[Familyof6fromCT]

NORTH MADISON--- especially with children

a good/ reasonable commute to either Hartford/ New Britain or Wallingford--- CHECK-- NO Madison is less than 40 mins to Hartford/ NB and 15 mins to Wallingford

a community with great schools (three children)--- CHECK---Award winning

a small town feel with good access to stores and restaurants--- Plus the beach

reasonably priced homes (we're downsizing from the $500Ks to, ideally the mid-$300Ks and we're more interested in space and a decent lot size rather than a new home -- we're okay with a fixer-upper, in other words)-----
GREAT SPACE and nice neighborhoods----You may need to reconsider what you will have to spend though- maybe 450


A decent commute to NYC, as that is a big draw for my husband, who is reluctant to leave a very urban environment.------How often do you want to visit NYC?

Its a 2 hour trip

New Haven has actually become quite a vibrant city when you're looking for an urban fix

I have family in North Haven, West Haven, Southington and Plainville---- Reasonably close to each--- half hourish maybe a little more

[Bob The Builder]

Originally Posted by Familyof6fromCT

NORTH MADISON--- especially with children

Would you recommend living near the village? What streets bound North Madison. How is Island Elementary?

[Familyof6fromCT]

Def live closer to town if you can afford it and don't have the commute concerns that the OP asked about

Island is very good

North Madison is considered north of route 80 these days- so neighborhoods north of 80 and west of rte 79- dorsett- brians knoll, etc

[Bob The Builder]

Originally Posted by Familyof6fromCT

Def live closer to town if you can afford it and don't have the commute concerns that the OP asked about

Island is very good

North Madison is considered north of route 80 these days- so neighborhoods north of 80 and west of rte 79- dorsett- brians knoll, etc

It is a beautiful town. I only saw it in the evening last Sept. I am hauling out the family to see it in the summer. I am also considering Litchfield County.

How far are you from Skiing? Hockey? Nice down to earth folk? or I am I required to drive a BMW?

[Familyof6fromCT]

litchfield and madison are very different

close enough to all kinds of skiing

you'll find that most people are down to earth but there is a high degree of the "others"- mostly pretenders

[hopland]

I grew up in Wallingford. Great place to live, with all the amenties of a larger town. If small if what you are after, go for Durham, Cheshire, or Middlefield- all adjacent to Wallingford.

[Bob The Builder]

Originally Posted by Familyof6fromCT

litchfield and madison are very different..
high degree of the "others"- mostly pretenders

Which has less? How are kid level sports? Is there any fishing in Madison? I noticed there is a lake/pond behind the theater area on BPR.

Oh. Are there any BAD areas?

I am not necessarily looking for a small town, but a place where my wife and I can really enjoy raising my kids full time. We are slightly older parents and the kids are very young. Oh. We are kinda' quirky in that we are Chinese Americans and we have been living in Europe for the last 4 years so the kids speak Italian and English.

[Familyof6fromCT]

How are kid level sports?

VERY GOOD

Is there any fishing in Madison?

YES- Long Island Sound- Lakes- CT River all nearby

Oh. Are there any BAD areas?

NO

[Bob The Builder]

Originally Posted by Familyof6fromCT

How are kid level sports?

VERY GOOD

Is there any fishing in Madison?

YES- Long Island Sound- Lakes- CT River all nearby

Oh. Are there any BAD areas?

NO

Fam

Is the area bound by 80 and 95 on Durham not so great? Is Durham a busy road? Thanks.

Bob

[Familyof6fromCT]

Madison is a nice town in all parts

Durham is a long busy road and the main thoroughfare