[otisluc2]

My husband and I are relocating to Conn. from Atlanta this summer and are interested in an old brownstone in downtown Hartford (Buckingham St.?). We're used to living an urban lifestyle in Atlanta and find the historic architecture appealing. Could someone tell us about safety, mobility, pluses, minuses of life in downtown Hartford? What would a commute to Willimantic from Hartford be like?

Thanks for your advice!

[JayCT]

The area you are looking at is south of downtown and is sometimes referred to by locals as SoDo. Hartford is a small city and has a lot to offer. There are a number of great restaurant and cultural activities within walking distance of the home you are interested in, but do not expect it to be similar to a large sity like Atlanta. Probably the biggest negative is the lack of shopping. Most retail moved out of Hartford years ago so there is lack of shops and stores you might expect to find. There are no grocery stores downtown either so you will have to travel and the best way is by car. That leads to the other problem and that is there is a lack of reasonably priced parking.

The commute to Willimantic would most likely have to be by car. It is about 40 miles which should take about 40 minutes without traffic. If you will be commuting during peak hours, then you will be going against traffic and you should not have any issues. I hope this helps, Jay

[uconn99]

Downtown Hartford to downtown Willimantic is 29 miles. Depending on traffic on Rt 6. it can take anywhere from 25-35 minutes.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by uconn99

Downtown Hartford to downtown Willimantic is 29 miles. Depending on traffic on Rt 6. it can take anywhere from 25-35 minutes.

UConn - You are right. I hit the four instead of the three when typing my response. Time wise though, depending where you are going in Willimantic I think it would be closer to 40 minutes. Jay

[otisluc2]

Thanks! Since I'm used to Atlanta commutes, 25-35 minutes isn't bad. I'll be commuting to ECSU, if that helps, with flexible driving hours. Is this particular part of downtown Hartford safe? (I know that is relative, as compared to the suburbs)--B. street is parallel to Capital Ave and I don't know anything about downtown Hartford.

[AmyBergquist]

There are several of the brownstone row houses in that area. You'll be close to some really great restaurants, the Bushnell, Wadsworth, etc. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to comment on safety as a real estate agent, as everyone has different perceptions of "safe."

There is one condo available on Buckingham right now, but it's under contract. Maybe you've found a FSBO though.

Welcome to the area!

[Exnorthsider]

I have lived in Hartford for four years. I think you should take a look at the West End neighborhood of Hartford. There is probably more of a community-- front porches, more streets with nice houses, etc.-- and it's probably safer than downtown, too. One problem: the houses are rather large, so you might have to buy bigger than you need. Still, the prices are quite reasonable and the houses are beautiful.

[otisluc2]

We just got back from a week-long trip to Conn. and are excited about moving. We checked out the brownstone and loved the place and in the daytime it seemed safe enough. Any advice / comments about nightime? (please be candid).

West Hartford was great too, but the commute might be a bit longer from W.H. to ECSU (or not?).

[otisluc2]

I should also add that we plan to rent for one year, to get our bearings, then buy, so this is a temporary location for us.

[AmyBergquist]

The hubby and I just went touring in Willimantic this weekend. It took us 30-35 minutes to get there from our West End of Hartford location. Downtown would be slightly shorter, as you'd have a mile or 2 less of highway to deal with.

Depending on where you lived in West Hartford, the commute would be slightly longer. Living around or South of Farmington Avenue would be good, as there are several access points to I-84. Really the only place that would make it significantly longer (10 more minutes or so) would be the northern part of town, because there is limited access to I-84.

Again, can't comment on safety but I always recommend to clients that they can call the local police department though, they should be able to give you detailed info on crime statistics in a particular area.

Good idea on renting for a year. It's nice to have the time to explore the area and determine exactly where you'd like to live.