[mattydow]

I'm hoping to move back to CT as soon as possible, but I'm trying to figure things out in terms of cost of living, job market, etc. I have a degree in Public Policy, so I'm looking mainly for jobs in the state or local government or in non-profits. Does anyone have any idea what the job market is like for this right now? I started applying to a few positions a month or two ago and had some interest, but it seems like places are moving very slowly when it comes to hiring. Based on my research background and work experience, I guess I could look for things in the private sector as well, but I'd like to at least try to find something non-profit first. Any suggestions as far as best areas to look? I'd prefer to stay in the Hartford-New Haven area because of cost and because I could stay with friends or family until I get settled, but I'd be open to FFC too, I guess.

Also, how much can I expect to pay for an apartment in the Hartford/New Haven area, including utilities? I've looked at Craigslist a bit, but I really have no idea how much utilities would cost. I'm looking to spend as little as possible; a studio or one-bedroom in a cheaper town. I've lived in very large cities, I'm not picky and I'm not at all averse to living in areas that are considered slightly rough around the edges (I'm thinking West End or Parkville in Hartford, or New Britain, for example).

At this point I'm just trying to feel things out and get an idea of what kind of salary I should be shooting for in terms of cost of living, so any advice would be much appreciated!

[TobinJ]

Unless you have a significant savings I'd say look for a job first and go from there. The market here is rough for all but those with the right experience. In my searching last year I didn't see many public sector/non-profits. A lot of companies are hiring for SEO and other tech jobs if you have those skills.

A colleague is happy with their place at trumbull on the park (were in west hartford before), people rave about hartford21. Utilities will depend on how often you're home and usage but I'm sure people (living in hartford) can give you a better idea.

[parentologist]

If you have family/friends in the Hartford area, I think you'd do well to move back in with them and look for a job while here. A studio apartment in a dicey area might run $600-700/mo plus allot $100/mo for utilities on average year round, without expensive cable TV, using a cell phone and no land line. But your best bet would be to rent a third floor apartment from a family with a big old house in the West End or in West Hartford near the Hartford border - cheaper, and would include some or all utilities and probably ethernet, too.

[mattydow]

Thanks to both of you for your input! That's good news, actually, because it seems that rents with utilities are a tad lower than what I was expecting. I'm definitely not going to make the jump of getting an apartment just yet, at least not without some very serious job prospects first, but this gives me a good idea of what I should be prepared to budget for every month. Is the New Haven area more or less the same in terms of costs, or is it a little more expensive?