[Jessica79]

Hi All,

I'm thinking of buying a place in Meriden and was wondering how people feel about it.

I've found some very nice neighborhoods but they're not far from some dicey places. Can anyone comment on the Bradley Park area? The houses are absolutely beautiful and the neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, but it's on the West side of town, which I don't hear good things about.

Safety and investment return are my main priorities. I don't need to consider schools just yet.

Are there any safe neighborhoods in Meriden? If so, where are they specifically?

Thanks!!

[JViello]

If safety and investment return are your priorities...look somewhere else besides Meriden as those are not it's strong points compared to the surrounding area.

I used to live in Meriden and my wife and her family were from Meriden (Some still live there) so I'm not in Norwalk or wherever making an educated guess. I would never live there again.

BUT to answer your question - yes there are some safe areas. East/Southeast side, and Southside and some parts of the West side near Southington.

[JayCT]

While Meriden is seeing improvements, the city does still have issues. I agree with JViello that there might be better places to consider if safety and investmant return is your top priority. JMHO Jay

[glxyman21]

Towns like Wallingford (more pricey than Meriden) Southington (pricier than Wallingford) and Cheshire (pricier than Southington) are better options for return on investment. If you're looking for Meriden specifically, areas around Hubbard Park (near Southington line) and South Meriden (near Wallingford and Cheshire) are supposed to be nice areas.

[TouchOfWhimsy]

Generally, neighborhoods in the Thomas Hooker school district are nice. The Nathan Hale area has some nice areas. Avoid the John Barry district. (You do need to consider schools if you ever plan on selling, even if you don't have children, because other people consider schools when buying!)

[Jwiel1]

I live by Hubbard park on the Cheshire/Southington border and its a nice area. I grew up in Meriden my whole life. I went to Pulaski, Lincoln, and Platt High School and never had a problem. I enjoy it here. If you were to pick a place in Meriden I would recommend the outskirts of the city near Middlefield, Wallingford(South Meriden area a.k.a Diamond Hill) Cheshire/Southington near Hubbard Park.

[Connecticut Pam]

I live on the West side of Meriden, what is considered the deep West side and it is perfectly safe here. The Bradley Park area has some gorgeous homes and it really is NOT that close to the "fringe" of the bad areas. The bad areas don't really get into full swing until you hit downtown...cross the railroad tracks then, "hold on to your sneakers". Look into homes that are closer to Hubbard Park area which is where we live. We own a ranch that overlooks the whole city. Our home has 2600 sq. ft, 4 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces one which is marble, a formal living room, dining room and kitchen, two bathrooms, finished basement, laundry room on 1/2 acre wtih 20X40 in ground pool with cabana. There are no homes directly across from us, yet a side street with gorgeous new homes on it; as a matter of fact one for sale in that area now. Further up the street on Sperry Lane there is a brand new housing development, then beyond Sperry Lane is Southington.

Meriden is NOT as bad as you would think. I have lived here my entire life, my son went to school here as did my whole family 4 sisters, 12 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Everyone has done well and most own beautiful homes on the outskirts of Meriden.

Come join us and see what I mean...love to have you in Meriden

[Slipperman]

my experience living there 2 years was that the best parts of town were east of Parker Ave (next to S&S). from what i saw of the western area, wasn't impressed but i really didn't know that area all that well.

[Connecticut Pam]

Originally Posted by Slipperman

my experience living there 2 years was that the best parts of town were east of Parker Ave (next to S&S). from what i saw of the western area, wasn't impressed but i really didn't know that area all that well.

Well, Hubbard Park is on the West side. I was just there today and the daffodils are already peeking up, ducks and geese everywhere and crocus making their appearance. No garbage laying around anywhere and people kind of lazily walking thru the park. It is absolutely beautiful there....so, if you have been to Hubbard Park, then you most certainly have been in deep West Meriden territory.

[Readerwoman]

We have friends who have a beautiful home in a nice neighborhood called Fiesta Heights (not far from that park that has the annual daffodil festival). The problem for me would be the schools, especially when my child got to middle school. For that reason I would not live in Meriden. But nearby Southington or Cheshire would be an option.