[AnneConstance]

My fiance and I grew up in a small town (population 4,000) in CT and moved 4 years ago to where he was stationed in the military in VA Beach. Now he's a law enforcement officer and we're looking to move back to the northeast to a smaller, more family-oriented place...Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, MAYBE parts of east-central New York and MAYBE parts of southern New Hampshire. Here are our desired specifics:

1. Between rural and suburban, not too bare but not too industrial.
2. Good schools.
3. A nice downtown with some little shops/cafes/restaurants.
4. Roads that can be walked by us and/or our children ultimately without fear.
5. Must be NO more than 2 hours from Chester CT.
6. A good family town with nice neighborhoods.
7. Decent, newer houses that are under $400k.
8. Preferably within 20-30 minutes of a bigger town/city that my fiance can work in that's not TOO dangerous, but with plenty for him to do.

I know what you're thinking...this is probably hard to find, but if anyone has any info that might help me, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[mels]

Colchester may be a good fit for you. It is within reasonable commuting distance to Hartford, New London, and Middletown for your husband's work needs. The center of town has some shops, a Starbucks, grocery store, restaurants, etc. but is still small town-ish.

[M.Ave]

Madison. It's twenty minutes from New Haven, forty from Hartford, twenty to New London. The downtown is small, cozy, a million coffee shops, etc. Awesome school system (one of the best in the state) and has plenty of neighborhoods. Fear is not even an issue in Madison, as the crime rate is virtually non-existent. If Madison's above your price range, try Guilford. Same deal, just a little less uppity and the school system isn't quite as good.

[AnneConstance]

I LOVE both of those towns... my parents grew up in Guilford and my grandparents still live there, and I have friends and godparents that live in Madison... both of those places are pretty expensive, that's the only problem. Anything anyone can think of that's similar that isn't as expensive?

[skytrekker]

Well east of the Connecticut river, into Tolland and county. Coventry, Bolton, Tolland, Stafford, Willington, and over into Windham and New London Counties, Ashford, Putnam, Lebanon. Home prices in these regions will be the lowest in the state.

[ronson]

Try Southbury, or I would agree that New London County would be more affordable, but Southbury has some decent schools and is 30 mins to several good Police Departments for your husband to apply to in neighboring towns.

[JayCT]

Anything along the coast will be pricey and finding new homes for under $400k may be difficult. I agree that Colchester might be a good choice. It is rural but has a nice dowtown and there is some newer housing in your price range. Another option may be Hebron. There is a new development called Loveland Farms that is new and reasonably priced. Great little town with very good schools. Hope this helps, Jay

[AnneConstance]

I've decided that I LOVE the idea of Colchester - it's perfect in every way! The only problem my fiance has with it is that it might be TOO close to our parents, you know how that is... but I figure 37 minutes away from them is decent, and the only OTHER thing he wants is to be less than 15 minutes away from a store/gas station that is open 24 hours. Is this possible? I need to convince him! Haha.

[JayCT]

Gas stations with stores being opened 24 hours are common in more developed areas but I am not sure about Colchester. There should at least be one. There is a Super Stop & Shop there but I do not think it is open 24 hours. Most now are not open the entire time. Jay

[nico7]

Originally Posted by M.Ave

Same deal, just a little less uppity and the school system isn't quite as good.

What evidence is there to indicate that Madison outperforms Guilford -- SAT, CAPT, CT mastery tests, college admission rates? I just want to know what the basis is for that statement.

Thank you for any reply.