[dome]

We are considering a move from Western Mass. to Suffield, CT.

Any input that you may have concerning life in Suffield would be appreciated.

[skytrekker]

Located on the Connecticut River between Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, Suffield is proud of its heritage and its steady growth, a product of careful planning. Beginning as a farming community in 1670, Suffield maintains a delicate balance between its colonial roots and today's modern life-style.

A lively community with a 2000 population of 13,555, Suffield is a gracious town with a rural flavor in a suburban setting. The town center boasts a small shopping complex and an excellent library. Recent expansion of public buildings includes a police station and school additions and renovations. Bradley International Airport on the southern boundary attracts business, while quick access to I-91 makes commuting up and down the Connecticut River valley from Vermont and New Hampshire to Long Island Sound an easy trip.

This town is rich in contrasts - sweeping fields, forested hills, a picturesque Main Street, farms, shopping areas, and the Congamond Lakes. There are over 43 square miles of countryside. Some agricultural lands have given way to housing developments, though far-sighted citizens helped purchase property on West Suffield Mountain, where Sunrise Park offers a lake, hiking trails, picnic and recreation areas to town residents. Other lands are being preserved through the Suffield Land Conservancy, the Nature Conservancy, and the Farmland Preservation Act.

[Oldtex29]

I'm a little puzzled. I would think that if you lived in Western MA you would have a pretty good idea what Suffield is like already, seeing as how Suffield is right across the border.

What specific questions do you have? I live in Western Massachusetts myself, but I do have family in Suffield so I know a little bit about the town.

[dome]

My main concern is probably about the cost of living there.

[skytrekker]

Dome

I do not know if housing for single family homes is restricted to lot size.
Peruse Realtor.com for suffield-it may give you a general idea on prices.
Taxes- contact the towns web site.

[glxyman21]

Suffield is more expensive than its neighbors of Enfiled, Windsor Locks, and East Granby. When buying a house, take notice if it is over the path of air planes flying to Bradley International Airport. Many homes are affected by this, but I beleive the town requires it is noted in the deed.

[dome]

Thanks for that input. I hadn't thought about the airport traffic.

[newenglanders2]

I live in Suffield. Just moved here last fall. I really like it. We are in a historic district - which is supposed to be a no fly zone. I heard planes the first weekend in our new house - now we just seem not to notice it alot. (BTW I'm 2 miles north of village proper) I like that it's a small town - has a real nice grocery, hardware, gas bar, library, pizza joints, pharmacy...and only 15 min from Enfield, which has lots of shopping and dining opportunies. I'm not sure how friendly western mass is - I lived in Westfield, it was ok I guess. I think it depends on what you have in common with your neighbors, like most places. CT people by nature seem to be fairly conservative, and tend to keep to themselves. Maine is much friendlier in comparison. I can't complain really though - my neighbors have been very helpful and thoughtful - plowed our yard twice as a favor (we didn't ask - they just did it) and the people who work in town are quite friendly.
I really like where we live, and would stay here as opposed to other towns, unless you want to try finding a lower cost town. The mil rate here is about 25. compared to Simsbury's 36. You will be assessed property tax on your vehicles - That was a shocker! Also, gas is more expensive here - but we go to MA for that as we are 8 min from Feeding Hills. (the further in you go in CT, the more gas costs)
Also try therealestatebook.com, and prudentialct.com (I think that's it) for real estate listings. We live in a 1986 home, 3 bd 2 1/2 ba 2 storey w/garage and 2 acres. Landlady says it is worth 300,000+. Houses on our road range from that to 3/4 million. Do check out the town website, and call the town office for more details. Hope this helps!

[dome]

Thanks, NewEnglanders, for all that good info.

You mentioned the property tax on your vehicles. Is that the same as an excise tax? We pay excises taxes on vehicles here in MA.

Appreciate your comments.

dome

[JPofSuffield]

Suffield is a nice place to live very quiet if the East side is very suburban while the West side is very country like