housing market in Mansfield/Storrs (Hartford, Tolland: budget, job, university)

[saharris]

We are looking at homes in the Storrs/Mansfield area. Does anyone know what the market is like there esp. in the area of list price to sales price? For example.. if a home is around 275,000 and priced pretty fairly, what would be the typical (I know there are a lot of factors involved) sales price?? Just trying to get an idea before we fly up there next weekend to look. And are people getting their money out of renovations typically? We saw an older home that was pretty much renovated (roof, windows...)and they are asking 70,000 more than what they paid for it less than 4 years ago... Is that high in the market now? I know that here they are saying that the renovations that we did to our home will probably just make it easier to sell more than add a ton of value to the house.

[skytrekker]

Eastern Connecticut is by far the most cost effective part of Connecticut. A home priced at 275K currently will come in with offers about 5-6% below the asking price. Much depends on the age of the home, neighborhood, town etc.

Basic home improvements in a kitchen or bath are always a good bet. Exotic expensive improvements in most cases will end up in the long run not worth the $$$$.

[Woodie]

Mansfield is somewhat higher in demand than surrounding towns, due to a combination of the University and the school system.

I know some other Aussies (been here close to 40 years) who live in town, however they'll be out of town this weekend.

Assuming at least one of you will be at the University, you may want to look at surrounding towns for slightly lower prices. School-age children will of course make a difference.

Commuting to the school can be challenging, since there are no multi-lane roads heading towards the campus. We looked at purchasing there about 6-8 years ago, but the location just wasn't right for us (too far from Hartford, and too close--my parents still live in Storrs!).

Good luck w/ your research trip!

[skytrekker]

The towns of Tolland, Stafford Springs, Coventry all have reasonable home prices, and are an easy commute to UCONN.

[saharris]

We had heard that Mansfield Schools were very good. We have children so schools are an issue. Any opinions on Coventry Schools vs. Mansfield Schools? I have looked at test data, and Mansfield is better in that area. My husband is a teacher and is looking for a teaching job in the area.

[skytrekker]

Actually Coventry schools are as good as Mansfield. Tolland also has excellent schools- the High School is highly rated.

[Woodie]

I would disagree with skytrekker...but just based on PERSONAL opinion, not recent test scores or anything objective! I completed high school in Storrs (1980s), and Coventry was definitely not as strong at that time.

Tolland schools have a better than average reputation. Note that Ashford and Willington send their students to Mansfield for high school. Regional School #19.

FWIW, it's exceedingly rare for Mansfield to vote down the school budget, which is NOT true for a number of towns in the area.

[JayCT]

Mansfield schools score higher on the Connecticut Mastery Tests than Coventry schools. Coventry High School though performs slightly higher on the Connecticut Academic Performance Tests than E.O. Smith (District 19) which is where high school students in Mansfield go. You can review the results and more in the links below. Jay

Strategic School Profiles by District

Strategic School Profiles by School

[skytrekker]

Jay is the school specialist here- I merely try my best...