[bakerjh]

Hey everyone,

I'm considering a move to CT from Western North Carolina, and I'm looking for a good city/larger town to live in. Can anyone lend some good advice?

I'm looking for a place that:

-Has a good social scene for "young" people (I'm in my early twenties)
-Is not terribly expensive (My budget is around $500-$900/month)
-Is progressive and decently liberal (Some place similar to Asheville, NC)
-Would have local restaurants/shops, health foods stores, farmer's markets, etc.

If at all possible I would like to find a place just beyond the "hustle and bustle" of the city, but close enough to be able to ride a bike into town if needed. I also love to rock climb and would like to be within a few hours of The Gunks in NY and a good climbing gym in CT.

I understand that I have a lot of expectations, but any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by bakerjh

Hey everyone,

I'm considering a move to CT from Western North Carolina, and I'm looking for a good city/larger town to live in. Can anyone lend some good advice?

I'm looking for a place that:

-Has a good social scene for "young" people (I'm in my early twenties)
-Is not terribly expensive (My budget is around $500-$900/month)
-Is progressive and decently liberal (Some place similar to Asheville, NC)
-Would have local restaurants/shops, health foods stores, farmer's markets, etc.

If at all possible I would like to find a place just beyond the "hustle and bustle" of the city, but close enough to be able to ride a bike into town if needed. I also love to rock climb and would like to be within a few hours of The Gunks in NY and a good climbing gym in CT.

I understand that I have a lot of expectations, but any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Most of Connecticut will be moderate to moderately liberal, though there are plenty of conservatives sprinkled throughout the state.

The places with a good social scene - Stamford, South Norwalk, New Haven - will likely be much more expensive than $900/month in the areas where you'd want to be, unless you find a 2 bedroom to split with a roommate.

Some of the other folks closer to that part of the state - or younger than me - can probably provide you with better information

West Hartford has some good restaurants and a decent social scene, if I recall, and is close by to some good outdoor activities. It might be a bit more affordable than southern and SW CT, but there are also more "family" things in West Hartford as well. But, then CCSU in New Britain is only minutes away.

[JayCT]

Your budget is kind of low for much of Connecticut unless you are willing to live in a small place or in a questionable part of a city. You do not say what you do for a living so we have to assume you do not have a job. I would suggest living in either the Hartford or New Haven areas. They are more affordable than Fairfield County (Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport). A nice option might be living in Middletown which is close to the center of the state. This will allow you access to Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury and even Fairfield County. Jay

[Stylo]

That budget is extremely difficult in CT. A friend was able to get a place for that price in New London, but it's kind of a limited scene there - both socially and professionally. I agree with the Hartford and New Haven area reco. New Haven probably has the most of what you're looking for. Stamford is a great city, but the most expensive option.

[kidyankee764]

I'd suggest New Haven, specifically East Rock since it's close to East Rock Park. You can probably find an okay place for $900.

[hvexpatinct]

I suggest Middletown. You might be able to find a 1br there for $800 or so.

Anywhere in CT is going to be within 3 hours of the Gunks so that isn't a problem.