[3kidsmama]

Hi, I have been reading the postings about the farmington valley and it seems like a great place to live. I am a stay at home mom currently but will be returning to work as a teacher within the next 3 years or so. My husband is a teacher as well. We currently live in E. Longmeadow Ma and we love the people and the quiet but want more. I am from southern ct (milford and bridgeport before it). When I go back to work, we would like to move back to Ct. I am looking for a town that is no more than a 45 min commute to windsor, great schools, picturesque, good recreation opportunities with the kids, nice people (not snobs), would love sidewalks and a green-stars hollow would be perfect , a bike path would be great, access to good restaurants. A 3 to 4 bedroom home with around 1/2 acre app. 2000 square feet, the older the better under $400,000. We have spent a lot of time in Simsbury and love the layout, bike path, shops, schools, recreation, proximity to Windsor, etc... but are not sure if a couple of teachers would really fit in and we don't want the kids to feel like the poorest kids in school. Any insight you have would be appreciated. Trying to do my research now while I still have some time. Thanks.

[kap412]

I think you'd be fine in Simsbury. There's wealth there, but it definitely has a middle-class population. There are plenty of teachers that live there too. It's a beautiful town with lots of outdoor activities, and the schools are excellent.

Also look at West Hartford. There are tons of older homes and most streets have sidewalks. You could take advantage of the reservoir for biking. There are lots of recreational activities for people of all ages. You can't be bored in that town.

[JayCT]

Even though Simsbury is considered an upscale town, there really is a wide range of people that live there. If you like it (and what is not to like except for its ease of access issues) then definitely look there. It is a lovely town and most of the people I have met there (we have family in town) are very nice and well educated. Jay

[KH02]

I've noticed actually lots of homes in Simsbury in the 200K's even so I think you would be fine. I think Simsbury is a little cheaper then towns like farmington because it's more remote.

[UnschoolerinCT]

Originally Posted by 3kidsmama

Hi, I have been reading the postings about the farmington valley and it seems like a great place to live. I am a stay at home mom currently but will be returning to work as a teacher within the next 3 years or so. My husband is a teacher as well. We currently live in E. Longmeadow Ma and we love the people and the quiet but want more. I am from southern ct (milford and bridgeport before it). When I go back to work, we would like to move back to Ct. I am looking for a town that is no more than a 45 min commute to windsor, great schools, picturesque, good recreation opportunities with the kids, nice people (not snobs), would love sidewalks and a green-stars hollow would be perfect , a bike path would be great, access to good restaurants. A 3 to 4 bedroom home with around 1/2 acre app. 2000 square feet, the older the better under $400,000. We have spent a lot of time in Simsbury and love the layout, bike path, shops, schools, recreation, proximity to Windsor, etc... but are not sure if a couple of teachers would really fit in and we don't want the kids to feel like the poorest kids in school. Any insight you have would be appreciated. Trying to do my research now while I still have some time. Thanks.

I would recommend checking out Granby and West Granby. It has everything you are looking for and is a little more relaxed than Simsbury.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by KH02

I've noticed actually lots of homes in Simsbury in the 200K's even so I think you would be fine. I think Simsbury is a little cheaper then towns like farmington because it's more remote.

Starter homes do exist inthe low $200k's, the problem is they usually don't stay long on the market. A friend at work was looking to buy a house like this for him, his fiance and their newborn son. Each time their realtor approached them with a potential house within their price range, by the time they wanted to setup an appointment someone else had made an offer on it. There's a high demand for housing in that town even now, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I say that not to discourage the OP but just to be ready and be patient if looking in Simsbury.

If you find something, jump on it - you'll be glad you did because it's a great town.

[3kidsmama]

thanks for the info. How do you think Canton/Collinsville compares?

[MikefromCT]

Canton is also very nice, if less than half the size of Simsbury (just over 10,000 people.) Collinsville has their own Main St with a small cluster of stores that are close to houses, with the river nearby. Pretty, pretty area. But it's further away from Windsor if that's an issue

[formermainer13]

Canton would have more reasonable home prices than Simsbury and is less wealthy, but its also not as nice. Simsbury has better schools, nicer roads, better recreational facilities, and an overall more attractive town. Also, your home investment will be safer in Simsbury as its a very desirable town with strong town leadership/planning - even with the poor housing market, Simsbury remains strong. If you have the choice between Simsbury and Canton - choose Simsbury!