[KobVT]

HI everyone! First of all - thanks for all the information on this site! I've used it so much and it's given me almost all the info I need. But now I need to ask...

We're moving to the New Haven area in July (husband's doing a fellowship @ Yale). We're very interested in Branford and I need help w/ the different neighborhoods. We've heard great things about Pine Orchard, Branford Point and Stony Creek. Can someone tell me more about the Hotchkiss Grove area? There's a house I'm really interested in but I heard the area is "not the best." Can anyone elaborate on that?

We're a young family - we have two kids 2 & 4.

Any info is really appreciated! Thanks so much

[nico7]

Are you talking about the section of Route 146 and its offshoot, Hotchkiss Grove Rd?

One reason people might say that it's "not the best" is that there are many seasonal residents/houses along that small stretch of Route 146. There may also be some rental properties there which would make it unpopular with the permament residents. It could be something of a party destination, just because it is the most accessible point of direct waterfront and least snooty coastal neighborhood. Stony Creek is not snooty, but there is a permanent community there that is always looking out for the neighborhood.

If you are considering living directly on Route 146 with small children, you should be aware that it is a heavily trafficked road, especially in the summer (because of the great views, of course).

Branford has only a few places where I wouldn't want to live, those being so due to traffic, noise, or crowding. Hotchkiss Grove Rd seems like it would be fine, as long as you are comfortable having your kids near Route 146 and potentially some summertime beach party-goers.

Hope that helps! Branford is a great place to live. Speaking from personal experience commuting to Yale from Guilford, I advise your husband to take the train.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by nico7

Are you talking about the section of Route 146 and its offshoot, Hotchkiss Grove Rd?

One reason people might say that it's "not the best" is that there are many seasonal residents/houses along that small stretch of Route 146. There may also be some rental properties there which would make it unpopular with the permament residents. It could be something of a party destination, just because it is the most accessible point of direct waterfront and least snooty coastal neighborhood. Stony Creek is not snooty, but there is a permanent community there that is always looking out for the neighborhood.

If you are considering living directly on Route 146 with small children, you should be aware that it is a heavily trafficked road, especially in the summer (because of the great views, of course).

Branford has only a few places where I wouldn't want to live, those being so due to traffic, noise, or crowding. Hotchkiss Grove Rd seems like it would be fine, as long as you are comfortable having your kids near Route 146 and potentially some summertime beach party-goers.

Hope that helps! Branford is a great place to live. Speaking from personal experience commuting to Yale from Guilford, I advise your husband to take the train.

I agree with this 100%. There is a certain percentage of residents who are seasonal, as well as many transplanted New Yorkers who live there year round.

Branford is a great, clean town with good schools, excellent restaurants and nice beaches. It is also more affordable than many CT communities with a similar quality of life.

[ctgal21]

I've lived in Branford since this past June and absolutely love it! I did a lot of research on the town before I chose to buy my condo and it is a great place to live. Branford has the best voted seafood, diner and Indian restaurants in CT and many other good restaurants. I do almost all my errands without even leaving Branford.

I love it!

Any other questions, feel free to PM me.

[beach97]

I live in Hotchkiss Grove right on 146. We had a 5 and 1 year old when we moved in - we just were careful when we crossed to the beach. Hotchkiss Grove is the best neighborhood in Branford to move into - yes, there are a lot of "summer" people (my next door neighbor) but there is a great commeraderie (sp?) and no one cares if you live here all the time, some of the time or are renting for a season. Moving in the summer is wonderful because you will get to know everyone right away by hanging at the beach. We have quite a few neighborhood social gatherings that are a great way to meet the neighbors. Lots of little kids for your kids to play with - good luck with your search and I hope things work out!