[UnschoolerinCT]

Originally Posted by wmass

I didn't mean to insult Waterbury, but I have formed that impression from many posts and some google street views. I've only ever driven through on 84. Good schools are more of a concern.

It seems like southington may be my best bet. I don't think I want to commute more than 20 minutes (ruling out west hartford). What I don't like about southington is it's suburban sprawly street network - it doesn't seem very walkable.

Maybe I'm spoiled where I live now (Northampton, MA).
it's only a 75 minute commute from here to waterbury w/o traffic!! .. but maybe its worth it? I love Northampton.

Have you checked out Litchfield? It is about 20-25 minutes to the north of Waterbury. Lovely town and has a vibrant downtown area although not urban.

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by UnschoolerinCT

Have you checked out Litchfield? It is about 20-25 minutes to the north of Waterbury. Lovely town and has a vibrant downtown area although not urban.

I may be wrong on this, and this may be less true in this economy, but I've heard that Litchfield is relatively expensive for where it is because of lots of wealthy NYers buying 2nd homes (though I do know someone who moved there permanently from Brooklyn who said it's not true in all areas of the county). Beautiful area though.

[joelap]

Originally Posted by 7 Wishes

I may be wrong on this, and this may be less true in this economy, but I've heard that Litchfield is relatively expensive for where it is because of lots of wealthy NYers buying 2nd homes (though I do know someone who moved there permanently from Brooklyn who said it's not true in all areas of the county). Beautiful area though.

you are correct. Drive through the woods / vineyards of western CT and there are more NY plates than CT plates (exaggeration for effect). A good friend of mine grew up in New Milford, and part of their biggest problem there is politicians and voters with the interest in keeping it rural and keeping business out. These are by individuals with 2nd homes there, and it is to the detriment of the working-class resident of that town.

Litchfield can be pricey but does have a nice downtown area. however, towns like that don't have the types of downtowns you "frequent", unless you frequently buy antiques, etc. There is no Palace theater, restaurants are limited, access to the major highways are limited, etc.

To the OP: if schooling is an issue, Southington may not be your "box of juice" either. Although it is technically the "town" of southington, the dirty little secret is that it is so large it is, technically, a city. Southington High School is IMMENSE. whereas Waterbury has 4 Private, 1 Technical, and 3 Public High Schools, Southington has 1 Public, and just recently opened this year 1 Private high school (to my knowledge, thats it). southignton also has a Vocational/Agricultural program which brings in students from different towns as well. It is one of the biggest if not THE biggest high school in CT. I was always raised in a smaller-class, smaller-school environment. If that is what you are looking for, southignton public won't be your ticket. And for the record, if your child does any sports or other after-school activities, they better be incredible because the talent pool is so large there.

75 minutes is a long commute, and this is coming from a guy who Lives in Waterbury, works in Newington, takes classes in Bloomfield, and trains in New Haven - all in one day. I did a bing maps search on Northampton, and you are near Rte91 it seems. I don't know what time you plan on getting through Hartford and onto 84 to take you to Waterbury in 75 minutes, but it better be 5:30AM, 3PM, or 8:30PM. Hartford traffic is a nightmare. For reference, I live on the Wolcott border of Waterbury, and to get to the Windsor Locks border used to take me 45 minutes doing 80-something on straightaways on a clear day with no traffic. 91 through Chicopee/Agawam area is undergoing some construction too right now which will also slow you down. I would suggest you move because that commute would be absolutely attrocious, or if you really truly love Northampton so much, don't take the job in Waterbury.

[love2rock]

English is a second language for the majority of people living in Waterbury. I use to teach there. Glad I got out of there.

[Pshiz]

I lived in Waterbury for 8 months; I recently moved from the Bronx, NYC. I have mixed feelings because there are many ghetto neighborhoods but the shopping areas are nice especially the mall. I feel alot safer going to most stores than I did in the Bronx and the Bronx is overlysaturated with ghetto people. Warning to all decent working people, make sure you drive out ghetto people out of your neighborhoods

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Pshiz

I lived in Waterbury for 8 months; I recently moved from the Bronx, NYC. I have mixed feelings because there are many ghetto neighborhoods but the shopping areas are nice especially the mall. I feel alot safer going to most stores than I did in the Bronx and the Bronx is overlysaturated with ghetto people. Warning to all decent working people, make sure you drive out ghetto people out of your neighborhoods

Waterbury is cheap/undesirable and has lots of state assisted housing. They ain't going anywhere.

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by Pshiz

I lived in Waterbury for 8 months; I recently moved from the Bronx, NYC. I have mixed feelings because there are many ghetto neighborhoods but the shopping areas are nice especially the mall. I feel alot safer going to most stores than I did in the Bronx and the Bronx is overlysaturated with ghetto people. Warning to all decent working people, make sure you drive out ghetto people out of your neighborhoods

HMM, what do they say, the grass is always greener..... (no need to 'bump' a 2 year old thread either)