[yogini]

After years of trying to find the best warm weather location to relocate to everything has changed... My husband was just offered an amazing job in Farmington and we have to be there in a month.

For the first year we are going to rent and during that time we will look for a home to purchase. We are both completely clueless about Connecticut. We have seen a few townhouses in Hartford that appealed to us and he thought the commute would not be that bad but there doesn't seem to be that much available in the area of Farmington. My question is...

If you were working in Farmington and could live anywhere where would you choose and why???

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as I am completely overwhelmed at the fact that we have one month to pull this off. Thank you soooooo much!

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by yogini

After years of trying to find the best warm weather location to relocate to everything has changed... My husband was just offered an amazing job in Farmington and we have to be there in a month.

For the first year we are going to rent and during that time we will look for a home to purchase. We are both completely clueless about Connecticut. We have seen a few townhouses in Hartford that appealed to us and he thought the commute would not be that bad but there doesn't seem to be that much available in the area of Farmington. My question is...

If you were working in Farmington and could live anywhere where would you choose and why???

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as I am completely overwhelmed at the fact that we have one month to pull this off. Thank you soooooo much!

If I got a job in Farmington, I would live in Farmington itself. It's a beautiful community. STAY AWAY FROM HARTFORD. If you have kids, you do not want them to attend Hartford's public school system. Hartford is on the rise, but still has high crime and isn't very desirable, IMO. The suburbs are much nicer and have more to offer.

Maybe check out West Hartford. It's a nice town with a beautiful center and I'm sure you'll find more rents there than if you lived in Farmington.

Where are you moving from?

[yogini]

We are moving from Long Island. I actually made a mistake, the townhouses we liked were in fact in West Hartford not Hartford itself.

Farmington seems lovely but we're not having much luck finding anything for rent. If not right in the heart of Farmington where would be the next choice? Thanks

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by yogini

We are moving from Long Island. I actually made a mistake, the townhouses we liked were in fact in West Hartford not Hartford itself.

Farmington seems lovely but we're not having much luck finding anything for rent. If not right in the heart of Farmington where would be the next choice? Thanks

West Hartford is a great choice. I am not very familiar with the area as I'm from Fairfield County, but I do know that WH is a popular choice for many newcomers to Connecticut. The commute to Farmington shouldn't be bad. In fact, I think they're neighboring communities.

If you've never been to West Hartford, when you go, be sure to visit West Hartford Center. You'll fall instantly in love.

You can do a search on the CT boards about West Hartford, as there are many threads about the town. Give it an hour or two and you'll have someone who is more knowledgeable about the town post their opinion.

IMO, I don't think you can go wrong in West Hartford.

[skytrekker]

West Hartford is a very attractive town. Go to the center on late Sunday morning and enjoy an alfresco brunch or lunch at one of the very fine restaurants.

Farmington also has many fine eating and shopping venues on a less urban type scale then W. Hartford. I feel you will enjoy either town- and both will offer you a very relaxed and attractive environment.

Other towns nearby might include Avon, Canton and Burlington.

[JayCT]

You can't go wrong with West Hartford. It is one of the most desirable suburbs of Hartford and has a great school system (if you have children). There is a lot to do in WH Center and more is on the way with Blue Back Square which is an extension of the center and will include more restaurants, shops and movie theaters. It should be a very nice addition to the area. There may even be apartments to rent there, but I do not think they are ready yet. Also, WH is home to the area's premier shopping mall, West Farms. People drive from all over the state to shop there primarily because it has the state's only Nordstroms. Because WH is so desirable it can be pricey.

If the cost is too high, there are other towns. Many who can't afford WH or one of the other suburbs mentioned will start out in New Britain. New Britain is a small city just south of Farmington that offers a wide variety of housing options. It is mostly blue-collar though and has areas that are questionable. The schools are great either but if you don't have kids, it should not be bad. There is a group of condos/apartments near West Farms called Britany Farms that can be good. Anyway, good luck with the move. Jay

[yogini]

Thank you so much for all of the info so far... It seems as though West Hartford might be the best option if in fact we can't find something right in Farmington. It helps to know that at least we are on the right track. It's so hard when you know nothing about any of the areas and you are basically thrown into it. I'm a nervous wreck so I really appreciate all of the feedback.

Any issues with commuting from WH to Farmington that we should be aware of???

[JayCT]

Commuting from West Hartford to Farmington is very easy. You do not even have to get on a highway. It is mostly back roads. The two towns are right next to each other and sort of blend together. The worst you may face is a couple of traffic lights, the worst being the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Main Street in West Hartford Center, if you even have to travel through it. Not bad at all. Good luck Jay

[yogini]

Wow that's sounds great. I'm so happy he won't be doing the three hour a day commute anymore. Yay!!! Thanks for the help

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by yogini

Wow that's sounds great. I'm so happy he won't be doing the three hour a day commute anymore. Yay!!! Thanks for the help

That is one of the great things about Hartford, it is very liveable. By that I mean it is very easy to live here. You really do not have to live far from where you work and most towns have a lot to offer. I really think it is the best of both worlds. I hope you like it too. JMHO Jay