[masssachoicetts]

Originally Posted by JayCT

New York City “blah”. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that one. If you can’t find things to do there than you have got a problem. I’d take New York over Boston in a heartbeat. New York is easier to get around. It’s mostly laid out in a grid that’s easy to follow. Much of Boston is a maze of what was once horse paths so they go all over the place. When we have family from out of town or out of the country come, they want to go to New York. They couldn’t care less about Boston. And we have no shortage of things to do there.

Your family might find New York intimidating. It can seem overwhelming. We have friends from Massachusetts that felt that way so they would go to Boston. We took them to New York a couple of times and now that they know the city a little, they go all the time. They haven’t been to Boston in years. Jay

I'm not making this a NY vs Boston debate at all. My mom was based in LGA for 12 years lol not too long ago. My family , who live in CT, some work in or out of NYC. It's just preference. Boston is quainter, cleaner, calmer, less expensive and has more traditional restaurants for them to attend with familiarity. Which I totally understand, I'm much more of a Boston person than NYC due to the vibes and I just like it better. It's all person dependent.I live in Jersey too, were very familiar with NYC.

New York is great for a lot of people, no doubt. But at the end of the day it's purely preference overall. It's about half and half whether you like it or don't. Like everywhere else.

NYC might come in handy to meet halfway. It would literally take 2 hours for them to drive in, as if would take me about that to get to Manhattan via walk->NJ Transit, and so forth.

But Instead of making this NYC vs Boston, I think we are straying from the opportunity to hear about valuable New Haven and Hartford experiences and suburbs.

Also if it helps, I have 86 first cousins where a majority live in or around Boston ... Near their parents lol. That's a big reason to be close as well. Everyone in my family has retracted back over the years.

*Note when I say Boston I am referring to it's Greater Area as well. Like Gloucester, Rockport, Wellesley, Hingham, etc)

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by masssachoicetts

I'm not making this a NY vs Boston debate at all. My mom was based in LGA for 12 years lol not too long ago. My family , who live in CT, some work in or out of NYC. It's just preference. Boston is quainter, cleaner, calmer, less expensive and has more traditional restaurants for them to attend with familiarity. Which I totally understand, I'm much more of a Boston person than NYC due to the vibes and I just like it better. It's all person dependent.I live in Jersey too, were very familiar with NYC.

New York is great for a lot of people, no doubt. But at the end of the day it's purely preference overall. It's about half and half whether you like it or don't. Like everywhere else.

NYC might come in handy to meet halfway. It would literally take 2 hours for them to drive in, as if would take me about that to get to Manhattan via walk->NJ Transit, and so forth.

But Instead of making this NYC vs Boston, I think we are straying from the opportunity to hear about valuable New Haven and Hartford experiences and suburbs.

Also if it helps, I have 86 first cousins where a majority live in or around Boston ... Near their parents lol. That's a big reason to be close as well. Everyone in my family has retracted back over the years.

*Note when I say Boston I am referring to it's Greater Area as well. Like Gloucester, Rockport, Wellesley, Hingham, etc)

86 first cousins, my God, where did those parents find the time? they probably didn't even know where they were half the time. Did they ever stop to notice or realize they even lived near Boston

[The_Quiet_One]

I think they'd be happier in the Hartford area. Their money will go further there. Yes, there are wonderful, quaint towns on the shoreline near New Haven, but those areas are also expensive. Same with the safe, walkable areas of New Haven. Keep in mind, Hartford and New Haven are not far at all, so they can take advantage of the cultural attractions of both. Both also have good local restaurants. Hartford is closer to the Berkshires.

I really think they should consider the center of Windsor. It's walkable to amenities and has an Amtrak station. It's perfect for the occasional train to NYC and an easy drive to Boston (or a suburban T station to park at). The cultural attractions of Hartford are minutes away. Springfield and New Haven aren't very far either and are connected to Windsor by commuter rail.

You also brought up Manchester, which would also work, but I prefer Windsor.

You also said they were considering Newington. I'd sub Wethersfield in for Newington. Wethersfield is right next to Newington and I find it more walkable. Both are nice places to live, though.

One more town I'll suggest, which hasn't been brought up yet, is Plainville. It's sort of a forgotten suburb of Hartford but I feel can be a wildcard here. It has a walkable center (granted not much there, but there are some restaurants). It's very affordable and very safe. There are many condos within walking distance of the center. It's a quick drive to Amtrak. It's right next to New Britain.

[masssachoicetts]

Originally Posted by SteveM85

86 first cousins, my God, where did those parents find the time? they probably didn't even know where they were half the time. Did they ever stop to notice or realize they even lived near Boston

Good point. Most on one side are pretty well to do around the Sharon, Dover, and Wellesley suburbs. 15 kids made 47 on one side. 8 kids on the other side made 36 with 3 adoptions. Big family so proximity would be preferred lol.

