[nouveau.mere]

How do I find out which CT towns have Newcomers Clubs and do you think having such a club is indicative of a friendly town?

(It's taking me far too long to figure out where I want to settle in CT and I'm just trying to tease out some insight from all of the data out there.)

Thanks!

[DandJ]

Hi there!

I wouldn't say that HAVING a newcomers club is indicative of anything. Case in point:

When we moved to West Hartford (and keeping in mind, I wasn't just moving into a new town or a new state -- I was moving into a new country), I found and contacted the newcomers club for West Hartford.

They never even phoned me back!

But everyone who I've met -- whether close neighbors or those further out -- have been extremely friendly.

I've found that if YOU are friendly, THEY are friendly.

Good luck!

[nouveau.mere]

Thanks DandJ, for your common sense. I would say that West Hartford seems easier to maneuver than some towns that have 10,000 or fewer people, but maybe that's just my preconceptions getting in the way.

I guess people can find book clubs, ad hoc sports teams, service orgs and other groups all over the country. I've always thought I was good with research but then I get overwhelmed and worry about moving to the "wrong" place or a place that is not the right fit. I don't want to meet people that are only like me, however.

[DandJ]

Originally Posted by nouveau.mere

Thanks DandJ, for your common sense. I would say that West Hartford seems easier to maneuver than some towns that have 10,000 or fewer people, but maybe that's just my preconceptions getting in the way.

I guess people can find book clubs, ad hoc sports teams, service orgs and other groups all over the country. I've always thought I was good with research but then I get overwhelmed and worry about moving to the "wrong" place or a place that is not the right fit. I don't want to meet people that are only like me, however.

I think it's always difficult moving to a new place but just remember, wherever you go, there will always be some nice people and some who are not so nice. It's just the nature of the world.

What areas are you focusing on?

Oh, and your French screen name... where are you from? I'm from Montreal (Canada) although, really, I speak VERY little French.

[nouveau.mere]

DandJ, We are thinking of West Hartford or an area like W. Hartford!

My husband and I have both been employed at the same places in CT since 2007 but are not sure how long each position will last with what has gone on during this recession.

I think Middletown and Fairfield would also be the types of areas we are looking for as well but we don't know CT that well and are drawn to some smaller towns as long as they have walkable areas, parks, entertainment and things that cater to children (our child is 2yo).

Lucky you being from Montreal, I'm Connectican by birth.

[DandJ]

Originally Posted by nouveau.mere

DandJ, We are thinking of West Hartford or an area like W. Hartford!

My husband and I have both been employed at the same places in CT since 2007 but are not sure how long each position will last with what has gone on during this recession.

I think Middletown and Fairfield would also be the types of areas we are looking for as well but we don't know CT that well and are drawn to some smaller towns as long as they have walkable areas, parks, entertainment and things that cater to children (our child is 2yo).

Lucky you being from Montreal, I'm Connectican by birth.

Well, if you move to West Hartford, I'll be your one-person welcoming committee!

[canuckexpat]

can I join the party?

[DandJ]

Originally Posted by canuckexpat

can I join the party?

Absolutely, V!

[Silli]

Just bear in mind that certain towns get mentioned in this forum quite a bit as "ideal" places to live- West Hartford and Fairfield being prime examples- but don't get too hung up on our recommendations. You can find what you're looking for in lots of towns, no matter what is, if you put in the effort and are selective in the specific location of your home within the town you end up in.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Silli

Just bear in mind that certain towns get mentioned in this forum quite a bit as "ideal" places to live- West Hartford and Fairfield being prime examples- but don't get too hung up on our recommendations. You can find what you're looking for in lots of towns, no matter what is, if you put in the effort and are selective in the specific location of your home within the town you end up in.

This is very true. What is good one person may not be good for another. Every town has its good points and its bad and some of those points are very subjective. Anyone looking to move should do as much research as possible and spend as much time as possible in the towns they are considering. Also read articles about the town in the local and regional newspapers or online. Jay