[FrankieV16]

I am relocating (temporarily) from the Las Vegas area with my husband and daughter who is entering 9th Grade.

I will be renting and would like some input as to the cities of Shelton, Milford and Monroe.

We are originally from North NJ and know about traffic, prices, weather and the like. I don't, however, know much about CT and would like to know about safety in the High Schools. That is really my biggest concern.

Do you think we'll be able to rent a 2 bedroom apt/condo/townhouse in any of these areas within the $1500-1600/month range?? We'd be coming in Dec 2006 and staying until April 2008.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[salatheel]

All are safe towns. Monroe and Milford I would say have better schools. Milford has a lot more to do a nice downtown area that is very alive and one of the biggest best malls in the state.

[FrankieV16]

Thanks so much. What about traveling to Bridgeport area, time wise?

Being from NJ, I know mileage doesn't equal minutes. From Monroe, From Milford??

[FrankieV16]

Anyone know anything about schools in Madison, CT (New Haven county)?

I'm thinking of maybe going north of Fairfield County where it seems you get more for your money.

However, I don't want to sacrifice safety in schools.

[VLYS]

Madison is a small shore line
town.
It's the schools in the larger
cities that may have more probs
with the kids.

[DogLady321]

Madison would be a better town than Milford.
Monroe would be much nicer as well. Monroe would be much shorter drive to Bridgeport.
Newtown is nice!
Southbury about 45 minutes from Bridgeport.
CT is becoming quite crowded and busy. Grew up there and can't believe how crowded it has gotten.

[Coffeecake]

Grew up in Monroe, very nice and very rural. Great schools. But you probably won't find many rentals, at least in the price range you suggest. The commute from Monroe to Bridgeport is not bad. Be aware though, Monroe is rural, therefore there is not a main highway artery there. Your only access to Bridgeport is either backroads or connecting with Route 25, which is on the Trumbull border. Shelton/Huntington - commute to Bridgeport fairly easy too. Backroads (depends where in Bpt. you work) or the main highway artery Route 8. Probably won't find much in the way of rentals in Huntington in that price range but you certainly will in Shelton. Shelton/Huntington schools are very good. Crime in both places is very low. Milford you will very likely find your price range and the commute to Bridgeport may be frustratingly slow. Backroads forget them as you will have to pass through Stratford before coming into Bpt. Therefore, the highway I-95 or Route 15 are your only choices. Unfortunately, you will be going with heavy traffic, so start early. Schools in Milford - fair.

[salatheel]

I have to disagree. Madison is nice and safe but is way out there. It is a tiny town with little to do. Monroe is growing and is safe and the schools are good. Milford has everything you would want the only negative is the traffic.

[Dragondog]

Monroe is a very nice semi rural town- but most of the housing is single family homes. Madison is a very pleasant town east of New Haven- but prices for rents and homes is very high- excellent schools in both towns. Milford is the largest town, west of New Haven (0ver 50,000) and has a good school system and much in the way of shopping, culture (near New Haven) and recreation. Although traffic is heavy on I 95. Consider East Haven as well- less congestion east of New Haven, Woodbridge and Orange are also nice medium sized towns, with good schools and shopping.