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So another one of these threads, I know. But I have done some research already.
Back in March my wife accepted a job in New Haven, where she started on 4/1. We are currently based in Central Mass. Wife leaves Sunday night, and comes back Thursday night, working from home on Fridays. Two kids, one in 2nd grade one in 3rd grade, so this way of life currently is not sustainable long term, and wife loves the new role, her employer loves her and has more or less guaranteed advancement if we move down permanently.
So we are looking to move in August, so the kids can start school in the beginning of the new school year.
We have narrowed the towns we are looking at to Bethany, Woodbridge, and Orange. Trumbull was in the running for a bit, but the housing market there is wicked over inflated. The market in these three towns seems light to be kind.
Based on where we are moving from, we will easily have 100K to put down on a house. We are pretty fond of what we have read about the Amity School system, which is another reason why we like the three towns above.
Wife has already looked at houses in Bethany, I get to make the trip down this weekend if the real estate agent can line things up. We looked at one in Woodbridge a month ago, but to close to RT 15 and no neighborhood. Would like to be able to walk a dog (dont have one, yet) and wave to neighbors.
I am looking for some more information on the three that I cannot find when looking at real estate websites. I have noticed that town water and sewer are out, along with trash pickup something I have always had. I have done some light research into well water, but I am interested in how that works, and how healthy it is for instance.
So what to look for? And I have been following this board from afar for two months now, so I dont need the regular talk on how high taxes are, so horrible with the Democrats in charge of anything, blah blah blah. Leave your political agenda aside and give me the down and dirty on the areas around New Haven from the people who live there every day.
Whats good, whats bad? Should we look elsewhere? Who should we avoid when it comes to housing/water/septic inspections, who should we use? How much to the prices run on these things? Are there good garages in the area to get cars worked on? Which cable companies to avoid? How is cell phone coverage? Does taking the train to NYC work from this area? New Haven more NYC or Mass? I think NYC, but need confirmation. (grew up in NJ so I am OK with that, spent last 21 years in Mass). Outside of spending some time in your casinos, the only time I ever go to Conn is to drive through it on my way to visit family in NJ.
So another one of these threads, I know. But I have done some research already.
Back in March my wife accepted a job in New Haven, where she started on 4/1. We are currently based in Central Mass. Wife leaves Sunday night, and comes back Thursday night, working from home on Fridays. Two kids, one in 2nd grade one in 3rd grade, so this way of life currently is not sustainable long term, and wife loves the new role, her employer loves her and has more or less guaranteed advancement if we move down permanently.
So we are looking to move in August, so the kids can start school in the beginning of the new school year.
We have narrowed the towns we are looking at to Bethany, Woodbridge, and Orange. Trumbull was in the running for a bit, but the housing market there is wicked over inflated. The market in these three towns seems light to be kind.
Based on where we are moving from, we will easily have 100K to put down on a house. We are pretty fond of what we have read about the Amity School system, which is another reason why we like the three towns above.
Wife has already looked at houses in Bethany, I get to make the trip down this weekend if the real estate agent can line things up. We looked at one in Woodbridge a month ago, but to close to RT 15 and no neighborhood. Would like to be able to walk a dog (dont have one, yet) and wave to neighbors.
I am looking for some more information on the three that I cannot find when looking at real estate websites. I have noticed that town water and sewer are out, along with trash pickup something I have always had. I have done some light research into well water, but I am interested in how that works, and how healthy it is for instance.
So what to look for? And I have been following this board from afar for two months now, so I dont need the regular talk on how high taxes are, so horrible with the Democrats in charge of anything, blah blah blah. Leave your political agenda aside and give me the down and dirty on the areas around New Haven from the people who live there every day.
Whats good, whats bad? Should we look elsewhere? Who should we avoid when it comes to housing/water/septic inspections, who should we use? How much to the prices run on these things? Are there good garages in the area to get cars worked on? Which cable companies to avoid? How is cell phone coverage? Does taking the train to NYC work from this area? New Haven more NYC or Mass? I think NYC, but need confirmation. (grew up in NJ so I am OK with that, spent last 21 years in Mass). Outside of spending some time in your casinos, the only time I ever go to Conn is to drive through it on my way to visit family in NJ.
Thank you for your help in advance.
Welcome to Connecticut !
