[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

This thread: http://www.city-data.com/forum/conne...ml#post5181594 has some more comprehensive information for you.

(To the C-D veterans, take a look at post #4 in that thread. What's wrong with that picture?)

[Beeker2211]

Bookgirl,

I'm glad you're very interested in Connecticut, in particular our cities. Waterbury is probably one that is faring better than most, and that's with most cities in Connecticut on a whole doing better than people in public discourse give them credit for (most serious crime in our cities happens in very small, hyper-poor neighbourhoods at very high rates for personal reasons). That said, even with the downturn of manufacturing in these centres, there remain fabulous neighbourhoods and ones for the "working man." Sadly the internet can only go so far, so the best thing to do is populate a list of the houses that seem interesting to you and come out and visit for a few days. Connecticut is small so viewing houses in New Haven/Hartford/Fairfield counties could happen within hours. Some things to consider are: do you need a car? what is your real price range (keeping in mind higher wages here than in most of the country)? Are you both going to have a job once here, if so where? I happen to like Waterbury, and with a little bit of investment in the downtown I think the gorgeous architecture that's there would really shine and once again be a jewel to the nation. But those sorts of things take time and need the good jobs in the area behind them, and while the area is trying it's a tough situation.

As for interpersonal relationships andthere is pretty spot on, we tend to shoot back whatever gets shot at us. As well, a significant portion of the population is very aware of other people's personal space and energy, but with little care to their own most of the time. To note: lot of our culture also revolves around food. Our meeting places are our restaurants, rarely homes, and though we do have cheap fare it adds up. Religion isn't quite as central of a part of our social structure, but it's there should you want/need it (with some excellent private-education opportunities). Most people I've met here treat homosexuality with more indifference than anything else, and our school sports teams are rarely the only thing our students get praised for. The best part about Connecticut is that it has nuances from locale to locale, so even if you're not feeling where you are one night a trip elsewhere in the state or the easily accessible other states for a different "feel." Oh yeah, the Sound is a big aspect for 3/4ths of our population and fairly accessible even to those mid-state.

If you're looking for a place, like many are unfortunately, to just "make everything better" Connecticut is far from it. But, I think whoever comes here with an attitude of "what's the worst that can happen, let's make a go of this" will find relative success and probably see Connecticut for all it is, blemishes and all.

Hope any of this was useful. Best of luck to you.

~Cheers

[Appias]

Bookgirl,
Have you looked into Danbury? That might be another possibility. Where would your husband commute to? Can you tell us your price range? That information would help everyone give more targeted suggestions. As I said, the Oakville section of Watertown might be a good place to think about as well. I can even give you the name of a great Italian bakery if you decide to visit in person.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by brasscitybluenwhite

Waterbury is a part of a greater area called the Tri-State area. The attitude is wayy different in Waterbury than other areas in CT. For example, I was in Paterson, NJ last weekend. Now paterson isn't known for niced neighborhoods by the way. I stopped at a pizza shop in the city and you know what I saw? All sorts of people inside blacks, italians, puerto ricans...all eating pizza. Nobody was making fun of the kid on section 8, talking about people on medicaid, etc. That's something you can't find in Connecticut..people minding their own business...etc. You can't find too many places like this in Connecticut because of the suburban influence on urban Connecticut as opposed to urban influence on suburban NY/NJ.

Have you looked into moving there?

Brasscity - I believe we have had this discussion before with your comments on Atlanta. Visiting a place for a few days or weeks does not give you a true indication of what living there is really like. As some one who lived and worked near Paterson, New Jersey and know many people that live near there, I will say that it is not a great place to live.

I am not sure where Brasscity was but it is not any different than what you would find in major cities in Connecticut. Just because different types of people are eating in the same restaurant does not mean that they get along any better than somewhere else. You can find a similar place in any major city in Connecticut. Plus I believe people in Connecticut are much more respectful of others than many parts of the country.

I also agree with JViello that you might want to consider places other than Waterbury or any major city for that matter. I would pick a general location first and then look for a place to live near there. It won't be easy but it will be rewarding. Good luck, Jay

[JViello]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Brasscity - I believe we have had this discussion before with your comments on Atlanta. Visiting a place for a few days or weeks does not give you a true indication of what living there is really like. As some one who lived and worked near Paterson, New Jersey and know many people that live near there, I will say that it is not a great place to live.

I am not sure where Brasscity was but it is not any different than what you would find in major cities in Connecticut. Just because different types of people are eating in the same restaurant does not mean that they get along any better than somewhere else. You can find a similar place in any major city in Connecticut. Plus I believe people in Connecticut are much more respectful of others than many parts of the country.

Tottally agreed Jay. A trip to Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers in Meriden would be the same experience.

Good post.

[brasscitybluenwhite]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Brasscity - I believe we have had this discussion before with your comments on Atlanta. Visiting a place for a few days or weeks does not give you a true indication of what living there is really like. As some one who lived and worked near Paterson, New Jersey and know many people that live near there, I will say that it is not a great place to live.

I am not sure where Brasscity was but it is not any different than what you would find in major cities in Connecticut. Just because different types of people are eating in the same restaurant does not mean that they get along any better than somewhere else. You can find a similar place in any major city in Connecticut. Plus I believe people in Connecticut are much more respectful of others than many parts of the country.