[masssachoicetts]

Originally Posted by The_Quiet_One

I think they'd be happier in the Hartford area. Their money will go further there. Yes, there are wonderful, quaint towns on the shoreline near New Haven, but those areas are also expensive. Same with the safe, walkable areas of New Haven. Keep in mind, Hartford and New Haven are not far at all, so they can take advantage of the cultural attractions of both. Both also have good local restaurants. Hartford is closer to the Berkshires.

I really think they should consider the center of Windsor. It's walkable to amenities and has an Amtrak station. It's perfect for the occasional train to NYC and an easy drive to Boston (or a suburban T station to park at). The cultural attractions of Hartford are minutes away. Springfield and New Haven aren't very far either and are connected to Windsor by commuter rail.

You also brought up Manchester, which would also work, but I prefer Windsor.

You also said they were considering Newington. I'd sub Wethersfield in for Newington. Wethersfield is right next to Newington and I find it more walkable. Both are nice places to live, though.

One more town I'll suggest, which hasn't been brought up yet, is Plainville. It's sort of a forgotten suburb of Hartford but I feel can be a wildcard here. It has a walkable center (granted not much there, but there are some restaurants). It's very affordable and very safe. There are many condos within walking distance of the center. It's a quick drive to Amtrak. It's right next to New Britain.

Great suggestions. Do you also think Windsor Locks is off the list? Wicked close to BDL

[The_Quiet_One]

Originally Posted by masssachoicetts

Great suggestions. Do you also think Windsor Locks is off the list? Wicked close to BDL

I like Windsor Locks. I lived there a brief time. There's noise from jets but it's really not that bad. Bradley isn't that busy. I don't find Windsor Locks as walkable. Except for the area around the center, it's mostly 1950s ranches. If they wanted to buy a house instead of a townhouse or condo, then Windsor Locks could be on the table. But I prefer Windsor.

[tbanks3]

Originally Posted by The_Quiet_One

I like Windsor Locks. I lived there a brief time. There's noise from jets but it's really not that bad. Bradley isn't that busy. I don't find Windsor Locks as walkable. Except for the area around the center, it's mostly 1950s ranches. If they wanted to buy a house instead of a townhouse or condo, then Windsor Locks could be on the table. But I prefer Windsor.

I second that. Windsor has a traditional walkable town center with a few restaurants, pubs, coffee shop, nice train station, etc. Generally a middle class town, enviously close to Hartford/WeHa, and touches the farmington River Valley for good hiking, fishing, rail trails, and much more. Houses are affordable and there are some decent properties throughout.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by The_Quiet_One

I think they'd be happier in the Hartford area. Their money will go further there. Yes, there are wonderful, quaint towns on the shoreline near New Haven, but those areas are also expensive. Same with the safe, walkable areas of New Haven. Keep in mind, Hartford and New Haven are not far at all, so they can take advantage of the cultural attractions of both. Both also have good local restaurants. Hartford is closer to the Berkshires.

I really think they should consider the center of Windsor. It's walkable to amenities and has an Amtrak station. It's perfect for the occasional train to NYC and an easy drive to Boston (or a suburban T station to park at). The cultural attractions of Hartford are minutes away. Springfield and New Haven aren't very far either and are connected to Windsor by commuter rail.

You also brought up Manchester, which would also work, but I prefer Windsor.

You also said they were considering Newington. I'd sub Wethersfield in for Newington. Wethersfield is right next to Newington and I find it more walkable. Both are nice places to live, though.

One more town I'll suggest, which hasn't been brought up yet, is Plainville. It's sort of a forgotten suburb of Hartford but I feel can be a wildcard here. It has a walkable center (granted not much there, but there are some restaurants). It's very affordable and very safe. There are many condos within walking distance of the center. It's a quick drive to Amtrak. It's right next to New Britain.

Berlin too. Also forgotten.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by masssachoicetts

I'm not making this a NY vs Boston debate at all. My mom was based in LGA for 12 years lol not too long ago. My family , who live in CT, some work in or out of NYC. It's just preference. Boston is quainter, cleaner, calmer, less expensive and has more traditional restaurants for them to attend with familiarity. Which I totally understand, I'm much more of a Boston person than NYC due to the vibes and I just like it better. It's all person dependent.I live in Jersey too, were very familiar with NYC.

New York is great for a lot of people, no doubt. But at the end of the day it's purely preference overall. It's about half and half whether you like it or don't. Like everywhere else.

NYC might come in handy to meet halfway. It would literally take 2 hours for them to drive in, as if would take me about that to get to Manhattan via walk->NJ Transit, and so forth.

But Instead of making this NYC vs Boston, I think we are straying from the opportunity to hear about valuable New Haven and Hartford experiences and suburbs.

Also if it helps, I have 86 first cousins where a majority live in or around Boston ... Near their parents lol. That's a big reason to be close as well. Everyone in my family has retracted back over the years.

*Note when I say Boston I am referring to it's Greater Area as well. Like Gloucester, Rockport, Wellesley, Hingham, etc)

Hartford and New Haven areas are very similar in price if you compare like communities, excluding waterfront properties...

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by masssachoicetts

Great suggestions. Do you also think Windsor Locks is off the list? Wicked close to BDL

Not much for walkability