating as much as possible without being too longwinded. I'm not sure about community activities..me and the wife are hardcore bikers and most our time spent recreating was riding our butts off on great New England roads..
Housing- You would be challenged to find a single family home for under $450,000. Kent has some amazing estates and is home to many celebrities and famous people like Henry Kissinger, clothing designer Oscar De LaRenta. Kent does not have the all too familiar cookie cutter developments except just off South Elizabeth St. near the school.
Taxes- the mill rate is correct as someone previously quoted from Google.
Services -
Well, what you were able to see from Rt. 7 as you drove thru town is what you get. Just north of the RR tracks there is a service road which takes you to a very tidy shopping center (IGA-Town Hall-various stores). At the jct of 7 and 341 EAST is a fairly brand new outlet place which has become a destination for out-of-towners.
Healthcare- None. A few private doctors have offices, however hospital care would be 16 miles south in New Milford and north in Sharon Ct.
Culture? Hmmmm, K I'll lay it right out there. Today Kent is an artsy/trendy little getaway. However "post summer" residents and weekenders Kent has roughly 850 fulltime hardworking- descent folk residents. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, farmers, loggers and estate caretakers to name a few. Less than 3/4 mile North, east and west of town center and you are in VERY rural locations. Quiet, peaceful country home to many species of wildlife including black bear, coyote, bobcat..
gay friendly- most of Litchfield county could fit that description, including Kent.
Summer tourist? Kent is rougly only 40% fulltime residency. Same as surrounding towns like Warren and all four Cornwalls. Weekends in Kent at the town center are quite busy..however tolerable.
Brief summary- Kent is a self sufficient town for the most part, however tied strongly to New Milford to the south as a "cultural" hub. Kent is truly a peaceful getaway for many, and a rural country living community for the fulltimers. There are still many families who have resided in the area for generations. I often suggest an extended visit to the area. There are several realtors with offices right in town, and there are a handful of B&B's in the area..