Thoughts, questions, suggestions about moving to Hartford, Connecticut.... (New Haven, New Britain: real estate, condo)

[aquafit2]

This past weekend my husband and I came to Hartford for a job interview. I wanted to throw some thoughts and questions out to you all who seem to have lots of ideas and answers! (P.S. we currently live in Tampa (Valrico) Florida and have been here for 8 years. Prior to that we have lived in Louisville, KY. San Antonio, TX. Phoenix, Az. Salt Lake City, UT. and Greeley, Colo.)

First impressions:

1-) The airport is ugly on the outside...
2-) The land is beautiful, lots of trees and open spaces...
3-) The roads are narrow.
4-) The people were friendly ( I wasn't expecting that).
5-) The views were spectacular!
6-) We liked the west side best ( Avon, Simsbury, Canton)

Ok now here is where your expertise will come in handy...

If my husband gets a job offer how much of an income increase is he going to need to keep us at least an the same level economically as we are in Florida.

What kinds of things do you have to pay monthly....(ie)
pest control, lawn care, etc...... Do you have soft or hard water?

Also what do you do for entertainment.... No professional sports....

Thanks!!

Ellen

[skytrekker]

Sorry you hated the airport in Windsor locks (BDL) inside it is very nice.

On your questions. Housing prices here vary- the area you like will be higher then east of the Connecticut river --places like South Windsor -a very nice town- consider Glastonbury also east of the river- still slightly less then the towns you mentioned- and with as much panache and appeal. Tolland county, in eastern CT is very popular now and is just as 'pretty' and more rural- with as much charm-towns like Tolland, Stafford Springs, Coventry offer much- and are cheaper then Avon and Simsbury.

Have you considered West Hartford? Wonderful town also. Back east of the river, Marlborough is wonderful as well and also Hebron.

Housing costs east of the CT river will be closer to Tampa, then the areas you mentioned. Pest control here is not a major issue since we still have enough cold in the winter to destroy their eggs. For lawn care- once in the spring, and again in the autumn is enough. Water quality here via the MDC and Connecticut water Company is soft and excellent. Well water varies.

Entertainment- Hartford excels in the visual and performing arts- ranked 25th best metro area in the USA and Canda- plus New Haven 35 miles away offers much. Greater Hartford has world renowned art museums, the Hartford Stage Company, The Connecticut Opera, The Hartford Symphony, Goodspeed Opera and more. Professional sports include the Baseball minor league team the New Britain Rock Cats- the PGA Tournament in Cromwell, UCONN football and basketball (men & women)---plus close by the Red Sox in Boston, the Yankees and Mets in New York- plus the Patriots and Giants and Celtics.......

[AmyBergquist]

Here is some info on current inventory levels for the Farmington Valley and the towns you mentioned... Greater Hartford Real Estate Blog » Blog Archive » Farmington Valley Real Estate Report

Also, here's a look at how last year ended for the Farmington Valley. Things aren't too different now... Greater Hartford Real Estate Blog » Blog Archive » Farmington Valley Residential Year in Review

If you have specific questions, just let me know.

[aquafit2]

Thank you so much for the very useful information!

I had another question I forgot to ask. What is the general attitude toward Hartford Hospital. Does it have a good reputation etc......
We live near a hospital that I wouldn't take my dog to LOL!!!!

Thanks!

[TiZZ]

Hartford Hospital is where people go to die.

Chose Saint Francis hospital

[skytrekker]

Hartford Hospital is an excellent medical center- as is St. Francis- the differences are small.

[aquafit2]

I thought of another question....

How much do state income taxes eat up of your check?

Let's say on a $500,000.00 salary for instance..

Are there local and county taxes as well?

Thanks!

[skytrekker]

There are no county taxes in Connecticut. Local taxes-the town you reside in- will be real estate- your home; and motor vehicles (trucks, auto's motorcycles) Obviously newer and more expensive cars/SUV's/ trucks will be taxed higher.

A new Honda Accord on average will cost about $600 a year for taxes-some towns will be higher, some less.

Each town in Connecticut has varying tax rates; a house/condo or auto is taxed according to the towns 'mill rate'. A larger home- will be taxed more then a smaller home. On average a 2000 square foot home here; taxes a year will vary from $4000-6000.

There is a state income tax of 4.5%- there is a state sales tax of 6%. Groceries are not taxed, nor are drugs. Clothes and shoes are tax free up to $50.00-

[Rich Lee]

Most groceries aren't taxed. But take it from someone with a sweettooth, cookies, candy, cake, and ice cream are.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by TiZZ

Hartford Hospital is where people go to die.

Chose Saint Francis hospital

My vote would be for Hartford Hospital. The latter one is affiliated with a religious denomination...