[Drakken]

Hi, everyone.

My wife and I are relocating to CT in the middle of Feb '07. I am going to work in Windsor Locks and my wife may attend the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

We are looking to buy a house somewhere in between these two locations, so as to minimize both our commuting times. We are in our early 30's and do not have children but will be looking for a place with a good size yard (prolly 0.25 acres at least), since we have 2 dogs.

As we are moving from KS where $150k still buys you a 2,000 sq ft house on 5 acres, 15 min from a major city, we are expecting somewhat of a sticker shock, but would like to steer clear of the $250k plus dwellings...

Given the little info I have provided, can anyone on here make suggestions about areas/towns we should look into?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Renaud

[Dragondog]

In the 'East of the River' magazine, A publication of the CT NAR- in the town of Vernon-17 miles northeast of Hartford, and about 18 miles from UCONN, via I 84. You can buy a new 3bedroom 2bath colonial, with walk/out basement on a small lot, w/garden window, wood floors in the formal dining room; granite counters in bathroom of MB, master suite. Around 1600 square feet
235000K

In Vernon. ranch in great condition 6 rooms, garage, quiet neighborhood setting, Fire placed LR, Finished lower level w/ bar, private deck in back- with fenced back yard.-$199000.

Lot sizes in homes at 250K or less are usually small if you want to have an easy commuting distance to both locations you specified.
In Willington CT-very near UCONN, A 1994 Colonial on 2 acres, 3 bedrooms , 2.5 baths, double story foyer,bonus room, French doors double garage, beautiful fenced yard, lightly wooded lot 339K.

Other towns to consider are Ellington, Bolton and South Windsor (all east of the river), and an easy commute to Windsor Locks or the University.
Vernon is an old New England mill town -mixed blue collar and professional. Plenty of shopping at big box stores in neighboring Manchester. But in town some fine restaurants, Great supermarkets, a great Park (Henry Park) easy access to Connecticut's 'quiet corner'- B & B's, Wineries, farms etc. and rural landscapes of New England. Vernon also has a nice historical museum, with many fine historical homes in the historic district. Boston is 83 miles to the Northeast, the Connecticut coast/shoreline is less then an hour away.

Windsor Locks is about 35 minutes away from Vernon via I 84/I 291 and 91.

Median house prices in the greater Hartford area will be around 263K- Housing here while significantly higher then KS and the Midwest, is a relative bargain compared to most other areas in the northeast.

I am not a Realtor. Just ask for more info or PM me. Hope this gives you an idea of things here price and size wise.

Peter

[igione]

Vernon is a terrific place, just be careful about not living too close to the Rockville line. Rockville is a little rough around the edges and is the proud location of the Juvenile Court.
If I lived in Vernon I would probably take a different way to Windsor Locks ~ depending where your job is. The trick is to get over the river in rush hour. South Windsor might be a nicer choice as it is close to 84 (to UCONN) and 291 (to Windsor Locks), but is not as rough as Manchester. I think the schools in South Windsor probably have the best rep in the little triangle area as well. You stated that you do not have children, but schools play a part in resale value (and taxes).
Good Luck with your search.

[sevdie]

Originally Posted by CelticLion

I am not a Realtor. Just ask for more info or PM me. Hope this gives you an idea of things here price and size wise.

Peter

That's why I like all your posts. I know they are sincere. What do you know about Darien or Greenwich? Anything?

[Dragondog]

Darien,Greenwich sevdie?

Wonderful places to live- elegant really- nothing you want and desire is not there- but price wise- among the highest cost places to live on the planet....

[Drakken]

Wow, thank you all for the great info. Peter, I will start searching around Vernon and those other towns you mentioned.

To clarify a bit, I will be working at Hamilton Sundstrand, they are located across the street from Bradley International.

My wife has not firmly decided on a University yet. She is a music major looking for a DMA program (Doctor of Musical Arts) and it seems that UConn has a good one, but as we are doing more research, we find more universities that do offer these (HArtford U for instance). Point is, my job location is for certain, her University is not...yet.

Also, having a good-size yard is important because not only do I own 2 large dogs, but I also train them fairly extensively...which requires room. So fenced yard is a must! :-)

Again thanks for the suggestions. Keep'em coming! Our price limit of $250k is firm.

Are there any websites anyone would recommend for CT real estate searches? I am currently using www.realtor.com and www.hartfordcourant.com.

Thanks and happy new year!

Renaud

[Dragondog]

Renaud

The University of Hartford is renowned- not to take anything against UCONN.
Univ. of Hartford is more urban- The Hart School of Music is among the best.

I know where Hamilton Std is- near the airport BDL- Realtor.com is good for info- do get the hard copy of 'east of the river'
which I could send.

In either choice- you will not do wrong. Housing here is not that expensive for the location. Feel free to contact me.
Connecticut is a wonderful state- you will enjoy your life here.

[ASCHAEDLER]

I also want to add that our Governor has stepped up to make this a state working for the people. Or working on it. I was just reading that there is a proposal for health insurance being offered to everyone. It will have a premium but an affordable payment. This will help people who are not offered insurance at their job or self employed.

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by CelticLion

Renaud

The University of Hartford is renowned- not to take anything against UCONN.
Univ. of Hartford is more urban- The Hart School of Music is among the best.

I know where Hamilton Std is- near the airport BDL- Realtor.com is good for info- do get the hard copy of 'east of the river'
which I could send.

In either choice- you will not do wrong. Housing here is not that expensive for the location. Feel free to contact me.
Connecticut is a wonderful state- you will enjoy your life here.

Renaud,

If you want statistics on the housing market from our MLS, let me know. I have no ulterior motive here since I don't service this part of the state.

Rich

[salatheel]

Not to be a downer but taxes and utilities are probably much higher than what you were used to. Keep that in mind when planning a budget and house hunting.