[jsmnleona]

I know the town of Orange has good schools - Amity Regional, and the town is close to Post Rd (lots of shopping). Can someone tell me how are the people in this town like? Is there a large Jewish community in this town? Wealthy, middle class, etc.? One of my priorities is to be able to fit into the community and not feel like an outsider.

[gomet]

Unless you move into one of connecticut's wealthiest towns, the term outsiders means nothing. Most folks mind their business. You should be fine in Orange.

[jsmnleona]

Originally Posted by gomet

Unless you move into one of connecticut's wealthiest towns, the term outsiders means nothing. Most folks mind their business. You should be fine in Orange.

It doesn't have to be in a wealthy town to feel like an outsider. I have lived in a town with many working class, and we didn't fit in. We don't value the same things. For some of them, able to send their kids to school is already a blessing, but I want a good school system. Some were too busy with they night shifts and day shifts, that they left their kids in the neighborhood and they were causing trouble. These things matters, at least for me and my family.

[westguy22]

Orange is an upper class town with friendly residents. They are part of Amity region # 5, which is among the best districts in the country. Most parents are white-collar in Orange, and it's home to a large Jewish population.

Good luck with your search. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

[Friendship-Properties]

Bottom line is something like this ..

The more expensive the homes, the more taxes, the better the school system, the lower the crime rate.

Pretty much in that order. The home cost, makes for higher taxes.. the higher taxes provides for a better school ... the better school educates the people .. educated people are less likely to have to/want to commit crime.

[prefont313]

Originally Posted by Friendship-Properties

Bottom line is something like this ..

The more expensive the homes, the more taxes, the better the school system, the lower the crime rate.

Pretty much in that order. The home cost, makes for higher taxes.. the higher taxes provides for a better school ... the better school educates the people .. educated people are less likely to have to/want to commit crime.

Higher taxes does not equal higher schools. If you do believe this, then Greenwich should be #1 in the country. But they are not. The reason is they aren't because teachers are what make the higher schools and if the real estate is out of the price range of a teacher's salary, they won't teach there.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Friendship-Properties

Bottom line is something like this ..

The more expensive the homes, the more taxes, the better the school system, the lower the crime rate.

Pretty much in that order. The home cost, makes for higher taxes.. the higher taxes provides for a better school ... the better school educates the people .. educated people are less likely to have to/want to commit crime.

I actually kind of agree with this. I know that good schools can be had without high taxes, but in general people who want good schools will pay for them with home prices and taxes and make sure the schools are top notch. Greenwich schools are considered EXCELLENT and are very highly rated. Jay

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by prefont313

Higher taxes does not equal higher schools. If you do believe this, then Greenwich should be #1 in the country. But they are not. The reason is they aren't because teachers are what make the higher schools and if the real estate is out of the price range of a teacher's salary, they won't teach there.

To further this, Waterbury and New Britain would also have excellent schools. There's little correlation.

Further, more education doesn't mean less crime. It usually means a different type of crime (white collar) and more money to get better attorneys.

[nytowoods]

I think Orange is great. I grew up in Woodbridge next door. I see Orange as a town that really tries hard to develop its 'community spirit'. They do a lot of community events in the center of town, the Volunteer Fireman's Carnival is a huge draw, as well as the Orange Country Fair (complete with baking contests and livestock and vegetable competitions). Homes are primarily on 1 acre lots, although I think zoning has increased it to 1 1/2 acre minimum to combat the loss of so many farms to housing developments. Huge commercial base on Route 1 helps to keep taxes lower than neighboring Woodbridge too. All my friends in Orange love Orange and either have never left it or come back to it after college - buy their parents houses or buy one down the street. Schools are great and easy access to highways. Fitting in really depends on the neighborhood. Some neighborhoods have block parties, some never talk to each other. Sort of the nature of the beast of New England suburbs...