[Marco13]

Relocating to CT from MI I am looking @ Stratford, Shelton & Milford. Not knowing the area I am looking for a nice safe place to live - I currently have two small children and am interested in knowing more about these communities - such as schools, crime...etc.

Any knowledge you could share would be greatly appreciated

m13

[Coffeecake]

Stratford is in Fairfield County and can sometimes be an overspill community to Bridgeport. There are some absolutely beautiful areas in Stratford, particularly along the Trumbull line near the Hawley Lane Shopping Mall, off of Route 108. Also along the Shelton border, up around Route 110. Both of these areas are very countrylike with older, well kept homes. And finally down by the Sikorsky Airport area, many smaller cottages close to the beach. Stratford is a beach community. Stratford is convenient to major highways and has their own train stations. Milford is in New Haven County, and is also a beach community. Milford is nice because there are small pockets of developments with small ranch homes dating from the 50's/60's. Milford has a lovely green and old downtown center, with quaint stores, and Victorian homes surrounding it and hosts the Milford Fair every year. There's easy access to the water from there via marinas, as well as the major highways and they too have their train station. Certain sections of Milford can be very crowded especially along the Route 1 (or the Boston Post Road as the locals call it) section. It runs through Milford that is home to the Connecticut Post Shopping Mall, and a multitude of stores up and down the strip. Not sure on the taxes and have never heard anything negative about crime there. Shelton is much more rural than the other two. Shelton is located in Fairfield County and is a river community. (Houstatonic River) Downtown Shelton was an old industrial town, that still keeps their old factory buildings intact, but has converted many of them into stores and condos. It is not as pretty as other New England towns as the buildings are older and brick. Downtown Shelton suburbs homes are Victorian and can generally be one or two family. The Huntington section of Shelton is actually very New England looking complete with a green surrounded by churches and stores. The homes there many are Victorian or old farm houses, but there's a bit of mix. Huntington is very rural and country like, but not lacking in conveniences. The White Hills section of Shelton is extremely rural with farm houses and plenty of land. (But not convenient to major highways). Overall, Shelton is relatively convient to most major highways as Route 8 connects with the major arteries of I-95 and Route 15 (Merritt Parkway). Shelton does not have a train station. Shelton is very minimal in crime. Stratford and Milford are easier access for highway transportation as they have direct exits off of I-95 and Route 15. As far as schools, probably I would say, Shelton is your best bet. Certain sections of Stratford aren't bad, but find out where they are and where your kids would go for the upper grades. Milford isn't bad either.

[salatheel]

I think Milford schools are the best. Stratford has some real high crime areas and there are some undesirable areas of Shelton. Milford by far has the most to offer with excellent restaurants one of the largest coastlines in the state and one of the largest malls in the state. Route 1 can get very crowded with traffic but so can route 8 and River road. If I had kids I would definitely not consider Stratford. Milford is blossoming into a real jewel. The green area is very nice with excellent restaurants and a beautiful view of the harbor.

[Dragondog]

Milford is good

but also check into Trumball, Cheshire, Wallingford, Hamden, Orange and West Haven- I would avoid Shelton (tacky and not attractive) Stratford is not bad- but has a few 'problem areas' The towns I mentioned are very attractive, safe and with great places to eat, charming town centers -New England style and have very good schools. They close to just about everything (shopping, culture, beach, recreation)