[Dwonka17]

I'll try to not make this a novel! I have a bad habit of writing those, so I'll cut to the chase-my stats-moving to CT from MD, with my partner, Jessica.

I know it's common to find employment first, then living arrangements second. We are looking at making a few trips to CT prior to moving, which we'd like to be moved by the end of October-primarily by the middle of Oct preferably.

We are a lesbian couple in our early 30's, we'd like to start a family soon, so a gay-friendly area would be nice, I understand West Hartford seems to be the best bet for that? We'd like to start a family soon, but don't plan on being in CT for more than a few years-3 at the most, we are looking at buying for the short term though, since renting seems to be interesting! Regarding budget wise with buying a property in West Hartford, or nearby, do you think that we'd be able to find something under 200-230K?

Thoughts on any of these areas? Thanks!

[unother]

I'd say all four of those towns have a possibility of leaving you with no day-to-day prejudicial occurrences. Having said that, of the four W Htfd is the most likely to provide a consistent "no outward hating" experience.

[JayCT]

I am curious what made you select these towns. West Hartford is an upscale suburb while the others are more middle or working class. Also if you are not going to live here at least five years, it would probably be better to rent rather than get tied down to a house. JMHO, Jay

[parentologist]

West Hartford would be most welcoming to a gay couple - we have plenty already. My gay male friend was the head of the PTO when his kids were in elementary school here. Buy. The market is at rock bottom right now, and interest rates couldn't be lower. It would be cheaper to buy than to rent, and I think prices can only go up. You can get a little 1500 sq ft 3 BR in the not most desirable, but still acceptable, area of town for under 200K. Occasionally a foreclosed house will come up on the HUD homebuyer site for a better house in that price range, if you are an owner-occupant. West Hartford isn't so upscale - much of the town is middle class.

[mels]

Originally Posted by parentologist

Buy. The market is at rock bottom right now, and interest rates couldn't be lower. It would be cheaper to buy than to rent, and I think prices can only go up.

Are you a Realtor? I ask only because the National Association of Realtors are about the only ones with that kind of optimism. Nationally, the banks still have tons of backlogged foreclosures that haven't hit the market yet. You won't know rock bottom until a year after the fact. If you are only going to be in CT (or anywhere in the US, really) for 3 years, I think you'd be a fool to buy.

[unother]

Originally Posted by mels

Are you a Realtor? I ask only because the National Association of Realtors are about the only ones with that kind of optimism. Nationally, the banks still have tons of backlogged foreclosures that haven't hit the market yet. You won't know rock bottom until a year after the fact. If you are only going to be in CT (or anywhere in the US, really) for 3 years, I think you'd be a fool to buy.

I will interject here....

I was the guy in 2005 saying "you fools! granite counters are not an answer!"

I say NOW it's "all good". FWIW. YMMV. :-)

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by mels

Are you a Realtor? I ask only because the National Association of Realtors are about the only ones with that kind of optimism. Nationally, the banks still have tons of backlogged foreclosures that haven't hit the market yet. You won't know rock bottom until a year after the fact. If you are only going to be in CT (or anywhere in the US, really) for 3 years, I think you'd be a fool to buy.

I completely agree. Anyone suggesting someone buy when they're only going to be living here for a short time definitely has an agenda.

[portlandisracist]

yes, no, no, and yes, lol. I would literally look between west hartford and bloomfield, as the in between area of the 2 (w.h. headed towards bloomfield), is some of the best kept secret beautiful areas. I would not buy if I didn't have to, here or most places these days. rent if you can. if not that, you could maybe rent it out when you leave the area. otherwise, the house could and would be on the market for years. get in touch with a realtor for renting a home, you should have a good pick of things. enjoy, there's some nice stuff in the area, and stuff happening if you know where to look

[Jpierpont]

Originally Posted by parentologist

West Hartford would be most welcoming to a gay couple - we have plenty already. My gay male friend was the head of the PTO when his kids were in elementary school here. Buy. The market is at rock bottom right now, and interest rates couldn't be lower. It would be cheaper to buy than to rent, and I think prices can only go up. You can get a little 1500 sq ft 3 BR in the not most desirable, but still acceptable, area of town for under 200K. Occasionally a foreclosed house will come up on the HUD homebuyer site for a better house in that price range, if you are an owner-occupant. West Hartford isn't so upscale - much of the town is middle class.

I wondered about that statement too. W. Hartford is far more middle class and working class than upscale. I will say it has far more upscale features than the other three mentioned, which save Bloomfield are uniformerly working class it seems. I'd say w.hartford. The west end of Hartford which is borders West Hartford is noted for its gay population.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by Jpierpont

I wondered about that statement too. W. Hartford is far more middle class and working class than upscale. I will say it has far more upscale features than the other three mentioned, which save Bloomfield are uniformerly working class it seems. I'd say w.hartford.

The majority of WH is middle class. You do have some wealthy enclaves as well as some working-class areas (most of which are well-kept) but overall it's middle class. I wouldn't call it elite, as a few people have, and I'm fine with that. Just very expensive.

Originally Posted by Jpierpont

The west end of Hartford which is borders West Hartford is noted for its gay population.

I've seen alot of this spilling over into WeHa lately. I have some co-worker friends who either are gay and live here, or have other friends who live here who are as well. Around Park Rd and the center it's not uncommon to see same sex couples holding hands. It doesn't seem to bother people. It's not surprising - anytime people want to live where there's cultural diversity, it attracts other groups where they won't feel discriminated against. Hartford/WH area is probably the most socially liberal area other than New Haven.