Living in Wallingford, CT....we are from Princeton, NJ

[JayCT]

I saw that Catarino is building one house on Kinne right in the middle of the homes that were built by Toll Brothers. I have no idea why. The lot is owned by the original developer of the property (Hilltop Realty). I know Catarino had a relationship with them (Toll just bought the lots from this developer) and that is why they were able to build several homes around Toll's model home on the corner of New London Turnpike and Paxton. Catarino build a very nice house from what I have seen and it would certainly stand out from the red brick fronts that are common in Toll Brothers homes. It is a very nice area through IMHO. Jay

[sweetartisancakes]

I currently live in Meriden but spend some time in Wallingford. I also work in a real estate related field and have a good idea about the housing market in Wallingford. I also lived in Princeton Juction, NJ and spent lots of time in Princeton as I attended Westminter Choir College.

I think you will find that Princeton and Wallingford are quite similar in the general attitude of people. The prices of homes are similar and you shouldn't have trouble finding something in your price range, especially with the market the way it is right now. You might be able to buy something out of foreclosure for a good price, although Wallingford has not had as high a foreclosure rate as other towns in the state or even New Haven County.

Wallingford schools are probably quite similar to Princeton schools. My stepdaughter goes to school in Wallingford and has done quite well there. (When I lived in NJ, I nannied kids that went to West Windsor/Plainsboro schools and I know the programs in all schools in that area are great.) My husband and I also plan to move to Wallingford when we decide to buy a house because we love the town and know the schools are great for this area.

I think Choate Rosemary Hall (the prep school) makes things a little classier than other CT towns, and you would probably find it to be the same atmosphere as the Princeton area.

Oh, and Wallingford has its own electric company which makes the electric bills cheaper.

But don't forget about CT's high taxes... both property (including annual car taxes) and everything else.
I was in NJ last weekend and paid $3.55/gallon for gas and came back to CT and it was $3.99/gallon.

Good luck in your decision! Hope that helps!

[sweetartisancakes]

Oh, and I forgot to mention..
I have friends who currently live in Wallingford and live on the main street (East Center). They pay around $1000 a month not including any utilities (except water and garbage pickup) for a 2 bedroom in an OK house. A nicer place will run a little higher.

I forgot about Glastonbury...
Glastonbury seems to me to be a snobbier town. Wallingford is a bit more laid back. If you are used to the laid back Princeton students roaming around, then you might be more comfortable in Wallingford than in a place like Glastonbury or Cheshire, but it really depends on what you are looking for.
Having lived in both areas, I think you would be happy in Wallingford, but again, it depends on what you're looking for and the atmosphere to which you are accustomed.

As for the schools in other parts of CT...
West Hartford and Cheshire are two good ones..
Well, West Hartford schools are good if your kids are into music... Cheshire is the best for that, though.

P.S. If you move to CT and need any cakes, please look up SweetArtisan Cakes.... !

[junk2k06]

SweetArtisanCakes- thanks a ton for the info. Thing is that my interview is sheduled on next week and I will get first hand chance to visit Wallingford.

[skytrekker]

Junk

good luck in your interview. From my perspective Wallingford is a good choice- so is North Haven- The New England 'way of life' will differ from New Jersey- but you will find the quality of life laid back and pleasant if you do in fact move to the state.