[v3ronika]

Hi all -

Am applying to jobs at Yale Univ. and was wondering about getting around New Haven w/o a vehicle. I've visited NH before and found it a decent college town with everything one might need but didnt pay attention to the public transportation and how easy it was/wasnt to get around by bike. I'm willing to pay more in rent to be centrally-located and not have to have a vehicle. I'm assuming that not being a major metropolitian area, there is crappy public transportation. True? And is it a friendly or unfriendly area for bikes??

[nico7]

Hi Veronika,

You can get around New Haven on a bike, but in the summer it's too hot and in the winter it's too cold (at least that's what I found). Also, some of the drivers in downtown New Haven are pretty aggressive. If you don't mind riding a bus, there are several free buses for Yale students and employees run by Yale, that travel different routes. Check ouit the map and link below.

Map of Yale Shuttle Bus Routes:
http://www.yale.edu/parkingandtransi..._allroutes.pdf

Yale Shuttle Services (web page):
Shuttle Services

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by v3ronika

Hi all -

Am applying to jobs at Yale Univ. and was wondering about getting around New Haven w/o a vehicle. I've visited NH before and found it a decent college town with everything one might need but didnt pay attention to the public transportation and how easy it was/wasnt to get around by bike. I'm willing to pay more in rent to be centrally-located and not have to have a vehicle. I'm assuming that not being a major metropolitian area, there is crappy public transportation. True? And is it a friendly or unfriendly area for bikes??

There are a bunch of taxi services in New Haven - they can get quite expensive if you're looking to travel outside of the city but within New Haven, it should be reasonable (to, from bars/nightclubs, grocery stores, etc). You can get around NH on a bike but just be cautious and wear a helmet...drivers in NH can be crazy.

Also New Haven is an outer-ring suburb of the NYC Metro area and is served by Metro North commuter rail out of Union station. The train won't get you around the city of New Haven but it does link you to other [satellite] cities near NYC such as Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford, and on separate lines you can be connected to Waterbury, Danbury and White Plains. You can easily day trip or go to bars/clubs in NYC on the weekend if you desire.

NH is a great city. You probably want to stay near downtown, or in a decent section like Westville or East Rock. Fair Haven has its sketchy parts - as do other neighborhoods near 95 (south of Route 34 and downtown). You will also have easy access to some of the best food in the country (Pepe's pizza to name one).

[v3ronika]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

You can get around NH on a bike but just be cautious and wear a helmet...drivers in NH can be crazy.

I was hoping NH was better for bikes than that - doesnt sound as bad as NYC (what does?) but does sound like Westchester. Not very enjoyable

I've been spoiled living in Buffalo - the low density population makes for a high quality of life when it comes to these kinds of things.

[brasscitybluenwhite]

Well maybe you can check and see if New Haven has a city bus service. Alot of Connecticut towns do but I don't know if New Haven's is convenient and effective.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by v3ronika

I was hoping NH was better for bikes than that - doesnt sound as bad as NYC (what does?) but does sound like Westchester. Not very enjoyable

I've been spoiled living in Buffalo - the low density population makes for a high quality of life when it comes to these kinds of things.

From a Ct. natives viewpoint, we would consider most cities to be difficult to traverse on a bike. However, i've seen many, many more people on bikes in New Haven and Bridgeport than i have in Stamford. Everyone's perception will be different. Most people in Ct. wouldn't ride a bike in the business district of Stamford for any amount of money. Conversely, NYC bike riders would laugh their butts off at that kind of cowardice.

[nhctguy]

If you do decide to go without a car, I would suggest joining zip car. I have some friends downtown, who don't have vehicles though they belong to zip car so that they can get out of new haven when they need to.

[seymourct]

New Haven has a bus company with routes running all the time.

CTTransit - Connecting the Community

[v3ronika]

Originally Posted by nhctguy

If you do decide to go without a car, I would suggest joining zip car. I have some friends downtown, who don't have vehicles though they belong to zip car so that they can get out of new haven when they need to.

Thats a really good idea - I had heard of this but forgot about it.

[v3ronika]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

From a Ct. natives viewpoint, we would consider most cities to be difficult to traverse on a bike. However, i've seen many, many more people on bikes in New Haven and Bridgeport than i have in Stamford. Everyone's perception will be different. Most people in Ct. wouldn't ride a bike in the business district of Stamford for any amount of money. Conversely, NYC bike riders would laugh their butts off at that kind of cowardice.

I wouldnt ride around Stamford either. The idea, for me, is to have a pleasant way of getting around. I don't want to have to be brave or not. Ah well.