I add North Haven, Milford, Branford to list let break down all these towns
Bethany is a nice town, and is considered rural in central part of state near Route 8 corridor. It means there are no big box stores or much in the way of commercial development and consists of mostly residential homes, it isn't like it is the middle of nowhere by any means. It is much less developed than other towns close by. The town is on septic and wells. Generally they don't pose any problem. Traffic is not bad to New Haven it around 25 mins to Downtown area. The population density is quite low, and life here is, for the most part, private.
Woodbridge is a rural, affluent suburb north of New Haven. It is a highly educated community (lots of doctors, lawyers, professors, teachers with high positions etc. It is known for being a very liberal, open minded town. If you have private lifestyle in a woodish neighborhood, Woodbridge is perfect.
North Haven it's a lovely town- very suburban, very stable, many people have family that has lived there for generations. Lots of shopping. Shopping area is off Universal Drive. They have Home Depot, Target, a Best Buy, Toys R'Us, plenty of restaurants, and a movie theater
Orange nice is town with suburban feel close to New Haven and close to metro NYC area
Milford is very suburban town outside its small downtown core, schools are okay it on Metro North Line to Grand Central, NYC and 12 minute drive to New Haven
Branford is a town with something for everyone, and it's safe with good schools.
New Haven is medium to large city in Connecticut but outside of the state it small city. The city is home to Yale University and several other colleges. Downtown area is quite nice and vibrant for city it size. New Haven has reputation for high crime rates but mostly in some parts of city like Fair Haven, Dixwell, Newhallville, The Hill. The nice areas in are Wooster Square, East Rock, Downtown, East Shore. The schools have typical inner city issues but crime been declining pass four years in the city.
New Haven have Union Station downtown it last stop on Metro North for trains west of Stamford. Metro North goes to NYC, Amtrak also stop in New Haven bound for Washington D.C, Boston, few trains to Vermont. Metro North take 1 hour 40 mins to Grand Central, Manhattan with all stops Milford, West Haven, Fairfield County, Harlem 125 Street. Driving to NYC is 1 hour 10 min with no traffic but I-95 traffic when you hit Bridgeport, Fairfield area can be brutal during rush hour there random slow downs during day.
All those towns mention before within 15-20 mins from New Haven you want to live .
What about Milford or East of New Haven. Feel the Eastern towns offer more of a walkable suburban community feel. Look at Guilford, Branford, Madison, and Old Saybrook areas.
Amity schools are very good so it is understandable that you like them. Woodbridge and Bethany are more rural in character (large lots) which is why there aren't city water and sewers. Orange though is more suburban and parts of it do have these. If having these iare important, you might want to stick with Orange.
Well water and septic systems are perfectly acceptable as long as they are maintained. The well pump needs to have been serviced and the septic tank pumped. Be sure to ask for proof if this and to have the systems inspected and tested. Garbage is easy since there are private companies that will do it.
I think you and your wife need to tour these towns to get a feel for them and decide which you like best.
The area does tend to be more New York oriented but is not really that reliant on it. New Haven is a small independent city with its own feel but it is easy to catch a train into New York almost any time of day. You could do this in New Haven, West Haven or Milford. Good luck with your search and welcome to Connecticut. Jay
Sounds like Orange might be your best bet. Lots are smaller and it's got more of a neighborhood vibe than the more rural and isolated feeling Woodbridge and Bethany. The high school is in Woodbridge, so that's something to consider for school commuting in the future.
One thing to consider is future job security. Much of the growth and prosperity in the state is centered in lower Fairfield County. Being commutable to Norwalk/Stamford is a big selling point. That's why you're finding Trumbull to be so pricey, and is why towns like Milford continue to grow, despite being in New Haven county.
I would throw Branford, Madison, Guilford, North Haven, Shelton, and Milford into the mix. Reasons below:
Branford: nice mix of a great walkable downtown and a big variety of areas with distinct character. Beautiful coastline with the Thimble Islands. Good variety of shopping and dining. Nice community feel. Good performing schools.
Guilford/Madison: lumping these together since they have similar characteristics. Picture perfect downtowns. Historic homes. Gorgeous coastline and beaches. Excellent rated schools. These are my personal favorite towns in the state. Only downside is they're a bit removed from job centers, but easily commutable to New Haven.
North Haven: an affordable suburban option with good schools. Commutable to Hartford as a plus.
