[CTbound2010]

Hello, I’ve recently accepted a position in New London and will be relocating this summer. I am completely overwhelmed as to which city to live in. Only one of my colleagues lives in New London so this concerns me. The rest are spread out in Waterford, Mystic, Groton and even Hartford. It was also recommended that I check out Niantic, Noank, and Stonington. Since I am a single, 30 yr old female, I want a location that is safe for a single newcomer and active. However, no more than a 20 minute commute. Can anyone help me narrow this list or suggest a city that would be conducive to my needs? Thank you

[Meglion]

I'm pretty new here, too, and not single, but I'd say that the closer you can get to NYC (while still being within 20-30 mins of work), the easier time you'll have meeting people and feeling part of a community. Stonington's ADORABLE but tiny - not much of a community there, I don't think, much less a young one. Hartford might not be a bad choice if it's commutable.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by CTbound2010

Hello, I’ve recently accepted a position in New London and will be relocating this summer. I am completely overwhelmed as to which city to live in. Only one of my colleagues lives in New London so this concerns me. The rest are spread out in Waterford, Mystic, Groton and even Hartford. It was also recommended that I check out Niantic, Noank, and Stonington. Since I am a single, 30 yr old female, I want a location that is safe for a single newcomer and active. However, no more than a 20 minute commute. Can anyone help me narrow this list or suggest a city that would be conducive to my needs? Thank you

All of the above towns are very good. The only other nearby city to New London is Norwich. While it is within your 20 minute commute, I would not suggest it. You should also consider the Pawcatuck/Westerly, R.I. area. This is within the 20 minute commute you are looking for.

[JayCT]

Southeastern Connecticut is pretty rural so the towns tend to be small and quiet. New London and Norwich are pretty much the only cities around, the rest are mostly suburban in character. The towns mentioned are good but I would not call them active. I would start in New London and Groton and then check neighboring towns. Good luck, Jay

[Silli]

That is a tough one. I've always enjoyed spending time in Niantic (in East Lyme); and Mystic (in Groton) is a cute little village too. Much of the housing in SE CT is very suburban, but these two towns at least have village centers on the water. Safety shouldn't be much of a concern anywhere unless you wind up in a rough neighborhood.

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by Meglion

I'm pretty new here, too, and not single, but I'd say that the closer you can get to NYC (while still being within 20-30 mins of work), the easier time you'll have meeting people and feeling part of a community. Stonington's ADORABLE but tiny - not much of a community there, I don't think, much less a young one. Hartford might not be a bad choice if it's commutable.

None of that region is really close enough to NYC that being 20-30 minutes closer in that direction is going to make a real big difference. I'm really not an expert on that part of the state so I won't comment on towns, but good luck to you, I know from the times I have been there it is a pretty and nice region.

Hartford is theoretically commutable to New London, but not 20-30 minutes, more like an hour.

[Tetto]

I read the OP and nowhere did it say anything about being near NY... I concur that the mentioned towns are good. Consider Niantic as well, I spent my summers there growing up at the beach; it's a great town with an excellent center. Waterford is good too, some very nice neighborhoods as well. Don't be afraid of Norwich, it has some nice areas too, got some crappy ones as well. Just like every town/city in the damn country. Don't let people scare you.

[CTbound2010]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback! I think I would enjoy Hartford however I don't want to commute that far. Anything by NY would be cool but way too far. As I am rental shopping, I have learned that the cities overlap so I am beginning to understand everyones vibe that there isn't really a bad town. I have another question, should I use a garage as a deciding factor for a rental? In other words, living in CT, will I really need it?

[tryingtomakeitinCT]

Honestly, I LOVE the area of the state you are getting relocated to! If it weren't soooo far from my job I'd move there in a heartbeat. I'm also a single female around your age and in the summer am usually in that area every weekend. I would def look into Niantic. I have friends who live there and I just LOVE that town!!!! It's small, quaint, near the ocean (BIG PLUS!!!) yet there are a TON of things to do around there. In my opinion, I don't think you will need a garage. Generally that area gets a lot less snow than the Hartford area. When my friend was renting she rented on a side street off the beach area and it wasnt too expensive (although that was about 5yrs ago and rent prices in CT have gone up since then.) But if you love the ocean and that "vibe" then you will LOVE it!!!! Best of luck to you!

[see3po81]

I also am moving to the New London area in July. I talked to a few people that know the area and they had good things to say about Niantic, East Lyme, Mystic, and Westerly.

Where did you accept a position. I will be starting at Electric Boat in a month or two.