[mandj]

I've lived in CT most of my life. My wife and I are about to purchase our first home but we're not sure where. I work at Bradley, but have connections at Waterbury/Oxford. We currently live in E. Windsor but our family is in and around Ansonia. We'd like to be a bit closer. I found a couple homes in Plainville and wanted a little insight to the town. We have a 2 year old. Our budget is around $150k. Its not a lot but at least my son gets to be raised by a parent and not a stranger. Bristol is sort of out. We've also got our eye on Winsted, I realize that they aren't too close to each other. Help.

[MuttMommy]

I grew up in Plainville and my parents were lifelong residents until a few years ago. And until a week ago, my mother worked for the town for almost 40 years and knows just about everyone and everything in Plainville (so I sort of do, too).

It's a nice, small town - there isn't much going on but it's a good community. I can't say how the schools are now but I have heard from friends that they are good - not the best but where parents are involved and people know each other.

Geographically, it's in a good location - close to Rt 72, Rt 9 & Rt 84. And they have some major chains like Old Navy and Kohls.

As a Realtor, I can tell you that price range, under $150k will be tough in Planville, unless you're open to a condo. Winsted will give you more options for single families but I don't know anything about the schools. I spent many summer vacations at Highland Lake and remember the town fondly but don't know much about it at any other time of the year.

I'll throw out one more town you might want to consider- Southington.

[JayCT]

In addition to Winsted, have you cosidered Torrington? It is a nice small city with affordable housing and it is as accessible to Bradley (or Waterbury-Oxford) as Winsted as well as to family in the lower Naugatuck River Valley. Jay

[davfar]

I can tell you that there are only TWO homes for sale in Plainville under $150k...one is 1/2 a duplex and the other needs to be gutted.

Winsted has 11 homes under $150k right now. FOUR are sold as is where is most likely meaning it needs work...ONE says enter at own risk...THREE are less than 400sq ft...ONE is under deposit...ONE is cash only...and the last one is decent.

[mbhoakct76]

I live here in winsted, i commute to waterbury daily. and my main reason for living here is when i was looking for a house - i had a few requirements such as a extra bedroom and a yard on a quiet street (not down town or the middle of the worste area of town). I found myself looking further and further north to find that and ended up here. I like the small town feel, the schools are pretty good overall with small classroom sizes and alot of one on one from teachers. Most of the neighborhoods are nicely kept with average middle class family people, and the house prices are reasonable for what you get. The taxes were very low in comparison up untill this year where they went up - but now the taxes are comprable to the rest of CT.
On the down fall there is no work in the area- but i dont mind the commute at all. As for shoping its a 10 minute drive to torrington or avon which is just far enough but yet again close . I also find it great having 2 dogs and kids to be able to take a 5 minute drive in any direction to a state park or wildlife protected area. As for night life - there isnt any but then again thats why i like the area. If its a small town feel your lookin for winsted is a good place.
torrington I also looked in and shop there regularly and although conveinant it just didnt have the privacy and neighborhood feel that i found here.

[sun]

Go to the Hartford newspaper website Courant.com and click on real estate and do a search on New Britain real estate. There's a mulitude of homes in your price range in nice neighborhoods if you really care to check them out.
New Britian is a nice affordable town. As a lifelong resident, feel free to DM me if you have any questions or concerns.