New Haven vs New London (Groton, Stonington: relocating, military, apartments)

[movinverysoon]

I've read a bunch from this forum and all of your insights are helping me decide where to relocate to.

Based on the feedback on this forum, I think I have decided on relocating near the shore, somewhere between New London and New Haven.

Given the choices of those two towns and anything in between, which town would you recommend if you were:

a) Fresh out of college
b) Active in water sports and hiking
c) Looking for a relatively cheap place to live
d) Accepted to a job in New London
e) Looking for a hip/exciting community

Thanks for your input!

[skytrekker]

If working in New London- you might consider towns 15 miles to the west (Old Lyme/Old Saybrook) and to the east Stonington. Very pleasant Maritime towns, albeit on the sedate side. Actually Stonington is closer to Providence then New Haven. Providence is a college town with a young hip scene.

Since these are shoreline towns there are public beaches, and Marina's that will provide ample access to the water. State forests are also nearby in eastern Connecticut offering trails for hiking and also campsites.

The Connecticut shoreline will offer cheaper places to live in Groton, and New London; although the latter has some urban issues. Groton and New London will have the most rentals as well.

The other towns I named above are smaller but also much more attractive places to live- but have less apartments- although single family homes may be found for rent- but prices are likely not 'Cheap'.

Finding 'Exciting and Hip' communities in South eastern Connecticut might be called an oxymoron. Groton has a fair number of bars and clubs due to the Military base in town- and New London has some interesting watering holes as well. The nearby Casinos offer entertainment way beyond gambling, that can be described as fabulous- from shopping to fine dining and big name entertainment.

[JayCT]

I agree with Skytrekker, you are not going to find much that is "hip and exciting" in southeastern Connecticut. These are generally small towns and cities and do not have the excitement a young person may be looking for. That said, there is the exciting nightlife at the casinos which are a short drive from New London. In addition to gambling, there are great restaurants and nightclubs there and there is always some sort of entertainment being offered. For less expensive places to live, look in New London or Groton, but be aware that there are some problem areas that you may not want to consider. I hope this helps. Jay