[michie]

I visited CT over the weekend. The housing market it tough!! I am looking up to $400k and not having much luck! I am a little picky! I loved Tolland. Beautiful. Same with Marlborough. I did not like Stafford to much. Are there parts that are nicer than others in Stafford? Maybe it was just the area I saw. I didn't like to older downtown area. I have to say, the views from Tolland were beautiful. I hope I find something soon! Is there any part of Tolland anyone would recommend to stay away from, because of crime or bad schools?

[DaveByers]

Tolland is nice- really no places in town that you'd need to steer away from. Stafford is an interesting place- a very mixed bag. The downtown does a look a bit like success and prosperity may have passed it by. It was once the center of a thriving resort town (back in the 1840s) but hasn't been able to recapture much of that glory. There are some really nice areas in town, though. West Stafford is pretty rural, and has quite a bit of state forest land. Stafford Hollow offers a mill pond and collection of houses, barns, etc. that have graced the pages of many a "scenic New England" calendar. In the far eastern reaches of the town, Staffordville wraps around a large reservoir that provides a nice waterfront living experience. Stafford is the 3rd largest town in CT (or 4th, or something like that), so there's a lot of it to see. Another good thing is that you're likely to find a better value for your money in housing in Stafford than in surrounding towns. Up to $400,000 will get you some very nice houses.

(Okay, in the interest of full disclosure- I do live in Stafford)

If you liked Tolland, you may also want to try Willington, Ashford (another good-value-for-the-money town but pretty limited on amenities), Mansfield, and parts of Coventry.

[skytrekker]

Eastern Connecticut has the best value for housing in the state.

A new colonial on 1 acre or more (2000 plus square feet) wood floors, fireplace family room, basement, double garage, 3-4 bedrooms 2+ baths can be had for 350K easily. 400K nearly gets a mansion in these towns.

Willington is very nice, also check into Coventry, and Bolton. How much of a house Do you want?

[JViello]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Eastern Connecticut has the best value for housing in the state.

A new colonial on 1 acre or more (2000 plus square feet) wood floors, fireplace family room, basement, double garage, 3-4 bedrooms 2+ baths can be had for 350K easily. 400K nearly gets a mansion in these towns.

Willington is very nice, also check into Coventry, and Bolton. How much of a house Do you want?

Agreed, cross I84 and you have some great options for a little less money and IMHO the landscape is a bit more picturesque...but that can be relative I suppose.

[terrip]

Looking to relocate from MA to Connecticutt. Have heard good things about Tolland. Most important: School system. I also need 4 beds. We are looking for more of a new home- 2000 sf. In the eastern areas of CT what are the average prop. taxes?

[michie]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds easy to find a house, but it's not!! I am looking for something that is newer, preferably not more than 10 yrs old, nice kitchen, preferably 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, a nice level, flat yard and in a neighborhood. All the houses I found that I liked went into contract over the weekend. Not much I can do not living there!! My husband will be there on Sunday so he will be able to go through the homes and if a good one comes along, make an offer and hope I like it!!! Moving across the country is not an easy thing to do!!!

[skytrekker]

michie

there is lots of new construction in eastern Connecticut- in Tolland, and Windham counties.

I fully understand it is difficult doing this major life event of buying a home from so far away. With your husband here- he will be in a position to see what is available and put down a deposit-good luck and welcome to eastern CT- it is very pleasant here. Fell free to send me a private message.

There are many homes now being built that would suit your needs-
removed

[JViello]

Originally Posted by michie

Thanks for the replies. It sounds easy to find a house, but it's not!! I am looking for something that is newer, preferably not more than 10 yrs old, nice kitchen, preferably 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, a nice level, flat yard and in a neighborhood. All the houses I found that I liked went into contract over the weekend. Not much I can do not living there!! My husband will be there on Sunday so he will be able to go through the homes and if a good one comes along, make an offer and hope I like it!!! Moving across the country is not an easy thing to do!!!

There are some very nice "upscale" apartment communities in Manchester.

Have you considered putting your "stuff" into movers storage for say 6 months so you can look around and find what you want? I've made two interstate moves, and found that I really don't know a place until I've lived in a place.

Just a thought.

P.S. Newish homes in the Case/Birch Mountain area of the Manchester/Glastonbury/Bolton line are what you described and it's a very nice area. Moderator cut: no specific property info, please

[michie]

I have thought about renting, but I have 3 small dogs. Trying to find a decent place to rent with 3 dogs isn't easy! My house is on the market here, and things are much worse here. I am more worried about selling my house in AZ. The fun stresses of moving!

[JViello]

Originally Posted by michie

I have thought about renting, but I have 3 small dogs. Trying to find a decent place to rent with 3 dogs isn't easy! My house is on the market here, and things are much worse here. I am more worried about selling my house in AZ. The fun stresses of moving!

Yea, three dogs in a 1XXX sf apartment would be a challenge! LOL

Also, keep in mind when talking SF here in CT, the numbers seem low by comparison because we don't count garage space or basement. For instance I have a walk out basement that is first level with windows and door in the rear of my home...that's another 1200sf downstairs that's "not counted" in my homes total SF. I also have a an attic that runs the full length of the house...both of those allow me to use the "main floor" living space to it's fullest with no need for an extra excersize room or storing "stuff" in the garage.

I've seen in FL and other places where they stick an HVAC vent in a garage and call it "liveable heated/cooled space" and include it in the SF.

The first 3000sf house I walked into in NC made me scratch my head because of what I"m used to here.

Good luck!