[Atlantian]

Hello!
I am moving from ATL to CT either to Hartford or Windsor Locks. I will like to get some input from citizen from these cities concerning cost of living, residential places to live, safety, rent, etc.
I just got a position in CT as entry level eng and need some more ifnormation about the city.
PS any idea about average salaries too?. I know the economy is rough now, but I am just concern that the north is more expensive and I have no idea about cost of living?
Thank you!

Atlantian

[goldenband]

I don't live there myself, but I'm told that Windsor Locks is quite safe, not very expensive, family-friendly, and rather dull. If you're looking for something close to the airport, and don't need a lot of nightlife and socializing, it might be a good choice. If you're younger and/or single, you'd probably want to look at Hartford (either downtown or the West End) or West Hartford.

[mlassoff]

You will likely find the cost of living in Connecticut to exceed the COL in Atlanta by a bit. The lifestyle will be as well. You find that instead of mega-apartment complexes owned by large firms, many of the apartments are in two and three family homes, in small complexes and condos available for rent. Likely you will find the average rent higher and some of the basics a bit more expensive. Taxes are likely higher too. Many just starting out elect to have a roommate and share expenses, and this can also be a great way to get to know people when you're new in town.

My brother after graduating college in Hartford elected to live alone after a short while living in a basement apartment in a multifamily. (At the time he was earning little money as a tutor and book seller). He then moved to a one bedroom apartment in East Hartford for about five years. The apartment was adequate and safe and if I remember correctly he paid between $750 - $850-- The rent went up a bit each year.

You will find many positives to living in Connecticut. The state has among the highest quality of life. There are loads of recreational opportunities, a well educated and engaged populace, wonderful ethic food, and a location convenient to two world class cities-- Boston and NYC.

Good luck on your move. I am moving to the area myself later this year after too much time in Austin, Texas.

[JayCT]

Windsor Locks is a small middle-class community about 12 miles north of Hartford. It is home to the State's largest airport, Bradley international. There is not a lot of things for young singles in this area so if you do not mind traveling you may want to consider other locations to live. Hartford has a decent nightlife for singles but it is not on the same scale of big cities like Atlanta. Hartford is a smaller somewhat quiet city. Many singles live there and in neighboring West Hartford. The commute to Windsor Locks would be about 20 to 30 minutes. I hope this helps, Jay

[Atlantian]

Thank you for all the information. I will keep all your advices in mind!

[lmorrissette]

Hello,
I am looking at possibly working in Hartford. I would be commuting from Massachusetts. I am wondering what the traffic is like in the morning and evening and how I can avoid traffic. I will already have an hour commute and I want to see if I would need to add more time to consider traffic back-up.

[brasscitybluenwhite]

what part of mass? there may be other ways to get into CT...

[MPC2000]

Originally Posted by Atlantian

Hello!
I am moving from ATL to CT either to Hartford or Windsor Locks. I will like to get some input from citizen from these cities concerning cost of living, residential places to live, safety, rent, etc.
I just got a position in CT as entry level eng and need some more ifnormation about the city.
PS any idea about average salaries too?. I know the economy is rough now, but I am just concern that the north is more expensive and I have no idea about cost of living?
Thank you!

Atlantian

Hartford is the bomb if you live in the West End of the City, and that's little "Hollywood" over here. it's got a bunch of restaurants. you'll hear somebody complaining about the crime, but the crime never happens over here so..........the cost of living is not as high as New York, which is cool

[MPC2000]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

You will likely find the cost of living in Connecticut to exceed the COL in Atlanta by a bit. The lifestyle will be as well. You find that instead of mega-apartment complexes owned by large firms, many of the apartments are in two and three family homes, in small complexes and condos available for rent. Likely you will find the average rent higher and some of the basics a bit more expensive. Taxes are likely higher too. Many just starting out elect to have a roommate and share expenses, and this can also be a great way to get to know people when you're new in town.

My brother after graduating college in Hartford elected to live alone after a short while living in a basement apartment in a multifamily. (At the time he was earning little money as a tutor and book seller). He then moved to a one bedroom apartment in East Hartford for about five years. The apartment was adequate and safe and if I remember correctly he paid between $750 - $850-- The rent went up a bit each year.

You will find many positives to living in Connecticut. The state has among the highest quality of life. There are loads of recreational opportunities, a well educated and engaged populace, wonderful ethic food, and a location convenient to two world class cities-- Boston and NYC.

Good luck on your move. I am moving to the area myself later this year after too much time in Austin, Texas.

you couldn't have stated it better, I live in Hartford and it's got it's rough patches, but all in all it's a city to live in. the neighborhood I live in is pretty decent, as soon as you leave my street it's sketchy, but it's still decent to live in.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by lmorrissette

Hello,
I am looking at possibly working in Hartford. I would be commuting from Massachusetts. I am wondering what the traffic is like in the morning and evening and how I can avoid traffic. I will already have an hour commute and I want to see if I would need to add more time to consider traffic back-up.

I assume you will be coming down I-91 which does back up in the morning as you enter the city. I would at least 15 to 20 minutes (maybe more) to your drive time for slowing traffic getting into downtown. Jay