What do you love about Conn.? (Hartford, Fairfield: environment, travel, work)

[cmow]

My family is considering a move to Conn. from the San Francisco Bay area. I was wondering if people could share what they LOVE about Conn and things they wish were different about Conn. It has been challenging trying to decide on where to move to. I am originally from the Albany NY area and have been out here for 10 yrs. I have never wanted to stay out here forever and want to raise my family in a place where you actually see and know your neighbors. We have tons of kids on our court but no one is ever outside.Don't get it. Am hoping that Conn may be a good fit for us. Thanks for the help

[rainsoup]

I don't know where you're considering moving in Conn, but in a lot of places the neighborhoods seem to be very spread out so I don't know if seeing your neighbors will be any different. I like that Connecticut is on the ocean and close to Rhode Island which (in my opinion) has some of the best beaches in New England. I like that it is fairly easy to get to both NYC and Boston from Connecticut. One think I simply couldn't get used to about living in Connecticut was the people. Coming from the a Chicago suburb, people are not as friendly in Connecticut. It's not that people are rude or mean, it's just that it takes a longer time for people to warm up to you, and people don't talk to strangers (even on morning walks, passing someone on the same side walk and saying "good morning" seemed odd to people). It's just different and I don't think many people realize that until going there. Another thing that could potentially be a problem for families that move to Connecticut or elsewhere in New England is that many people don't consider the public schools to be good enough so they send their kids to private schools. This can get to be very expensive.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by rainsoup

I don't know where you're considering moving in Conn, but in a lot of places the neighborhoods seem to be very spread out so I don't know if seeing your neighbors will be any different. I like that Connecticut is on the ocean and close to Rhode Island which (in my opinion) has some of the best beaches in New England. I like that it is fairly easy to get to both NYC and Boston from Connecticut. One think I simply couldn't get used to about living in Connecticut was the people. Coming from the a Chicago suburb, people are not as friendly in Connecticut. It's not that people are rude or mean, it's just that it takes a longer time for people to warm up to you, and people don't talk to strangers (even on morning walks, passing someone on the same side walk and saying "good morning" seemed odd to people). It's just different and I don't think many people realize that until going there. Another thing that could potentially be a problem for families that move to Connecticut or elsewhere in New England is that many people don't consider the public schools to be good enough so they send their kids to private schools. This can get to be very expensive.

Are you sure you visted the same place I live?

Of course we have neighbors! LOL Granted most places are not crammed on .17 acre lots, but that's the beauty of the place. Unless you live "out there" you'll know and see your neighbors.

As for the people...the term is "reserved". Yes we are a more reserved place. But as for saying "hello", I actually get tired of having to say "hi" so much while walking on the various "rails to trails" around here.

Lastly. The schools? We have some of the best public schools in the nation. It's our strong point, so that one totally baffled me. Maybe you are confusing us with SC where the norm is to send your kids to a private school.

CMOW, there is a ton of reading on this forum. Just do a search and you will get hours of reading material regarding "likes" and "dislikes". Some search strings you can use are "NC or CT?" or "CT SUCKS" to start. Trust me on this...LOL

[skytrekker]

Connecticut will appeal to some people- and to others it will not.
I can get good Chinese food here- and decent sushi as well- and great Pizza
plus Greek, French Thai------

Go to see a great play, peruse great works of art In many of the states fine museums
Yet --act like a working class stiff- and look like one without being judged

Go to the beach, a winery, the opera or a baseball game - spend the day on a beach sipping 'something' from a thermos- while sun tanning

Go to Boston in less then 2 hours- have world class sophistication if I want it- and if not just be a regular guy--- Connecticut allows ME so much diversity in who I am- without taking myself too seriously.

[JayCT]

I love the history here and the architecture. Almost every town has that traditional New England town green with the white steepled church and stately reserved colonial homes. I also love that we do not have the vast sprawling subdivisions that they have down south and out west. The neighborhoods are smaller and more charming, even the newer ones. I like that we are two hours to Boston and New York but we do not have the large city issues to deal with.

The state is very liveable. You can drive 10 minutes and be out in the countryside. Schools here are a top priority which I feel strongly is important. I love the season changes (even winter) especially fall which is stunning. I love the stone walled country roads. Generally Connecticut is a great place with a little of everything.

As for the people, we tend to keep to ourselves. not rude or mean but not in your face either. JMHO Jay

[Mark_CT]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Go to Boston in less then 2 hours- have world class sophistication if I want it- and if not just be a regular guy--- Connecticut allows ME so much diversity in who I am- without taking myself too seriously.

For me its definitely being close to NYC, the center of it all. Do you mean to say New York when you talk of world class sophistication? Because Boston, though it can be a very pleasant and fun city, is not nearly as sophisticated, cosmopolitan, or truly world class as New York. If you are really so close to Boston that its under two hours, then I would imagine NYC must be a real haul for you. No offense, but it's definietly worth the trip as it offers tons more than Boston can.

[bstnguy]

Boston is definitely more sophisticated. NYC is more diverse, and by diverse I mean more crime, uncleanliness, etc. Everyone is selling something in NYC, who needs that.

[Mark_CT]

Sophisticated? Are you kidding me? I don't even need to tell you the many reasons why a genuine world class like New York is superior; it just is... people from Boston are so insecure about being less than New York. In Boston's case, it's O.K. to not be the best; Philly, Washington, and L.A. don't come close to the refined, cosmopolitan environment New York has to offer either; get used to it--it's just the way it is; straight up, NY is better and always will be.

[jad2000]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Go to Boston in less then 2 hours- have world class sophistication if I want it- and if not just be a regular guy--- Connecticut allows ME so much diversity in who I am- without taking myself too seriously.

I'm curious as to why you failed to mention NYC when it's only about 2 hours from greater Hartford during off-peak travel times.

[notjustamom]

I like the seasons, mountains, trees, fall colors, beaches, and the quaint New England feel in some of the smaller towns. Unlike everyone else though, close proximity to NYC and Boston are not a plus for us, we rarely visit those cities. And what I like least about Connecticut is that it is densely populated, especially in Fairfield County. I feel it is overdeveloped.