[dlrow]

We're going to be working in New Haven. Looking to relocate in a few months.

We've got kids, so we need a really good public school system. Can anyone tell me anything about Orange? Actually info about any of these three communities?

[jeremeyk482]

I don't know much about East Rock, but I do know a little about Orange and Woodbridge. They are both western suburbs of New Haven, both upscale (especially Woodbridge) and both share a public school system with Bethany, called Amity Region 5. The schools in these communities are excellent.

It depends on what your price range is. Generally homes in Orange start around $350,000 and a little higher in Woodbridge. In Woodbridge, a spacious ranch home or a small colonial home will cost in the upper $500's.

Shopping nearby is in Milford and Orange along the very commercialized Route 1 (Boston Post Rd) and nearby malls are in Milford and Trumbull.

Both Orange and Woodbridge have virtually no crime.

Again it all depends on your price range. Let us know and I can help you further.

[JayCT]

Woodbridge and Orange are two of the most desireable suburbs of New Haven. They offer great shopping, restaurants and entertainment. If public schools are important to you, you can't go wrong with either town.

East Rock is part of the City of New Haven where the public schools are not known to be the greatest, particularly the upper grades. You might consider private school if you want to live there.

[Homewood]

Orange and Woodbridge is the better towns but expensive. I grew up in Orange. It has changed. It was mostly farms but most if not all are gone.

The school system as mention by jeremeyk482 is shared by Orange, Woodbridge and Bethany. Excellent school system.

House prices for Orange are about $400,000 and up with about 1 AC or more of land. Woodbridge is higher.

Hope this helps let me know if you need any more information.

[dlrow]

For Woodbridge and Orange, are there any parts where one can walk to shopping and bookstores and restaurants, etc?

[JayCT]

Woodbridge is a more rural community with no real town center. Orange really only has one long strip of shopping centers along Route 1. There is no real center. If a walkable community with a traditional downtown is what you are looking for, check out Milford, Branford, Guilford and Madison. Jay

[jeremeyk482]

I agree with Jay here on Branford, Guilford and Madison. Both beautiful shore towns with Branford having the most reasonable housing. Guilford and Madison have excellent schools. Branford's schools are good too. Branford is closest with Madison being furthest.

Only problem here is the morning traffic to New Haven. You can always hop on the Shoreline East train to Union Station in New Haven to avoid I95 in the morning.

[dlrow]

Too bad. I think we've decided that the I95 traffic is just too much to struggle with. Also doesn't Shoreline East run only one way (towards NH in the morning and away in the afternoon)?

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Woodbridge is a more rural community with no real town center. Orange really only has one long strip of shopping centers along Route 1. There is no real center. If a walkable community with a traditional downtown is what you are looking for, check out Milford, Branford, Guilford and Madison. Jay

Don't rule out North Haven, either.

[dlrow]

Does North Haven have schools as good as Woodbridge?