[JenniferAZ]

Okay... so I have been reading these threads for a while. No one seems to mention Newington. I mention it because my husband and I are planning to move to New England in the next couple of years. Newington has a lot of new new homes (condos) being built, which we like. We looked at MA, too expensive! We really like the Hartford area, and as nerdy as it is, being a Judging Amy fan, I think it would be neat. We have been to Manhattan several times, love the culture and history of the east. We have never been to New England, but are looking for an adventure. I am a school teacher, he is an Engineer, we love to travel and have 2 small kids... so price is a concern. But where exactly is up in the air. I can teach anywhere, I guess my husband will be employed in/around Harford... but he could probably get a job just about anywhere too. We want something that is sort of suburb like... but still easy to get to where everything is "happening". I keep reading that West Hartford is nice. Education, family, culture, safety, and cost... what town would that be?! What are the highlights of these areas?

On another note... are there roaches in Connecticut, or any other gross creature I should be aware of? I'd take scorpions over a roach anyday!!!

[ctcoldplay11]

Newington can be summed up as the ordinary run-of-the-mill "suburb". It's definitely a nice town, but not anything special. I may get bashed for saying this, but out of all the Hartford suburbs, I'd have to say that Newington lacks the most in charm or character.

[JayCT]

JenniferAZ - While I liked Judging Amy too, it hardly depicted what the City of Hartford is really like, though the star, Amy Brennaman grew up in Glastonbury. Newington is a nice small middle-class suburb located just southwest of Hartford. While there are some new condos and homes being built there, do not expect anywhere near the scale of new construction found in other parts of the country. A lot Newington was built up in the 1950's and 60's, so most new construction is on "infill" property.

While towns like West Hartford and Glastonbury are more considered more "Chic", Newington is still very nice. The schools are very good and there are many nice, attractive and affordable neighborhoods. Plus it is convenient to hartford and West hartford. The only major highway serving Newington though is Route 9 which is part of a loop around the southwest quarter of Hartford, so getting in and out of Newington for the most part requires travel along local roads.

Another thing that people think of when you mention Newington is the Berlin Turnpike. The Berlin Turnpike is a major arterial roadway that for years was the major route into Hartford from the south until I-91 was built in the early 1960's. Over the early years of the turnpike, a lot of small motels, restaurants, and auto places were built there. There were even a cople of drive in theaters. Once the interstate was built, the turnpike went sort of down hill and became rundown.

About 20 years ago though, that started to change, particularly in Newington and some new big box type shopping centers began to be built. Some of the old motels have been spruced up to offer the area inexpensive sleeping alternatives and a number of the large restaurant chains have built there. Sadly though the drive ins were the first to go (the Hartford Drive In is being replaced by Toll Brothers condos right now), but there is a great old diner still there in Newington. Now the turnpike in Newington is home to Walmart, Target, Lowes, Dicks Sporting Goods, Price Chopper and a host of toher stores.

If you have any more questions you would like answered, please let us know. Jay

[Lizzie007]

What is your price range on a house and for what size house. If we know that, we could probably make suggestions of other towns that are worth looking into.

[skytrekker]

Newington, despite the rather over maligned 'Berlin Turnpike' strip or area is a nice town. Many fine neighborhoods, low crime, good schools- and great proximity to everything greater Hartford has to offer- with housing prices that are very reasonable.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Newington, despite the rather over maligned 'Berlin Turnpike' strip or area is a nice town. Many fine neighborhoods, low crime, good schools- and great proximity to everything greater Hartford has to offer- with housing prices that are very reasonable.

Yes, it's a nice, relatively quiet and unassuming town. There's a nice little health food store in the center right next to Hoffman's Gun shop.

[JenniferAZ]

Thanks! You guys are awesome!! So... West Hartford is a bit more "chic" huh...

[skytrekker]

West Hartford is more 'Chic' with a certain attitudinal 'undertone'. Newington is more down to earth.

[rajmelk]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

Yes, it's a nice, relatively quiet and unassuming town. There's a nice little health food store in the center right next to Hoffman's Gun shop.

A very nice Starbucks in the town center (with outdoor patio) + Newington is home to the famous Stew Leonard's!

[DandJ]

If we're having a vote here, I vote for West Hartford. Granted, I live in West Hartford and love it.

While we were house-hunting, we looked in EVERY town near the core, Newington being one of them. I saw nothing that I loved about the town (except for Stew Leonard's samples ) but loved MANY things about West Hartford.

WILWRadio mentioned the health food store next to the gun shop. Well, there are a number of health food stores in West Hartford, and NO gun shop that I know of.

Maybe I'm biased. Or maybe I'm chic. But I passed by the line where they were handing out "attitude" (hi Skytrekker!) and didn't take any. West Hartford is just a nice place to live, among nice people. (You just have to stomach the property taxes. But you get what you pay for, I guess/hope.)

Anyway, my hand's up for West Hartford. We are voting, right?