[The_Explorer]

Hi Everyone!

I'm from Springfield, MA. I found out I got a job offer in Hartford, CT today. I'm really happy!

For the past few weeks I've been looking at apartments/condos/townhouses in CT. I noticed they need a lot to update and they have dog breed and weight restriction. :[

So I decided I'll look into buying a house since I'll be a first time home buyer and I'll be able to adopt two lab retriever mix. I saw a house that is 2 minutes away from Benjamin J Nessing Memorial Park and Meriden Humane Society, which is perfect for me to bring my dogs out for a walk. The house has modern appliances, has security alarm, backyard, and car garage.

I've been reading up about Meriden on the forum and through countless of pages on Google. I'm getting mix reviews. I can't seem to find that answers my question since most are telling me to avoid downtown Meriden. I'm not even sure if Nessing Memorial Park is near downtown Meriden or not.

I would like to know if the area near this park is safe? I'll be living by myself with the two dogs. Yes, I know Meriden is about 30 minutes away from Hartford.

Thank you in advance!

[willow wind]

That area is south east Meriden. I'm assuming you'll be somewhere in the triangle formed by Rt 15 to the west & north and 1-91 to the east. Murdock Ave. & side streets. That's an OK area over there- middle class, mostly single family. I wouldn't buy in Meriden though if you have children and plan on using Meriden schools.

[The_Explorer]

Originally Posted by willow wind

That area is south east Meriden. I'm assuming you'll be somewhere in the triangle formed by Rt 15 to the west & north and 1-91 to the east. Murdock Ave. & side streets. That's an OK area over there- middle class, mostly single family. I wouldn't buy in Meriden though if you have children and plan on using Meriden schools.

Actually I am.

LOL Oh no not for a very long time. I'm 26. I don't plan to live in Meriden for a long time. Just temporary where I can stay a few years until I am able to save enough and find a better home and place.

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by The_Explorer

Actually I am.

LOL Oh no not for a very long time. I'm 26. I don't plan to live in Meriden for a long time. Just temporary where I can stay a few years until I am able to save enough and find a better home and place.

Meriden like similar cities in CT will be a hard sell because it has poor schools. Your potential buyers market will be greatly reduced. You would be far better off to rent in Meriden or similar cities in CT.

You may think you're saving money at first, but most likely you will lose money in the end. Unless you plan to stay in that house forever, or perhaps rent it out.

[JayCT]

That section of Meriden is very nice but understand that Meriden is a city and is not a desirable community. Selling a home there in the future could be difficult. As long as you realize this, you should be fine. Jay.

[The_Explorer]

Originally Posted by MrGompers

Meriden like similar cities in CT will be a hard sell because it has poor schools. Your potential buyers market will be greatly reduced. You would be far better off to rent in Meriden or similar cities in CT.

You may think you're saving money at first, but most likely you will lose money in the end. Unless you plan to stay in that house forever, or perhaps rent it out.

Actually renting is not a bad idea. :] I forgot about that. Thanks for the idea!

[The_Explorer]

Originally Posted by JayCT

That section of Meriden is very nice but understand that Meriden is a city and is not a desirable community. Selling a home there in the future could be difficult. As long as you realize this, you should be fine. Jay.

LOL Jay, I'm curious if your job is being a realtor? You seem to know about CT very well!

I feel better knowing that the section of Meriden I'll be staying is nice and safe.

I know this house is more for a single person [Bachelor/Bachelorette] , not someone who is married or a family. I do plan to stay for a long time until I find something better when I hit 40 after saving for number of years.

Thank you, again!

[parentologist]

Explorer, if you're looking to buy an inexpensive house, you might also want to look at New Britain. Prices there are very low, and there are some areas which are not bad (and some which are not good). Overall, I would say that it is at worst comparable to Meriden, and possibly better. And it's a lot closer to Hartford. Plus, there is a new dedicated bus road from New Britain to Hartford, which might make for easy commuting. In a few years, if you're ready to move to a better town, you can keep the house as a rental. Better yet, consider a two family in New Britain, and rent out the other half. It will likely cover the mortgage, maybe even the taxes, too.

[KH02]

I would stay away from buying a home in meriden that is only for short term use. A friend of mine has been trying to sell their home in meriden for 2 years. The market in meriden is saturated with listings and the buyers are few because of the schools not being good and the area not being that nice.

For your situation I would recommend renting or you may be stuck in meriden a lot longer then you intend.

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by The_Explorer

Actually renting is not a bad idea. :] I forgot about that. Thanks for the idea!

Your potential rental market will be greatly reduced as well since even renters are looking for good schools for their kids. You won't be attracting high quality renters in Meriden.

New Britain would be a better choice and is closer to Hartford. I'm familiar with both cities and New Britain has made far more improvements during the last 20 years vs Meriden. New Britain will still be a tough sell due to schools, but should be easier than Meriden, especially if your in one of the good parts of New Britain.

Generally speaking the good parts of New Britain are, areas around CCSU (Central Conn State Univ), areas around the New Britain reservoir, and the area bordering Berlin. If you have a specific street in mind you can ask here and we can give you more info on that area.