[seymourct]

Derby Hilltop is nice.

When you are figuring out your budget, you'll have to include parking at Yale . We spent time in Ped ER some months back, and all we heard in the hall outside our room was the Dr's & Nurses beefing about sticker shock to park and how far across the city they want the newbies to park.

[Oxab12]

With a quote "For under $500K"... Derby would not be on that list.

Yes, you may find a Hilltop neighborhood with some newer homes for $350 to $400K, but the town as whole would bring the value down eventually once the new homes age..I'm sorry but the return on your dollar for the Derby would depreciate.. Go to downtown Derby and you'll see.

I resided there very temporarily, and once I was able to procure a home I got out.. And, if you want to see the house on Paugassett Rd directly from Rte 34, you will have to go on Derby Ave. When you drive on Derby Ave you will see the depreciation in value I speak of (blighted areas). The same way your Garmin will take you and your family through.

North Haven, Orange, Hamden/Wallingford Area, Milford, Bethany, all have nice homes for the $400K range in nice areas and would appreciate in value when the market turns because they are nice towns and all are less than 1/2 hour drives to New Haven...and you don't have to take special non-blighted route to get home.

[nico7]

As a 27-year resident of New Haven County, my opinion is that there is no reason to consider Derby if you can afford up to $500k.

[dazzleman]

Originally Posted by nico7

As a 27-year resident of New Haven County, my opinion is that there is no reason to consider Derby if you can afford up to $500k.

I agree. With a budget like that, I'd skip over the Valley, and go to a place like Orange. Derby really isn't all that nice.

[AngCT17]

CT Realtor popping in here, I highly recommend North Haven, Guilford, Branford, Madison areas. Not too mention that the last three towns have access to some nice beaches. Durham is very nice. very country feel but access to a highway is not as convenient. Your price range will definitely get you what you are looking for in any of these towns. Make cure you check out millrates and taxes, those could make a huge difference!! Good luck!

[seymourct]

Wow, all I can say is sad responses!
This type of stereotyping is why the valley is having a hard time if all its neighbors just keep slamming it!

There is NO good reason to put any of the valley towns this far down the selection list!

All the towns are in process of renovating themselves!

The economy fell apart for all of CT, and putting down any area like this saying "you will just keep depreciating" helps no one.

Derby's downown renovation is stalled, but not dead.
Attitudes like this is how Ct gets a "snob" reputation .

Grow up and tell the OP the truth. Derby hilltop is pretty nice .

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by seymourct

Wow, all I can say is sad responses!
This type of stereotyping is why the valley is having a hard time if all its neighbors just keep slamming it!

There is NO good reason to put any of the valley towns this far down the selection list!

All the towns are in process of renovating themselves!

The economy fell apart for all of CT, and putting down any area like this saying "you will just keep depreciating" helps no one.

Derby's downown renovation is stalled, but not dead.
Attitudes like this is how Ct gets a "snob" reputation .

Grow up and tell the OP the truth. Derby hilltop is pretty nice .

What people don't realize is that the Valley has been one of the most desirable places in the state recently just by looking at it's growth. It's the first affordable suburban area up the line from NYC and, aside from blighted downtown Derby and adjacent neighborhoods, the Valley is actually very nice. Most people would be shocked at the nice neighborhoods found in both Ansonia and Derby. Seymour is now a bedroom suburb of Stamford/Bridgeport/Norwalk and New Haven. Additionally, I doubt those considering Seymour (which as become expensive in recent years) would consider Derby or Ansonia largely because of the "snob" factor.

[renovating]

Originally Posted by seymourct

Wow, all I can say is sad responses!
This type of stereotyping is why the valley is having a hard time if all its neighbors just keep slamming it!

There is NO good reason to put any of the valley towns this far down the selection list!

Grow up and tell the OP the truth. Derby hilltop is pretty nice .

I have no idea how nice Derby Hilltop is but there is a very good reason not to put some of the valley towns on a list: school performance. Derby's is pitiful. And contrary to what is posted here...Derby's population is projected to decline.


http://www.cerc.com/TownProfiles/Cus.../derby2010.pdf

[laulob]

OP take a look at Oxford too. Definitely within your price range and desired commute time. It's another valley town with wonderful schools and a great sense of community.

[mylifesmartypant]

Try Branford, N. Branford or Northford. We just moved into this area and we love it. There are definitely cul-de-sac communities and the school system is good.