[lucky16]

My significant other and I are in dire need of a change. We aren't exactly sure where is the best bet for us right now so we're trying to do a little research.

The idea behind the move would be to get away from the hustle and bustle of this overly expensive life. I pay $2600 a month on a 2b+2b place no more than 1000sqft. I sit in a half hour to an hour of traffic to get 8 miles. By the end of the day...I want to strangle anything or anyone, which is not healthy. And to top it off it's pointless to go to the beach because everyone and the free born relative is there. I live not 3 miles from the beach and I haven't been all summer!! That's frustrating.


My gf and I are both from Northern Cali and I'm originally from the East Coast. We know that living in CA might not be the best idea for who we are...we're sick of the people, traffic, expenses, etc; we're looking for a nice change.

The problem is I need a reason to make the 3000+ mi move other than the fact that I used to live in Weston. We are looking for a small community with a town center with "cute" shopping and dining and cafes, we are outdoorsy people, we are looking for some land, polite educated neighbors/neighborhood, family friendly for possible family growth, slower paced, nice weather (we don't like extremely hot or extremely cold) and hopefully near a larger city so that we can go in to the craziness for a play or game at night, but be able to come home to peace and quiet.

Also how are the living expenses?

Does anyone think this is possible? Anyone want to lend us some advice?

We're just here to educate ourselves before we go and make a rash decision! Thanks in advanced for the help/advice.

[skytrekker]

Hi Lucky

Connecticut is a small state- but it offers diversity in terms of what you want and can afford to spend for a home- plus what your tolerances are for traffic, population density and lifestyle.

If you in the past lived in Weston- in Fairfield county in southwestern CT- you know it is a mostly rural town, with large house lots and no true town center- and is very expensive. Fairfield county offers smaller towns like Redding, and New Canaan that offer all the attributes you want- but it is not cheap.

Other parts of Connecticut are hidden gems and cost far less then Fairfield county. Greater New Haven- and the towns east of that city along the shoreline (Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook & Old Saybrook are charming New England seafaring towns of small size (15,000-35,000) with nice town centers, good shopping and restaurants- with beautiful beaches close by.

Eastern Connecticut- the so called 'Quiet Corner' offers small towns like Putnam, Pomfret & Woodstock that are peaceful, charming, and have much culture- yet less then an hour from Hartford or Providence and less then 2 hours from Boston. Plus eastern CT has the lowest real estate prices in the state.

The Greater Hartford area offers many fine towns to live at reasonable cost- there will be more traffic, but nothing compared to what you find in California's urban areas.

Southeastern CT- around Old Lyme, Stonington & New London- as well as the Norwich area offer some pleasant quiet towns. Also do not forget the Northwestern hills of the state-

There are many options- I guess it all boils down to how much quiet you seek and what your budget is.

[Lizzie007]

when i read your poste, one town came immediately to mind - west hartford!

standard of living a little higher (comparable to your current situation at worst), more educated/professional residents. great town center with restaurants, cafes and shopping. blue back square is the newest downtown shopping destination (google it, they have a site). easy highway access and a quick trip to hartford. it is considered a very desireable place to live in ct!!

there are many other great towns as well, but this one definitely has everything you seem to be looking for.

[andthentherewere3]

Ridgefield, north of New Canaan, came to my mind. You can get a nice house with land, and the center of town is walkable with quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, etc. As Skytrekker said, it all depends on your budget and exactly how rural you want to be.

Another good option is Fairfield, and there are nice beaches there, too.

[SwiftCreek]

First we'd have to get a clear understanding of small community. West Hartford is 50,000+ people with a downtown feel similar to Walnut Creek, CA. On the other hand, if you're thinking you want to be in a smaller town within a friendly community and still have a quality downtown (nice cafes, quality eateries, etc) then you would want to consider skytekker's recommendations. I would pick the following:
Hartford area: West Hartford, Glastonbury
New Haven to New London: Branford, Guilford, Madison, Old Saybrook, Mystic (technically Groton) - these areas will have the most mild climate as they are on the water.
Fairfield County (South West): Ridgefield, New Canaan, Westport, Greenwich (these towns are very expensive)
North West: Litchfield, Kent (these areas will be the coolest climate wise)

My wife and I left Glastonbury 4 years ago for North Carolina and I can honestly say that a week doesn't go by where she doesn't make some comment about how our quality of life was higher in CT.

[lucky16]

I really appreciate the advice you all have given.

I suppose that our definition of small would be no more than 50,000 people. We would like to have that "small" town feel but be near a city. Our budget would be around $500,000 plus or minus depending on job security. Any more info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[skytrekker]

West Hartford would be a great place then
see West Hartford, Connecticut - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
West Hartford Home Page

also consider Glastonbury
Glastonbury, Connecticut - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Welcome to Glastonbury, CT

Both towns are in the greater Hartford area

For 500K in both towns you should be able to buy a very large home- in the best part of town with a fair sized lot- one half to 1 acre or more.

[lucky16]

I've read that Glastonbury has a little monetary competition going on...is this relevant or just banter?

[skytrekker]

not sure what you mean by 'economic competition'- with whom or what......?

[Juniper5]

skytrekker is right on the money.