[aughraseye]

Hello,

I am a 20-something female with two children (5 and 2), and I'm thinking of moving to New Haven to attend college. I've been trying to research elementary schools online, but I'm not sure where to start. Can anyone give advice on good public/magnet/charter schools in New Haven and/or surrounding neighborhoods? Also, where are good areas to live with small children?

Thanks!

[JayCT]

You can check schools in New Haven by reviewing the Strategic Profiles on the State Department of Education web site. Jay

http://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/d...607/SCHOOL.HTM

[RDeemy]

For the most part, New Haven is scary and their schools leave much to be desired. See if you can live in a town just outside of the city, Woodbridge maybe? Good luck!

Renee

[nhctguy]

I partly agree with the above in that New Haven schools are usually not very good. One exception that I know of is the Hooker Elementary school, which has a very good reputation.

New Haven isn't scary though. Yes, there are many seedy neighborhoods but you will find that in any city. I simply don't go to those areas - problem solved. Don't be scared by people whose only knowledge of New Haven is what they see on the local news.

[aughraseye]

Thank you, these responses are very helpful. I hear conflicting things about the safety/niceness of New Haven and the surrounding areas, so I'm not sure yet what to think. I'm sure it comes down to personal preference, comfort, and experience.

First, I grew up in a "large city" (Phoenix, AZ, in quotes because it's physically but not socially a large city) and so am not overly concerned with a city environment, with typical "nice areas" and "not-so-nice" areas. I consider the news to be sensational fear-mongering so it wouldn't factor into my perception of the city.

Second, I still live in Arizona, and the schools here are worst in the nation. So even if the schools in New Haven "aren't that great," chances are they are leaps and bounds better than the schools here. I know that CT's schools are 3rd in the nation, so even if they are slightly below that average, I will be satisfied.

I have read that East Rock, Hamden, and Milford are nice areas, and I'll check those out when I visit. Also, I do have a car so commuting is an option as long as it's convenient (i.e. near the freeway, not more than 30 minutes or so).

What would be perfect for me: Culture, diversity, people who are friendly yet who will give you space, a liberal, academic environment, awesome food, reasonable nice housing (I pay $920/month for a 2bd/2ba new apartment here in AZ), places to walk/explore (parks, woods, downtown areas, etc), and a good school for my kids to attend. What are my chances in New Haven?

[JayCT]

I don't think you will find a new 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in the New Haven area for $920 per month. It would be more like $1500 or more. The towns mentioned, Milford and Hamden are very nice and would have better schools. Good luck, Jay

[TheseGoTo11]

Originally Posted by aughraseye

I know that CT's schools are 3rd in the nation, so even if they are slightly below that average, I will be satisfied.

CT might be 3rd statewide, but New Haven schools are far worse than "slightly below average". The state ranking is pulled up by places like New Canaan, Greenwich, and Darien where the median home price is $2 million. The New Haven area might as well be a different state than lower Fairfield County.

You really do not want to go near the NH school system. Hamden is right over the border, and Branford is 10 minutes away. You'll be much better off going to towns like those as others have suggested.

[aughraseye]

Hello, I'm back! I've done some research and now I am more familiar with the area. I am trying hard to find a rental in the Worthington Hooker school district in East Rock, but wow the rent is astronomical!! I am willing to pay extra for the location but I am still open to surrounding areas as well. I've been checking Hamden and Milford, and the rent there seems only more expensive.

Does anyone recommend any suburbs of New Haven or nearby towns (easy commute to Yale) that might be more affordable without sacrificing school quality? Moving across the country is immensely stressful and I appreciate any information that anyone is willing to offer.

[andthentherewere3]

Southwest Connecticut is very expensive. But I think there are some 2 bedroom apartments available in Hamden for around $900, I was just googling and came up with a few.

Another area you could try is "The Valley". Look into Shelton, Derby, Ansonia, or Seymour, they might have something in your price range. Your commute to Yale would be in the 20 minute range, depending on the town.

It may be a bit of a challenge finding a nice apartment in your price range near Yale. Maybe you could contact a realtor to help you? Also something else to consider, childcare in Connecticut is expensive.

Good luck, and welcome to Connecticut.

[JayCT]

You might check Hamden, North Haven or Wallingford for rents but I am not sure they will be less than New Haven. Jay