[Gripper]

Hi,

I have a job opportunity in Essex, CT that I am considering. However, I think I'd be happier living closer to a city and commuting. New Haven looks particularly interesting. What can I expect as a commute time from New Haven to Essex?

Thanks!

[Homewood]

35 to 45 minutes

They are and will be working on the Q-bridge for sometime. Other than that there should be nothing but the usually traffic problems.

[skytrekker]

New Haven would be the closest city over 100,000
but also consider Middletown, population about 50,000 which has many urban amenities you would enjoy, and closer then New Haven.

[Gripper]

Thanks for the info. How about winter time? Does the bad weather affect commute time much, or are people from Connecticut (Connecticans?) used to all that. I'm moving from California, so its all new to me.

[skytrekker]

Winter weather here IS greatly overstated by Californians-
Snow while not uncommon here in recent years has NOT been consistent in the amount we receive in the winter months, and on average has decreased over the last 20 years. Last year we had under 25". And snowstorms of a foot or more are not all that common- though sometimes they can briefly bring the state to a stop- but not more then a day; if that long.

Winter begins in mid to late December- and relents in mid to late March on average. There can be frigid periods and thaws in this time frame. In January we had a record high of 72- an all time record for the month. Mild autumn weather of temps in the 60s can extend well into late November.
Springs are known for their capriciousness- due to the cooling affects of the still chilled Atlantic nearby.

Road crews both at the state and local level are quick and very fast in removing snow. Interstates/freeways and major state roads are very quickly cleaned.

Problems can arise more with ice covered roads caused by freezing rain; or rain that freezes later on known as 'black ice' and then covered sometimes by a light coating of sleet or snow.

Winters in southern CT are milder due to the nearby moderating influence of Long Island and Block Island sounds.

If there is inclement weather in the winter or even with plain rain, the best policy is to leave earlier and use common sense- And expect delays.

People from Connecticut are usually called 'nutmeggers'.

AWD vehicles are not really needed here- a good front wheel drive vehicle with good tires is enough. If coming from CA- it might be best to take to driving in snow carefully at first. We have a few locals here who drive on snowy or icy roads like it is 80 degrees and sunny- and end up being towed after an accident.

Good luck and welcome!

[sun]

It was just a couple of winters or so ago that we had 100 inches of snow, twice our yearly average.
Some of the CT River shore towns have grown, and although they are certainly not cities, they have a lot more retail and year round eateries than they used too.
Old Saybrook is the largest, and the towns of Clinton & Westbrook are right next door on U.S. Route 1.
Living closer to the shore means that the winter weather will be milder too, with less snow and more rain than living just 10 miles inland.
It's very picturesque to live so close to the Sound, seeing the marinas and tidal areas on the roadside as you drive. And there's more than adequate shopping centers in the area too.
Plus, it would be a much easier commute in any kind of weather.

[Gripper]

Thanks again for the responses. You guys are really helpful!

[johngol]

newhaven to essex should not be a bad commute the other side of 95 new haven to greenwich is horrible i would also consider middletown it is a nice area but new haven will have alot more nightlife ect