[mozzillameister]

Hello,

Moving to Connecticut this week with a temporary arrangement, but looking to move quickly afterwards. I assumed Conn would be similar to Pittsburgh in rental prices (about 600 max), but its really not too far from NYC besides living in gang-ridden areas where my car will be robbed weekly in Waterbury or Bridgeport...My budget's pretty low, so I'm pretty limited in moving accommodations. From NYC, so I didn't realize apartments were so high in Connecticut before jumping in on the move. Most likely I'd be going back to the city bi-weekly on weekends, so being near Metro North is ideal (luckily doesnt seem very hard).

For the most part, my choices seem to be a $400/mo attic apartment in Naugatuck (with a slanted bathtub shower...), a roomshare in the New Haven area via Craigslist (seems to be a dime a dozen), or 'splurge' for a single in Shelton/Derby (and use up 40% of my income).

Is rooming with someone at random a bad idea in Connecticut? Its very common in the city, but I'm not sure if its as legit in Conn. I know the area's a big college town with Yale and Quinnapiac, so I'm guessing its fine if they're in Uni or similar...

I'm mixed on living alone. I've been rooming with people for years in college, and kind of tired of it, so I wouldnt mind a single. At the same time, it would be nice to easily introduce myself to new people, and easily know all the cool places around the area (if that exists...my impress of the area is pretty poor from driving around so far). Also wouldn't mind getting a cat since mine died a month ago. Is it possible to easily meet people in the area without being accustomed to everything? Activity center or similar (volunteer org or community center)? Mind you, I'm not a partier (and my budget wouldnt afford it anyway). Just want to find places to meet people around my age (23) for friends and dating.

Kind of ranty, so I apologize. Thanks!

[Stylo]

If your budget is $400 a month, you're going to absolutely have to get a roommate. CT is nowhere near Pittsburgh in cost of living. Maybe consider Black Rock, Stratford or Milford as they're safe, relatively inexpensive (but nowhere near what you're looking for without a roommate), have their own Metro North stations, and have a relatively decent amount of twentysomethings.

[JayCT]

I am not sure from your post exactly where you are going to be working. I am also not sure why you thought Connecticut would be the same price for a rental as Pittsburgh. Anyway, I would do the apartment share but would not do anything without meeting the person and seeing the place firsthand. Good luck, Jay

[mozzillameister]

Originally Posted by Stylo

If your budget is $400 a month, you're going to absolutely have to get a roommate. CT is nowhere near Pittsburgh in cost of living. Maybe consider Black Rock, Stratford or Milford as they're safe, relatively inexpensive (but nowhere near what you're looking for without a roommate), have their own Metro North stations, and have a relatively decent amount of twentysomethings.

There's an apartment opening up in Naugatauk that's $400 that I might get tomorrow. Dono much about the area, though. Very small attic apartment, but all I really need is a Ikea Beddinge, internet, TV with PS3, Macbook, and the ability to cook food and take shower/crap.

Still, I don't want to be stuck home all the time. Meeting people would be cool, especially in the dating sense.

I can afford 800 max with utilities, but it would be pushing my budget to just $1000 a month for everything else. My diet's pretty expensive due to stomach issues, and my work is 30 min away no matter where I move.

[mozzillameister]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I am not sure from your post exactly where you are going to be working. I am also not sure why you thought Connecticut would be the same price for a rental as Pittsburgh. Anyway, I would do the apartment share but would not do anything without meeting the person and seeing the place firsthand. Good luck, Jay

Its smackdab in the middle of Western Connecticut. 30 min from Danbury, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and New Haven.

Honestly, I don't know. I went to college near Pittsburgh, and all of the midwest (besides Chicago) has rent for about 600 in a decent area. I figured most places that aren't ultra-urban in the US are reasonable in rent. I really didn't have any basis for my logic other than naive stupidity.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Stylo

If your budget is $400 a month, you're going to absolutely have to get a roommate. CT is nowhere near Pittsburgh in cost of living. Maybe consider Black Rock, Stratford or Milford as they're safe, relatively inexpensive (but nowhere near what you're looking for without a roommate), have their own Metro North stations, and have a relatively decent amount of twentysomethings.

IDK. I think it would be impossible to find a good 2 BR. for $800, or a 3 Br. for $1200, in those locations. Therefore, $400 just isn't going to cut it. My realistic suggestions would be to focus on the better parts of Waterbury, or the crappier parts of Ansonia/Derby on that budget.

BTW, i highly doubt that the attic apartment @$400 is legit.

[mozzillameister]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

IDK. I think it would be impossible to find a good 2 BR. for $800, or a 3 Br. for $1200, in those locations. Therefore, $400 just isn't going to cut it. My realistic suggestions would be to focus on the better parts of Waterbury, or the crappier parts of Ansonia/Derby on that budget.

BTW, i highly doubt that the attic apartment @$400 is legit.

What would I do with 2-3br? I lived in a dorm for 4 years and was pretty good with space.

The attic aprt is legit. Found it from a realtor. Its just...not very nice inside. I personally don't care, but I could see why inviting friends to an apartment having to duck inside would be awkward... Kind of like a hobbit house rather than a real apartment.

But it is dirt cheap.

My main concern is still meeting people. I don't know anything about Connecticut, especially about places to meet people my age. That's my main argument in rooming with others, anyway....

[kidyankee764]

It sounds like you'll be working in the lower Valley area (Derby, Shelton, Ansonia) if you'll be 30 mins from Danbury, Bridgeport, New Haven and Waterbury.

Your budget is very low for Connecticut, as others have noted, so you'll have to live in a less than desirable area. You will definitely either need to take that attic apartment or find a roommate. I would look at Craigslist, and maybe post an ad. Definitely meet the person first though, as Craigslist can attract all kinds of weirdos.

[nico7]

I suggest looking for a roommate situation in Hamden or Milford. You can spend your nights out in New Haven as a way to meet people. Plus you'll meet some people at work, and probably some of your roommates' friends.

New Haven has a lot of great neighborhoods, but going into an unknown situation there is too risky, in my opinion.

[RogerAnthony]

You can get apartments for $600/month or less in Waterbury and Torrington, but it sounds like Naugatuck fits your needs better.