Milford: for more of that close knit, know-your-neighbors feel, Milford might be ideal. Lower property tax than nearby Orange. A well-run town with taxes actually going down this year, a rarity in CT, and was the 2nd fastest growing city in CT the past year. With those low taxes comes trash, single steam recycling, and city sewer. As well as bulk trash pickup twice a year, Christmas tree pickup/recycling, etc. Great shoreline/beaches, charming walkable downtown, a wide range of neighborhoods and housing, tons of shopping/dining, parks and sports facilities, train direct to NYC, and good performing schools that seem to be improving over time. Tons of events and activities for families. I live here and love it (hence the extra detail) and would not want to live anywhere else in the immediate area. For me to move it would have to be Fairfield, Westport, etc. and they are much more expensive. My friends in town are all working professionals, with and without kids, and love it. Of course if you're in Orange you can take advantage of what Milford offers regularly,
Shelton: very well rounded town with low taxes and good schools. Huntington area is a bit more rural in character but very nice.
Great mechanic would be Over the Edge in Orange.
I use Optimum for Internet and it's fast and reliable. I have Verizon and there's very few areas I don't get service.
@ OP: you should provide more info, such as house budget, your job, maximum commute your wife is willing to do. You should even specify if your wife's job is within walking distance from New Haven's two train stations.
Sounds like Orange might be your best bet. Lots are smaller and it's got more of a neighborhood vibe than the more rural and isolated feeling Woodbridge and Bethany. The high school is in Woodbridge, so that's something to consider for school commuting in the future.
One thing to consider is future job security. Much of the growth and prosperity in the state is centered in lower Fairfield County. Being commutable to Norwalk/Stamford is a big selling point. That's why you're finding Trumbull to be so pricey, and is why towns like Milford continue to grow, despite being in New Haven county.
I would throw Branford, Madison, Guilford, North Haven, Shelton, and Milford into the mix. Reasons below:
Branford: nice mix of a great walkable downtown and a big variety of areas with distinct character. Beautiful coastline with the Thimble Islands. Good variety of shopping and dining. Nice community feel. Good performing schools.
Guilford/Madison: lumping these together since they have similar characteristics. Picture perfect downtowns. Historic homes. Gorgeous coastline and beaches. Excellent rated schools. These are my personal favorite towns in the state. Only downside is they're a bit removed from job centers, but easily commutable to New Haven.
North Haven: an affordable suburban option with good schools. Commutable to Hartford as a plus.
Milford: for more of that close knit, know-your-neighbors feel, Milford might be ideal. Lower property tax than nearby Orange. A well-run town with taxes actually going down this year, a rarity in CT, and was the 2nd fastest growing city in CT the past year. With those low taxes comes trash, single steam recycling, and city sewer. As well as bulk trash pickup twice a year, Christmas tree pickup/recycling, etc. Great shoreline/beaches, charming walkable downtown, a wide range of neighborhoods and housing, tons of shopping/dining, parks and sports facilities, train direct to NYC, and good performing schools that seem to be improving over time. Tons of events and activities for families. I live here and love it (hence the extra detail) and would not want to live anywhere else in the immediate area. For me to move it would have to be Fairfield, Westport, etc. and they are much more expensive. My friends in town are all working professionals, with and without kids, and love it. Of course if you're in Orange you can take advantage of what Milford offers regularly,
Shelton: very well rounded town with low taxes and good schools. Huntington area is a bit more rural in character but very nice.
Great mechanic would be Over the Edge in Orange.
I use Optimum for Internet and it's fast and reliable. I have Verizon and there's very few areas I don't get service.
I like Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Old Lyme, East Lyme it have New England feel to it less than NYC centric but it further out of region for OP
Have to agree on taking a look at Branford Madison and Guilford my favorite area in the Hew Haven metro area. I love all the town's on the shore East of New Haven, but 95 can make for an annoying commute the further out you get.
New Haven has more of an NYC influence, the influence stretches pretty far into the state as far up as Meridan and as far East as New Haven.
Have to agree on taking a look at Branford Madison and Guilford my favorite area in the Hew Haven metro area. I love all the town's on the shore East of New Haven, but 95 can make for an annoying commute the further out you get.
New Haven has more of an NYC influence, the influence stretches pretty far into the state as far up as Meridan and as far East as New Haven.
Meriden has no connection to Fairfield County/NYC. Greenwich to New Haven lesser extended up to Danbury area
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