[cindy10]

keep hearing such horrible things about it

[CTaxolotl]

Like any community, New London has its good points and its bad points. It is a waterfront town with a rich history and some great restaurants, plus some areas of historic homes. It's a transportation center as far as ferries to Long Island and Block Island, and the Amtrack stops there several times a day. If you're looking to live on the coast halfway between Boston and New York, it could be the place for you. There is revitalization going on in the downtown area and several new condo developments as well.

[JayCT]

New London is a small city and it has some typical urban issues. These are though hardly more than any other city of its size and I believe much less. Keep in mind that the media needs news to get viewers so they generally do sensationalize even the smallest of incidents. Jay

[ctcoldplay11]

I insist you check it out. As Jay noted, many things in New London are sensationalized. Not nearly at all bad. Actually, the city is very nice, and there is a big revitalization program spurring growth in and around the city. Beautiful views of the Sound and the Thames as well! Obviously, as with any urban area, there are some areas to avoid. However, only you can determine where these areas are, so a visit is a must. Good luck!

[cindy10]

thanks so so much guys i will also
be checking groton too when i come down
this weeked....

[michael49]

I've got a good friend who lives in Waterford, right next to New London. I visit him at least yearly. There are good and bad areas, but overall I like the area. Definitely do some driving around and check out the nearby towns. The area changes very rapidly from one neighborhood to the next.

[GrotonMan]

I live in Groton (in case you didn't catch that from the name) and I can honestly say that although Groton and New London are very close together, there is not as much cross river activity happening as one might expect. The feel of both cities is quite different from one another. New London is a vibrant, more art centered city, with many entertainment spots, as well as being more urban minded in their approach to zoning and development. Many great new revitalization projects are underway in the middle of downtown that are making it a significantly more attractive place to live and work, and that is a very welcome sight here in SE CT.

Groton, on the other side of the river, is much more industry and commerce oriented. While it is significantly more populated than New London, it also covers a much greater area and is very suburban oriented in it's zoning and development; however the City of Groton subdivision highlighted in their most recently adopted plan of conservation and development, plans to refocus their development efforts into more urbanized development. There are not as many established entertainment and dining establishments in Groton, however there are more parks, more places of employment with higher median salaries, and a greater emphasis on historical education.

The economy in the two cities are based on two main industries: Defense and pharmaceuticals. The US Navy Submarine base, General Dynamics Electric boat division and a huge Pfizer campus in Groton, and the US Coast Guard Academy, and Pfizer's global R&D headquarters in New London anchor the economy here along with the two major casino's a couple of miles north of here that do much for tourism.

When it comes down to it, it is a matter of personal taste, if you are a young person or couple I would suggest New London, if you are looking more for a suburban feel while still remaining affordable and retaining the amenities, I would suggest Groton. Also while you are here this weekend, I would suggest checking out a few of the surrounding towns such as Waterford, Ledyard, Stonington, and East lyme. I hope you enjoy your visit and like the area!