[ladydyana]

Looking to purchase a relatively inexpensive home within 45-60 minute drive to Southbury....I notice that New Britain always comes up in the searches I do for homes well under 200K.

I am a single white female in mid fifties, used to being on my own and caring for a house, and would like a bit more information about the demographics, safety of the area, etc. than I can find on the data portion of this site.

Sooooo,,,,,do tell......what you know about the town and if it is an area I should consider. Schools are not a concern, but proximity to a larger city, good drs and hospital, is.

Thanks

[JayCT]

New Britain is a small city and has some issues that you typically find in an urban area. There are many nice areas and some bad ones. I am sure you will get responses on which are good. I will say that the city has a nice smaller hospital and is accessible to Hartford. Jay

[skytrekker]

As Jay has said New Britain as a post industrial age city has had to redefine itself from its past which had an economy based on manufacturing. The city has some gritty areas, and other sections that are nice neighborhoods with nice affordable homes that have hard working people of many interesting backgrounds.

The city traditionally had a large Polish Population (which it still does) along with Armenian ,French Canadian, Russian and others. In recent years there has been an influx of Latino's.

The town has the State University (Central) which has a nice campus and adds greatly to the city. The New Britain Museum of American art is one of the best in the nation.

There are some excellent ethnic restaurants-especially those offering cuisine from central and eastern Europe. The city has some issues, that it is trying to overcome.

[robertpolyglot]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

The city traditionally had a large Polish Population (which it still does) along with Armenian ,French Canadian, Russian and others. In recent years there has been an influx of Latino's.

What about Italians? Man, my parents knew so many Italians that were raised in New Britain after their parents came over on one boat or another.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by robertpolyglot

What about Italians? Man, my parents knew so many Italians that were raised in New Britain after their parents came over on one boat or another.

oops I forgot the Italians!! Just an oversight.

[ladydyana]

Thank you.....I did some further research on this board, and found some pix taken by a member, which pretty much dissuaded me from settling in NB....I appreciate the honesty as well as the good photography.

I have posted before, and was told that the Valley area is nice, and will be concentrating my search this week in Naugatuck....I know it is a smaller city, and the
prices are not bad.

Bristol, I understand has very high taxes, so that is not an option....what else can you recommend within 45-60 mins to Southbury, where my elderly Dad is??

[skytrekker]

Southington just west on I 84 and closer to Southbury then NB would be a great choice. Housing prices would be slightly higher- but you would be able to find a beautiful townhouse for under 200K.