[rcook]

My husband and I are moving to the New Haven area from Michigan and are considering the areas of West Haven specifically Church St., Westville, or Milford. He is going to be taking the Metro North to work each day, so we don't want too much of a commute to the train station. We only plan on staying there for a couple of years(at least that is what his company is saying right now). We will probably buy a bit of a fixer upper, but want to make sure we can get our money out of it when we sell, and maybe even make a little. What area would be our best bet to do this?

I saw thread talking about West Haven being called "Waste Haven". Is this the common image of West Haven amongst the people in the area? Should we be concerned about resale in this area?

Are the taxes really that bad compared to Westville and Milford?

Can you tell me more specifically the areas within Westville and Milford to be in or to stay away from?

[mels]

I have lived in all three and I like West Haven the least. Taxes are high, a lot of not so pretty areas, public schools aren't great, besides being next to the water I can't think of much nice to say...notice the lower housing prices in West Haven. There is a reason for it. I lived near the Milford and Orange town lines and that area was nice. Probably the only area of WH I would want to live. Church St is an OK neighborhood (right downtown), venture towards Kimberly Ave and it becomes pretty rough.

Milford is nice, prices have been going up because of more NYC commuters coming into the area. I also enjoyed Westville, but it is more "city" than Milford, so it depends what you are looking for. Milford has no bad/unsafe areas. New Haven has some rough areas, namely Fair Haven, Newhallville, and the Hill neighborhood. Westville, downtown, east Rock, they are all good. Oh, Valley Street is the only area in Westville I would want to stay away from.

[Krista]

I grew up in Westville and am partial to it. I would stay away from West Haven. I would look into "lower" Westville or near Yale golf course, a lot of young families are coming back to those areas. Yale makes it a desireable area for resale any time. Schools are the reason I left. We went to North Haven, which is very convenient also and the schools are great. Good luck! If you are interested my house is going on the market this spring, in a fabulous neighborhood.

[mommy]

I think Milford or Westville would be your best bet out of the three. Westville has beautiful large old homes for great prices, however, if you have children, you would want to send them to private schools. The New Haven school system is not very good. If you stay near the Hopkins School area in Westville, it is very nice...Other areas of New Haven are in East Rock section... Again, the homes are large and lower in price than if it were in the suburbs, however, the taxes are high in New Haven. If you are coming from a rural area, you may not like New Haven as property sizes are small. Remember, it is a city. I don't know too much about Milford school system... From my travels into the town, if you are not right on the water, the homes are small... 2-3 bedroom ranches and capes. In reading other comments, I would agree with the person who suggested North Haven. They have great schools. My sister has lived in the Whitney Ridge area of North Haven for many years... Has 3 children...a wonderful walking distance to the neighborhood school down a pivate path... It's a great area for children to grow up in... one of the best areas in North Haven. Homes there are average colonials...manicured lawns.. affordable. A few other towns to consider, depending on your price range would be Woodbridge and Orange...larger homes..more land...and pricier. Good luck!

[jsmnleona]

Mommy,

I am in the market looking for a home in North Haven, Orange or possibly Milford. Which part of North HAven I should avoid? Right now, I am avoiding Montowese area. Of all the elementary schools in North Haven, which one is the best? We are moving to this area because of school and neighborhood. Thanks!

[jsmnleona]

Krista,

In which area is your house located? What's the spec of the house (no. of bedrooms, bathrooms,etc). I am actively looking for a house.

[rcook]

Thanks everyone for the advice on not buying a house in West Haven. Can anyone explain the car tax to me? In Michigan we don't pay a car tax. How is it figured? On average what does it cost you a year?

[griff72]

Originally Posted by jsmnleona

Mommy,

I am in the market looking for a home in North Haven, Orange or possibly Milford. Which part of North HAven I should avoid? Right now, I am avoiding Montowese area. Of all the elementary schools in North Haven, which one is the best? We are moving to this area because of school and neighborhood. Thanks!

i live in north haven and love it there. my kids go to ridge road elementary so i'm partial to it. my son went to green acres for pre-school and the principal there is considered one of the best in the state. he was CT principal of the year in 2003 i think. ridge rd area is more expensive but has some nice houses. i think all areas are fine- i'd just prefer not to live on quinnipiac ave or maple st just b/c they are busy streets. you can get some more land in the upper state st/kings hwy/ hartford tpke area.

[Krista]

My house that will be officially on the market in April is smack in the middle of the "perfect" ridge road neighborhood w/ the "path". It is the ideal for children. I have 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Quaint w/ beautiful gardens. I'll even leave the swingset if anyone wants it! LOL Pricvate mail me, maybe we can work out a deal.

[skytrekker]

A car is taxed in Connecticut as 'property' on a yearly basis. The amount you pay will be based on the vehicles age, and value.

A 5 year old economy car will cost you $150-200 a year- paid to the town you reside in. A newer Nissan Pathfinder or Large Dodge Ram will cost much more.

Also you might try perusing Realtor.com for houses for sale in West Haven, or the New Haven area. This will give youu a pretty good idea of what you can get for your money.