[MsBerry]

Hi there!

I'm relocating to the Hartford area from Philadelphia/Wilmington. I've checked out some other posts on this board, but I could use some advice on where to rent.

My SO and I are a couple years out of college, and looking for a place that's close to restaurants, bars, shops, etc. We'd prefer walking distance, but don't mind a short drive if it meant we'd be close to parks and outdoor space.

West Hartford seems like it'd fit the bill, but all the rentals we've seen are older houses. We'd love to live in a place that's newer, with nicer amenities - maybe a pool, fitness center, balconies, and so on - and so we're looking at several apartments in the Cromwell/Middletown area (I think it's referred to as "Westlake" - Chesnut Hill, Windshire Terrace.)

Although I know downtown Hartford is in the midst of a revitalization, most apartments we've looked at have had bad parking situations (and the ones that have good parking are just too pricey, a la Hartford 21.)

In Glastonbury, there didn't seem to be much of a "downtown" area (at least that we saw, we could have been looking down the wrong streets.) Middletown seemed like it had a cute main drag by the river, but not a lot of nicer apartments. We haven't been able to look at Rocky Hill yet - what's the young professional scene like down there?

Anyhow - I'd appreciate any advice! Are my impressions correct, do you think? Let me know...

[AmyBergquist]

Depending on your rental amount, you might want to check out the Lofts at Blue Back Square. Welcome to Blue Back Square I just went there on Friday with a client relocating from out of state. The units are small and expensive, but you're in the heart of Blue Back, so you can walk to everything. I'm not sure how much space you need. Rents range from $1600ish and up. It includes a family membership to the New York Sports Club just down the block. Parking in the garage is also included.

The Hawthorne at Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield may be another option. Hawthorne Apartments, Bloomfield, CT : reviews It's not really walkable, but it has the pool, fitness center, etc. that you mentioned. It's a 10 minute drive to West Hartford Center. Rentals there start at about $1300/month.

Finally, you might want to try Craigslist to see if you could get a condo rental at either the Hampshire House or the Bishop. Both are smaller condo complexes within walking distance to West Hartford Center. They each have pools and fitness rooms.

Downtown Hartford is also a good option, but it sounds like you've explored that already.

[hfd]

If you are working downtown, you might want to consider living there. There are pros and cons to Downtown and West Hartford Center. Both have several really good restaurants

1. Downtown: it has more young professionals, probably because there are nightclubs and bars. Ever since the University of Hartford opened housing down it definitely has a younger feel. There are also plenty of restaurants, and there are concerts and games at the XL Center. You will also find three theaters downtown, although no movie theater. There is more outdoor things to do than in West Hartford Center. There are jazz nights at Bushnell Park, the carousel, political rallies, parades, and the riverfront. There is also the Hartford Marathon, the Convention Center (boat shows, etc.) There are also newer apartments downtown and more coming. In terms of parking there are plenty of garages and some have decent monthly rates. You also might want to check some of the condo complexes (the Bushnell, the Linden) that have some unadvertised rentals. They have garages. Nice places. On the con side, there are only a few places to buy clothing downtown, no full scale grocery store (one is being built at Hartford 21) but there are plenty of places to buy essentials and there is a drug store. There are hair salons, a dry cleaner, a photo shop, a cigar shop, etc. There are three health clubs. The train station is right downtown also along with plenty of churches. During the day downtown is jammed with corporate professionals, which makes for some pretty good happy hours.

2. West Hartford Center doesn't have any of the city riff raff , and has a more suburban upscale feel. There are plenty of restaurants, but not any real young people bars. Certainly more shopping, and there is a full scale supermarket. There is a movie theater. Many of the apartments with the exception of the new lofts are in homes and tend to be older. One of the biggest complaints from people looking to buy near the Center are the houses are smaller, and on small lots. There is also no overnight street parking for guests so make sure you rent a place with extra parking. As for outdoor activity Except walking the sidewalks, there really is no downtown park or green. Elizabeth Park is about 2 miles away as is the Reservoir. West Hartford has a really cool looking development called Blue Black Square with stores.

Should point out that neither place has any of the major stores like Macy's, etc. You have to drive to the mall for that. Both downtown and West Hartford have chains: Hartford: Dunkin Donuts, Mortons, Starbucks West Hartford: Cheesecake Factory. Moe's Southwest Grill, Starbucks.

[JayCT]

MsBerry - The Westlake section of Middletown has a lot of apartments and condos for young professionals but really there is no place to walk to. It is a very suburban area. Downtown Middletown has a lot of nice shops and restaurants, but there are few upscale rentals like you describe. Not sure why some smart developer has not tried to provide this yet.

Glastonbury has a small downtown area centered generally around the triangle of Main Street, Hebron Avenue and New London Turnpike. This area has a number of stores including the new Whole Foods and some very ice restaurants but there are no real movie theaters or clubs. There are a couple of apartment complexes in this area that are within walking distance and I do know singles that live there.

Rocky Hill has a few complexes but none with the amenities nearby that you ae looking for. You are correct that there are not a lot of newer rentals in West Hartford or in most Connecticut towns for that matter. It is just the way it is here. Jay

[MsBerry]

Thanks so much for all the help! I am headed up this weekend to see some of these places for myself, so I'll report back with what I'm sure will be more questions.

Can't wait to call CT home

[Babydoll9983]

I'm 24 and live in Downtown Hartford by the Colt Gateway. I love it's location because it is relatively quite and is 20 min walk to downtown main st and the bars. It's a older area, so you may get lucky and find someone who has renovated. But, I would check out craigslist often and hope you get lucky. There are some really nice renovated places but the trick is to find them. Like, I know a guy who just bought a 2br place off congress st that foreclosed and I'm sure it's really nice inside. But if you want brand new, crisp stuff...you'll pay for it. Colt Gateway has nice lofts, but pricey.