[glowbug]

Hello,

I am interested in small New England towns, specifically in Connecticut, and what it is like to live in one (I know they're all unique but I'm interested in generalities of small towns.) I have spent most of my life in cities with over a million people. The smallest place (in terms of population) I've ever lived was just under 100,000 people so I don't even have a concept of what it's like to live outside of a city.

At what point (population size) do you start to feel like you're in a small town/community? How small does a town have to be before everyone knows everyone else by name and knows everyone else's business? I've also heard that people drive slower in small towns vs. big cities. Is this usually the case? Everywhere I've lived people drive like maniacs (if there is open road, they take advantage of it by speeding) although they were definitely slower in the city I lived in with only 100,000 people but that might have been a coincidence.

I'm also interested in the differences between living in a town of 5,000 people vs. 10,000 people vs. 20,000. Also, is there a difference between 3,000 and 5,000 or 5,000 and 7,000? If so, how is it different? All seem small to me but I'm guessing 20,000 is probably more like a small city but, again, I'm not sure. Thanks in advance for any help.

(When I give a population size, I mean approximate size.)

[skytrekker]

Usually in Connecticut from my own observations, small towns can be described as those with under 6,000 population. Some of these towns may have well defined centers or not. at 6-12,000 towns like Essex, Putnam, Tolland, Saybrook offer small town ambiance, with nice amenities. In the case of Essex, Tolland and Putnam interstates are not close by, and traffic is light.

Towns over 20,000 people will take on a more suburban nature, although New Canaan and Ridgefield have maintained their unique New England charm and village like atmosphere.

Towns under 5,000 usually have a very rural persona- with a tiny center, with a general store and the like.

[sgfludd]

I had a small town experience in Rowayton today - very, charming.

[andthentherewere3]

Rowayton isn't really a town, though. Just a section of Norwalk, which is a fairly large city. That said, I agree, I do love Rowayton.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

Rowayton isn't really a town, though, just a section of Norwalk, which is a fairly large city.

I almost posted this as well.

[Erin1264]

You will also find that the smaller towns don't have stores or restaurants and very few traffic lights (ie: Eastford, Woodstock, Pomfret, Ashford, etc.)

So that means you are traveling to get groceries and commuting longer to work.

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by Erin1264

You will also find that the smaller towns don't have stores or restaurants and very few traffic lights (ie: Eastford, Woodstock, Pomfret, Ashford, etc.)

So that means you are traveling to get groceries and commuting longer to work.

Not really-there is plenty of shopping in Putnam-Super Stop & Shop, a Walmart, etc. Putnam has some excellent 3-4 star non chain restaurants and coffee shops. The commute to other areas for work will be longer, depending on where you are employed.

[jjbradleynyc]

I think CT is somewhat different than other states' definitions of "small towns." Examples are mostly the layout and appearance of many of the towns. I'm from the south, and most downtowns of small towns are never really that dense, or that condensed into a few blocks. Usually, unless the town is of a "historic value," or is a tourist area, the downtown of the town is spread out and there isn't much of a "downtown" to the town. Most towns are strip malls, and businesses lined up next to highways and streets, in no particular method. It's a sad, but mostly uniform case that has caused small towns in the US to become very sterilized and generic.
However, that being said, CT and most of New England, have managed to keep their downtowns very dense, very lively, and super charming. Take a look at New Canaan (granted it's very wealthy), Westport, Ridgefield, and Darien. All relatively wealthy, but their charm of a small town, with dense downtown centers and intact architecture are examples of how small towns once were, and should continue to be.

[Erin1264]

My point exactly. If you live in Woodstock, Eastford or Pomfret, you need to go to Putnam to shop. They each have their charming restaurants, but not a lot of variety (the Harvest isn't a place you are going to go every time you go out to eat).


Quote:
Originally Posted by Erin1264 View Post
You will also find that the smaller towns don't have stores or restaurants and very few traffic lights (ie: Eastford, Woodstock, Pomfret, Ashford, etc.)

So that means you are traveling to get groceries and commuting longer to work.
Not really-there is plenty of shopping in Putnam-Super Stop & Shop, a Walmart, etc. Putnam has some excellent 3-4 star non chain restaurants and coffee shops. The commute to other areas for work will be longer, depending on where you are employed