[eastcoastyguy72]

Hey Nutmeggers

Anyone have the scoop on Westbrook or Old Saybrook for raising a family (late elementary age kids)? Are the towns snooty or more down to earth? I get the impression that the shoreline towns further west (like Madison) are decidedly more upscale.

What's access to Route 9 like in the mornings heading up to Hartford?

[skytrekker]

Westbrook is an old Fishing/Maritime town-lots of boats for the endeavor- but also some good seafood restaurants, some shopping, and nice neighborhoods with modest to nice homes- I find the town to be charming, with little attitude.

Old Saybrook is similair- A Maritime community, although slightly busier, and more famous for its famous resident and state native (Fenwick section) the late Katherine Hepburn. Located at the mouth of the Connecticut river on LI Sound, Old Saybrook has a thriving Main Street and arts presence with a low key persona. Access to route 9 will be closest to Old Saybrook, though Route 81 from Westbrook north brings you quickly to route 9.

You may find a bottleneck in Middletown going north and coming south on Route 9. Also Route I 91 entering and leaving Hartford can be congested at times. For both locations this is especially true at normal rush hour times, but road construction, accidents and weather can cause delays.

[tstetinin]

Towns are upscale but there is not a feeling of snootiness, especially when you look at Westbrook and Old Saybrook. The towns are family friendly, have great schools, and have lots of things to do. The best way is to spend some time in the area. You will see that folks are pretty warms and straightforward.