Question from an out-of-towner...Re: Ct (New Haven, Hartford: apartment, foreclosure, rental)

Movin2theEast · 10-23-2010, 08:19 PM

Ok, I'm here to ask for your input regarding a few cities I have visited while trying to find a rental in the New Haven surrounding area.

I have found a really cute rental in the Hamden area for around $2K/mo. This is off of Whitney St. and Blake. Is this a nice area for a 20'ish single female to live??? It seemed like a nice neighborhood with a lot of character. Is this a safe area? Also, how long of a commute (or how difficult) would it be into New haven to Yale, with the snow??

Also, I am interested to find out what you would think of a contrasting place in Milford. Near the Beach but not ocean-view. That is going for roughly $2200/mo. New and updated. I wonder if the commute into New Haven for a hospital like schedule (6am to 3pm), in the snow, would be crazy.

Are these prices considered reasonable for this area? Both of these are 3 BR 2 Bath. with updated stuff. Are these good areas for a young single person?

Thanks for all of your help and input. Any other suggestions about the surrounding area would be greatly appreciated!

JayCT · 10-23-2010, 08:29 PM

$2k seems a bit high for Hamden though I am not sure what you are getting for that amount. Milford would be a bit more than Hamden since it has the beach and access to New York and Stamford. $2,200 does not sound as bad there particularly for a new place. JMHO, Jay

AnonChick · 10-23-2010, 08:47 PM

Blake Road is lovely, though it's not really "single-friendly." It's -near- Newhallville, which is definitely not a nice neighborhood. But it's also not actually part of Newhallville, and instead is part of the Augur Street area, which is mostly lots of big colonial one-family homes surrounding the resevoir, the Eli Whitney museum and water treatment plant, and the Whitney Avenue side of East Rock park.

I'm not sure why you'd need a 3-bedroom if you're single - you can find a LOT more variety, for a LOT less money, if you look for a 2-bedroom.

The 3-bedroom is probably a 1-family house available for rent, or possibly an "au pair" situation converted from a garage.

To be a little more constructive: If you're looking for young single apartment living, I'd try Town Walk in Hamden. It's got several buildings, a community hall or building or some such in the middle, very pretty landscaping, and mostly single professionals of varying ages, or younger couples without kids. It's near everything but you'd definitely need a car to get around.

Movin2theEast · 10-25-2010, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the info! You know I really am not looking for an apartment style living. I would really rather have a nice single family rental within easy access to shops/ bars/restaurants. If that is possible. who knows?

Another question. Steam heat or Gas/oil or baseboard heating? is there a big difference? What is more expensive for the cold winter months?

TobinJ · 10-26-2010, 09:13 AM

I'd suggest working with a realtor...there are a lot of single families home for rent right now especially in the new haven/hamden area. Most of the nicer ones will be listed with a relator and this way you won't be renting a house that goes into foreclosure.

As for snow...on the coastline of CT it's more ice to worry about...we live in a state with snow most cities in CT are prepared for that and start plowing for the morning rush around the time you would be heading in 6am. I can't imagine you would have a problem unless you have never driven in snow before or have a tendency to get really nervous in bad driving conditions. My wife drives an econobox front wheel drive sedan...she typically doesn't have a problem getting home from third shift at that hour.

If you get into Hamden and like mexican check out taco king. Big portions small price carry-out and delivery. Good college/single person food.

JayCT · 10-26-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Movin2theEast

Another question. Steam heat or Gas/oil or baseboard heating? is there a big difference? What is more expensive for the cold winter months?

You are asking about different things here. Gas or oil is the fuel the system uses to heat your home. Generally gas is less expensive. Steam and baseboard are type of heating systems. Steam heats water until it is a gas and it flows through a series of radiators in the house. You will find steam heat mostly in older homes. Baseboard is where the water is heated and pumped to a series of long baseboard heaters. This is generally considered the better heat source in this area. Jay

Skgraham · 10-27-2010, 01:50 PM

Relocating from Denver to Hartford. What are best areas to live?

JayCT · 10-28-2010, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skgraham

Relocating from Denver to Hartford. What are best areas to live?

You might want to start your thread on this question. Also provide more information on what you are looking for. Jay

Bren's Mom · 10-28-2010, 11:45 AM

When I was still single I was renting in Fairfield and commuting to New Haven for my public safety job. Off-hours, just like you. Piece of cake. Generally no one is on the highway if it's a really bad storm. So Milford would be fine. I personally would choose Milford over Hamden, but that's me. (Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with Hamden, I just like the Milford 'vibe' better!)