[heather121]

Hi, I currently live in an apartment in New Britain and will have to move at the end of this year after I graduate college. I am trying to find a small studio or efficiency w/ utilities included, preferably for less than $600/month. I also have 1 cat that will need to come with me, so hardwood floors would be preferable.

I have looked on Craigslist and Apartments.com and found a few possible apartment complexes, but most that are in my budget are in Hartford and I have heard that the West End is the only "safe" area. I work in Hartford, and I would rather not live there too.

Can anyone recommend any complexes or areas that would fit those requirements? I am willing to travel up to 40 minutes to get to work. I would also like to know which places to avoid. Thanks!

[JayCT]

Have you checked Middletown. There are a number of complexes in the West Lake area that are nice. Not sure if they fit in your budget though. Another option may be to move east of the river. Manchester and Vernon have some affordable places and are very safe. Jay

[goldenband]

In your situation, I'd probably look to live in the Elmwood section of West Hartford. You probably won't be able to find a place for under $600 anymore (you could a few years ago), but if you factor in the gas savings vs. living up to 40 minutes away, and aim between $650-700, you should be able to find something. West Hartford is a great place to live, and I think you'll find that a shorter commute is vastly preferable for your sanity and pocketbook: with gas prices what they are now, each additional mile on your daily commute translates to an extra $5-7 per month in costs, depending on your car's MPG.

Actually, I just checked Apartments.com, and 711 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford allegedly has studios available for $615/month. I don't know anything about the 711 Farmington complex, but you might want to check that out. It'd be a very convenient location, right on the bus line and reasonably close to West Hartford center.