[Mssdelvalle]

We are new in CT, we are going to settle here after many years of moving around. We are not sure in which town to buy. My husband works in Downtown Hartford and he does not mind traveling up to a half an hour to work. We definately dont want to buy in Hartford. We prefer the suburbs. Any suggestions?

[kidyankee764]

West Hartford.

[JayCT]

We would need to know more to steer you in the right direction. Hartford has so many wonderful suburbs it is hard to say which would be best for you. First what is your budget and what do you expect for that budget. What type of suburb do you like? Do you want a denser more walkable town like West Hartford or something more rural in character. How important are schools to you? Is having top rated schools important or would you be fine with schools that perform at or near the state average? Keep in mind that Connecticut has some of highest rated schools in the country so even average schools will provide an excellent education.

That said the most desirable suburbs in the Hartford area are West Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury and Glastonbury. Each offer highly rated schools, wonderful neighborhoods and a lot of family activities. You will however pay a premium to live in these towns. For more middle class suburbs you might consider towns like South Windsor, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Newington. If you want more racially diverse towns you could consider towns like Windsor or Bloomfield. Again your answer to the questions asked will help us help you. Jay

[Tomhpo]

West Hartford.

[cdhpotter]

Definitely would need more information, like Jay said.

Of the 5 main choices he listed, Glastonbury and West Hartford would be scratched right off my list. Especially West Hartford- I'm just not a fan at all.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by cdhpotter

Definitely would need more information, like Jay said.

Of the 5 main choices he listed, Glastonbury and West Hartford would be scratched right off my list. Especially West Hartford- I'm just not a fan at all.

That's absurd. Those are by a mile the two nicest towns in the area-- both with a wide diversity of housing options and price points. I don't get how they could be dismissed out of hand for someone you don't know....

[cdhpotter]

I said MY list. For me.

The OP did not give enough info for anyone to recommend a town for them. Or are you saying it's absurd that I might have a different opinion that you?

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by cdhpotter

I said MY list. For me.

The OP did not give enough info for anyone to recommend a town for them. Or are you saying it's absurd that I might have a different opinion that you?

I think it's absurd to eliminate out-of-hand West Hartford and Glastonbury in making recommendations to a newcomer in the area.

I may like Vernon, but its not going to be my first recommendation to a newcomer.

[Tomhpo]

I'm going by the 30 minute commute max. Really only Glastonbury and west Hartford all lie within that travel time to downtown Hartford. And given the long term investment horizon noted, west Hartford is probably the safe bet. That town is making great decisions and is very well managed with an eye toward long term growth. It's also likely to offer good access to the upcoming rail line, which will change things in the Hartford area. Towns without good access (Farmington valley) will lose out a bit to those with better access.

[Tomhpo]

Oh, and I guess south Windsor is also an option. But I don't really know much about it.