[reason180]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Public transit is very expensive and actually not used that much.

It doesn't even come close to the costs of subsidizing oil companies with tax payer money over the last 20 years.

Strange, CT has the second most used commuter rail line in the country and half of all riders are traveling to destinations within CT.

If CT wants to retain it's character and charm by fighting sprawl mass transit needs to be improved.

[aquafit2]

We currently live in Valrico. East of Tampa.

[aquafit2]

I never even thought about the short days of winter time. That would take some getting used to.

[missionhill]

I like it, as compared to other commercial strip highways. It has an old-fashioned 1950s feel--an old independent motel or two, a diner, a drive-in theater (or just the remains of one?), a great Krispy Kreme outlet, views of hills, and a stagecoach-era name. If they'd made the movie "Far from Heaven" in Hartford, instead of just setting it there, I'm sure there'd have been an scene somewhere along the Berlin Turnpike.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by missionhill

I like it, as compared to other commercial strip highways. It has an old-fashioned 1950s feel--an old independent motel or two, a diner, a drive-in theater (or just the remains of one?), a great Krispy Kreme outlet, views of hills, and a stagecoach-era name. If they'd made the movie "Far from Heaven" in Hartford, instead of just setting it there, I'm sure there'd have been an scene somewhere along the Berlin Turnpike.

Missionhill - I hate to tell you this but the old Hartford Drive-In is completely gone. It has been replaced by a new condo development being built by Toll Brothers. Also the Krispy Kreme is gone too. The town refused to let them make donuts there to sell in supermarkets and business had slacked off considerably since it opened to long lines and traffic jams. It is now a bank that just announced it is closing too. The diner is still there though and looking as 1950's as ever. Jay

[missionhill]

Yeah, I thought the drive-in was done for; couldn't remember for sure. Sorry to hear about the KK! Thanks for the bad news, Jay!

[uconn99]

Krispy Kreme closed a ton of stores, not only in Connecticut. The company over expanded way to fast. All of the stores in Arizona closed at one point, some are now open again.

[bigjeff532003]

If you are looking to save a little on housing look in Canton, New Hartford, Granby, and even Barkhampsted. They are all with in 10-15 min of the Simsbury Avon area but you should be able to obtain more house for the money. Besides Canton these are also a bit more rural towns as well and have an easy commute to Hartford. There are also commuter buses that travel all up and down the 44 corridor from Winsted to Hartford so public transportation isn't that hard. Be sure to travel through Litchfield county once you move here there is lots of cultural stuff to do and some great old classic New England scenery. Litchfield and Norfolk are must see towns. I have lived here my entire life and ya the winter's can take there toll on you. 8-9 hours of light is a little short. Winter here is hit or miss. Some years are mild some are very snowy others extremely cold but not much snow you never really know what your gonna get. Spring and Fall the wonderful seasons the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Summer will very much remind you of Tampa except the sun isn't quite as strong on your skin being this far from the equater. The humidity can be just as bad though. Hartford has lots to do and the casino's have all kinds of world class entertainment. Schools are also very good in all the towns I have listed. Do be prepared for that car tax. I had friends move here from Port Richey and they where kind of shocked. Expect a mil rate of anywhere from 18-30+ depending on the town you live in. You will also pay tax on any other registered vehicle. Boat, RV, ATV ect.
Good luck if you decided to move here it is beautiful country.

[JayCT]

The thing about the heat in Connecticut during the summer is that it will break every so often and provide some much needed relief. You might have several days where it is in the 90's and humid but then it will go down to the 80's. In Florida the heat rarely breaks during the summer. Jay

[sreezie901]

If you've got kids or are planning on raising them here, expect them to be pretty bored - there isn't much for young people, so when kids aren't able to drive they won't have much to do. I grew up in a Hartford suburb Even if there was something like the T to get people into Hartford, it's doubtful that kids would make use of it, since most of the entertainment there is either refined or 21+.
Additionally, there isn't too much in the way of racial or socioeconomic diversity in most of these towns.
Of course, on the plus, the towns are gorgeous and have some of the best public schools in the state, so that type of conundrum might be simply what you have to deal with.