[cool_mommy]

I know you have said that you are taking East Hampton out of the running but I wanted to add my two cents. I lived in East Hampton for five years and my husband's commute included the trip over the bridge each and every day. The only time there was ever really any problem was when there was an accident on the bridge. It is only a two lane bridge and could be shut down completely by an accident. The school system is very good and it has a very small town feel. If you like the "everyone knows your name" feeling then this is the place to be. It is a very close knit community. Shopping has a lot to be desired. You do have a supermarket, drug stores and small boutiques but not much else. Buckland in Manchester is about 30 minutes away and Westfarms is about 45 minutes away. Berlin is a 45 minute drive on a good day.

Middlefield is awesome. I have several close friends who have grown up there or live there now. The schools are great but real estate is much more pricey.

I have lived in Cromwell. Again, real estate is much more pricey. Crime is slightly higher than either East Hampton or Middlefield as it is right off the highway. It is a bigger town than E. Hampton or Middlefield. The schools used to be top notch but I don't know where they are now. You have a lot of shopping choices and is a quick drive to Hartford. I think that you would find that Cromwell has a lot more to offer its students as it has a higher tax basis.

Hope this information has been helpful!

[CrissCT]

Very helpful Cool_Mommy - thanks!