I also agree with JViello that you might want to consider places other than Waterbury or any major city for that matter. I would pick a general location first and then look for a place to live near there. It won't be easy but it will be rewarding. Good luck, Jay

I never suggested moving to paterson, although there are some nice parts on the fair lawn side but...

well if you know paterson like you say you do then you would know that the area has alot of immigrants. You cannot tell me that you would recommend a suburban area of connecticut that might possibly be friendly to say...a family that looks like mexican immigrants. We just had a case in East Haven where the police were pulling people over for unknown reasons (skin color) and asking them for their green cards, remember? The case is not unique to Connecticut, except when people began to protest that it was unconstitutional (which it is), people actually came out to counter-protest in support of the police's actions (which baffled me).

Now you say that maybe the paterson-clifton-passaic area is not a nice place to live, but you'd have to admit that in this sort of behavior probably wouldn't happen there.

You may say that this is immaterial, but the OP made statements on the last page indicating her interest in Connecticut's general behavior (she said I didn't mind people's sexuality, and so on..) so I thought i'd say what i said...

[JViello]

Originally Posted by brasscitybluenwhite

I never suggested moving to paterson, although there are some nice parts on the fair lawn side but...

well if you know paterson like you say you do then you would know that the area has alot of immigrants. You cannot tell me that you would recommend a suburban area of connecticut that might possibly be friendly to say...a family that looks like mexican immigrants...

Lots of Mexican's in Wallingford. I havn't heard of many lynchings as of late.

Same here in Manchester.

Would you like to go there with Indian, Puerto Rican, Korean etc etc? The answer would be the same.

Sorry my friend, but I disagree with your attempt to paint CT as "non diverse" and "hostile" towards non "wasps". It's just not the case.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by brasscitybluenwhite

I never suggested moving to paterson, although there are some nice parts on the fair lawn side but...

well if you know paterson like you say you do then you would know that the area has alot of immigrants. You cannot tell me that you would recommend a suburban area of connecticut that might possibly be friendly to say...a family that looks like mexican immigrants. We just had a case in East Haven where the police were pulling people over for unknown reasons (skin color) and asking them for their green cards, remember? The case is not unique to Connecticut, except when people began to protest that it was unconstitutional (which it is), people actually came out to counter-protest in support of the police's actions (which baffled me).

Now you say that maybe the paterson-clifton-passaic area is not a nice place to live, but you'd have to admit that in this sort of behavior probably wouldn't happen there.

You may say that this is immaterial, but the OP made statements on the last page indicating her interest in Connecticut's general behavior (she said I didn't mind people's sexuality, and so on..) so I thought i'd say what i said...

Clifton and Fair Lawn are suburban communities, just like say West Hartford, Bloomfield (CT) or Windsor. I have a friend from Clifton (her brother was on the police force there) and there were many instances of racial profiling there just like in Connecticut. It happens there just like here. Jay

[ansky]

Originally Posted by original_bookgirl

What are Waterbury and Bristol like?

Bristol is ok, but not great. It's basically a working class, blue collar town. The biggest problem with Bristol is its lack of accessibility to major highways. There is only 1 main thoroughfare through town - Route 6 - that tends to be very crowded with traffic because of all the strip malls along the route. Downtown Bristol is kind of run down.

[joelap]

I registered to ask a question, but saw this thread and would like to comment. Apologies for spelling errors as I am on a phone typing this. I was born and raised in MODERN Waterbury on the wolcott side I can tell you that you will do fine there. I still live there and love the city for it's faults. Talk about crime all you want but I'm 23 and when I was 16 I was hanging out with other "white boys" in many areas most CT suburbanites wouldnt dare tread. Truth is I never had any trouble. Fights happen anywhere it's just when the parties involved are different races that it makes news. Waterbury is fairly safe, police force a bit corrupt and in the news recently and we've had our fair share of mayoral problems, including the last mayor who got put in jail for making naughty with 13 and 15 year old girls (now I know why he came to my grammar school to speak years ago). But the current mayor is pretty good. Waterbury also is improving and UCONN built a branch right in the center of Waterbury. Across the street they renovated the palace theater... I've seen bb king there and many famous comedians. Any restaurant ethnic type you can think of except Indian for some reason. A brand new arts magnet school and MANY catholic schools.

It's because of Waterbury I ended up how I am. Now I'm looking to get my own place with my fiancé on a low budget and don't know where to go. I'm thinking about Waterbury because I know my kids won't grow up thinking they are rich or are entitled to the world. Oakville is nicer, and I would suggest it. My fiancé grew up there and Watertown has a slightly better school system that people in oakville fall under.

Why not check out newington? TONS of post-war era houses and half the mill rate of Waterbury and you are 10 mins away from Hartford.

Kind of funny I'm having such an easy time rattling off cities for you while I can't settle on a place to live for me.

CT people are different and cultures are different from
city to city... Good luck you'll do fine here. 2 hours to NYC, 2 hours to Boston, 2
hours to skiing, 2 hours to ocean beaches (half annhour to long island sound). You can really see a lot any day of the week. You aren't right in the thick of things but younare close to so much. 4 airports or more within 2 hours.