[JViello]

Originally Posted by KH02

I would stay put. Somers, Suffield and Ellington have good schools and are nice towns, but they don't offer many rentals.
Any towns in CT with good schools wont have 2 bedroom rentals for 800 a month.

Are you serious? There are a LOT of apartment rental places in Ellington...much more than one would think. In fact, my mother just moved there from Manchester because the selection was better and priced lower than Manchester for her!

Johnny Appleseed, the complexoff Meadows Road etc etc.

Some of you folks need to actually spend some time there.

[KH02]

Ellington has more apts then Suffield and Somers but it will likely cost them more then 800 a month for a 2 bedroom (which will likely be very small for a family of 4)

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by JViello

Are you serious? There are a LOT of apartment rental places in Ellington...much more than one would think. In fact, my mother just moved there from Manchester because the selection was better and priced lower than Manchester for her!

Johnny Appleseed, the complexoff Meadows Road etc etc.

Some of you folks need to actually spend some time there.

How true. Before temporarily coming here (which ends this week), I thought Ellington was a "farm town" because Stew Leonard's claims that's where their milk comes from. But I have a friend in my training program who lives there and he showed me otherwise. But maybe I'm wrong, it doesn't look like the kind of place where 2 bedroom apts. are $800/month (even considering that I'm not in Fairfield County).

[Seasoned]

Thank you all for your responses, as I do put value on everyone's comments and opinions.

Living here in Lake Mary is acceptable to me because I can provide a modest living for my family.

My struggle is in the choice between living a modest life here in Florida with all the essentials and also being able to afford some luxuries here and there; Or moving back "home", to Connecticut and being able to provide the basics for my family and perhaps not that much more...at first.

I know if we lived back in Connecticut we would not be trapped indoors as much because all of us can tolerate cold much better than heat and humidity. I have so many fond memories of growing up as a child and enjoying all 4 seasons and being outdoors as much as my parents would let me.

While Lake Mary is a nice small town with decent schools and low crime within the city limits, the fact that it is still Florida and a suburb of Orlando, I always worry about the general safety of my children.

Where is that monetary cut off line where one says "X", amount of more money is just not worth it? I guess it's all personal preference and where ones values line up in their list of priorities in life.

I'm leaning to take that job in Somers because I know at least for now I will be able to provide the basics for my family, and I will continue to build off of that.

Again, I appreciate the responses. I hope to be a neighbor soon!

[JViello]

Originally Posted by KH02

Ellington has more apts then Suffield and Somers but it will likely cost them more then 800 a month for a 2 bedroom (which will likely be very small for a family of 4)

True, the $800 mark is tough...but that's anywhere outside of the cities IMO. Manchesters "apartments" that are not multi-family homes are in the $1K-1.5K range!

Johnny Appleseed apartments are around the $930-975 mark for a two bedroom.

Johnny Appleseed Apartments Ellington, CT - Apartments for Rent in Ellington Connecticut

[Uconn97]

JV is correct, also Cornfield Apartment complex in ellington also offers 2 bedroom/1 bath townhouse style apartments for right around $1,000/month (and i think that includes heat and hot water).

They also have a 2 bedroom townhouse style with an extra 1/2 bath (you sacrifice a closet and some foyer space) which might work out even better for a family of 4. Includes your own basement with W/D hookups, so lots of storage for a family set up.

[DanBev]

$40,000 is a pittance for income in CT,this to support a large family on one income???You will never find a rent in the $800-900 range. We are retired and returning because of age and family.We are purchasing a foreclosure in Vernon,702 sq ft is assessed at $173,000,taxed at $121,000,taxes $3680.
We will appeal assessment.
This is what you will be facing among many other taxes.We are also moving from Florida,have been here 20 years.Right now Florida is very simple on cost of living.
You had better take a very close look at all factors.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by JViello

Are you serious? There are a LOT of apartment rental places in Ellington...much more than one would think. In fact, my mother just moved there from Manchester because the selection was better and priced lower than Manchester for her!

Johnny Appleseed, the complexoff Meadows Road etc etc.

Some of you folks need to actually spend some time there.

Yes, this is one of the odd things about Ellington. there are a couple of large apartment complexes set amid the corn and cow fields. Always thought is was unusual but Ellington is a great town with much to offer.

Seasoned - Only you can decide what is more important to you and if $40,000 per year will be enough to live on here. What you give up to live closer to family and in an area that suits you better is your and your spouse's decision. This will be a difficult choice since you will be losing a lot of income and buying power. Is the job you are moving for comparable to the job you are leaving? I find is hard to believe that the same job in Florida pays more than CT. Is the salary negotable? Also is there a good chance for an advancement? A lot to consider IMHO. I do wish you the best. Jay

[DanBev]

I just posted above,can't believe a single income for 6 people of $40,000 can sustain this couple.It is the wife and I retired at $36,000 and we are leery.
Add everything up and $40,000 gone in a heartbeat.

[Uconn97]

Family of 4 not 6. While I agree that 40K in CT isn't much, we don't have a full assesment of the situation to comment on their situation...Car loan?? Lifestyle?? etc. Only the OP can determine if the lower salary will work for their situation.