[indytoct]

Hi we will be moving to Ct from Indiana for my husbands job. He will be working in Watertown. What are the best towns to live in near there? We have a child in middle school so good school systems are important. Also, a friendly town, as we are not uppity people, but down home midwest people. Thanks for any info. :+)

[Stylo]

Lots of good towns around there. I'd start with Oxford, Southbury, Middlebury and Litchfield. All great towns with good schools.

[jaydez]

I grew up in Middlebury. I love that town. It's a nice small town with great schools. The school district is Middlebury and Southbury so either one will have the same schools.

[mag-nolia]

I would suggest Thomaston. VERY friendly town with some good small local restaurants and a very small town feel.

Each year they have the local carnival, the antique car show in September, and "Light up the Town" once winter starts.

There's a library, a small grocery store, post office, churches, restaurants, a bowling alley, some nice dam's and parks for hiking/walking/fishing/camping/bbq's.

Then bigger towns with the chains (Target, Walmart, Kmart, chain restaurants) are only 10-15 minutes away in Torrington or Waterbury.

[kidyankee764]

I agree with the posters who recommended Southbury, Middlebury and Oxford. All three are upper-middle class towns with great school systems. Middlebury is closest to Watertown while Oxford is the furthest.

I wouldn't recommend Thomaston. The town is a bit depressed IMO.

[mag-nolia]

In what way?

[mag-nolia]

I think Southbury and Middlebury might be a bit too "uppity" if that's what she's not looking for.

I think Thomaston might appeal to someone who's more used to the midwest lifestyle.

[RogerAnthony]

Originally Posted by meg31816

I would suggest Thomaston. VERY friendly town with some good small local restaurants and a very small town feel.

Each year they have the local carnival, the antique car show in September, and "Light up the Town" once winter starts.

There's a library, a small grocery store, post office, churches, restaurants, a bowling alley, some nice dam's and parks for hiking/walking/fishing/camping/bbq's.

Then bigger towns with the chains (Target, Walmart, Kmart, chain restaurants) are only 10-15 minutes away in Torrington or Waterbury.

I have lived in Thomaston for 12 years and love it. It's a small town, so be aware that if you move here you'll be expected to become part of the community and everyone will know everyone else's business. The downside is the school system is only so-so.

Watertown itself is also a nice town, though much larger than Thomaston. it also has more to offer in terms of the school (sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse) because of the larger population.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by meg31816

In what way?

Lots of the town has a rundown feel. Some buildings aren't kept up. I just didn't get a good feel when I was there - I felt like I was in the rustbelt - so maybe the OP would like it.

I don't find the previously mentioned towns too uppity. They are upper middle class town (minivans, SUVs, soccermoms, etc). Lots of young families and great neighborhoods. Schools are also far better.

[Stylo]

Yeah, if Oxford is uppity, Darien is on another planet.