[KoutureKitten]

I currently live in Upstate NY (in a very suburban area) and I plan on moving about April 2010. I have family that still lives in NY, and I know that RI isn't THAT far away. I'd like to live within 5 hours from them, but I want to live near (no more than 30 minutes away from) a beach. I have a 16 year old daughter and she's very artsy, so I'd like to live in an area where she could utilize that. I have another child on the way, so I'll need a good school for the both of them, as well as a safe neighborhood. I'm a nurse, so I'll need to live in an area with a major hospital. My parents will move with us, and I'll need a duplex or a house with an in-law apartment for them. My dad enjoys golfing (perhaps he could join a country club?) and my mom would need to live within 10 minutes of retail stores (as well as a mall). Animals are extremely important to me; I rescue them and I have a lot of my own. I'll definitely need a good veterinary hospital (I currently live near one of the best that NY has) and a very animal-friendly community. I'd like to spend no more than $270,000 on a house, but I'm not sure what I could get for that. I'm not aware if these things are unrealistic, but I would appreciate some advice!

Also, I've been looking at houses in the Westerly, RI/Pawcatuck, CT region, as well as some houses in Warwick, RI and Jamestown, RI, but all of these areas seem so industrial to me. I'm trying to find a town close to a beach, but still somewhat suburban and secluded. Any suggestions?

[Silli]

Norwich area has hospital and affordable housing near beaches.

[KH02]

Most places within 30 min or less of a beach that you can afford will unfortunately not provide great schools. So I think you'd have to give on one of those things. Norwich is a good suggestion like PP said, but their schools are undesirable.

[heather121]

Check into the Waterford area - it's a shoreline town in eastern CT, has good schools, tons of retail, and next door to L&M Hospital, and according to realtor.com there are a decent number of houses available in your price range.

[JayCT]

I agree. Waterford or some of the neighboring towns like Montville might be good to consider. Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London or Backus Hospital in Norwich are the biggest hospitals in the area.

Also, have you considered a bigger city like New Haven? Jay

[andthentherewere3]

Well, in all honesty, if the OP is looking for good schools and a safe neighborhood, I'd hesitate to recommend New Haven. But not too far from Yale-New Haven hospital, the OP might consider Milford in addition to the other suggestions. It has a lot of shopping, beaches, etc. The schools aren't necessarily "very good", but some consider them to be good.

[GrotonMan]

Really depending on what size and kind of house you are looking for the South East shoreline can prvide that for you while still having good schools. Aside from New London and to some extent Groton, the towns right on the water are pretty much suburban, but still accessible. The schools aren't necessarily top five in the state, but there are still some pretty good schools for academics as well as arts.

[Lowerdeck]

Waterford, Montville, Stonington, North Stonington (Wheeler), East Lyme (EL might be cost prohibitive). If you don't mind a smaller house lot and more density, then Milford could work.

They may not have the greatest schools in the world, but certainly aren't horrible.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by KoutureKitten

I currently live in Upstate NY (in a very suburban area) and I plan on moving about April 2010. I have family that still lives in NY, and I know that RI isn't THAT far away. I'd like to live within 5 hours from them, but I want to live near (no more than 30 minutes away from) a beach. I have a 16 year old daughter and she's very artsy, so I'd like to live in an area where she could utilize that. I have another child on the way, so I'll need a good school for the both of them, as well as a safe neighborhood. I'm a nurse, so I'll need to live in an area with a major hospital. Any suggestions?

Hamden might be a viable choice. Schools are considered "decent"(by CT's high standards). New Haven, directly to the south, has a major teaching hospital(Yale-New Haven) and a smaller hospital(St. Raphael's). Hamden does not have a beach, but numerous beaches are accessible within 30 minutes. You will need to purchase a day pass or season pass to use the beaches contained within a specific town. I'm not aware of any reciprocity agreements between towns on beach passes. Each town requires you to purchase a pass from them to use their facilities.