[Mikecg123]

Originally Posted by oc2nyc

The title of this thread definitely caught my eye. Unfortunately, I think it morphed into something different than the OP originally expected (as many posts do). That being said, I am also in a quandary as to why there is such a negative feel to the CT board these days. I am assuming it is mostly based off the COL and the taxes in the state.

We have been trying to relocate from CA to CT for a few years now. My daughter is now a sophomore at Sacred Heart University and loves CT. ALthough she is only a college student so her view is slightly warped from a financial point of view.

We were very motivated to join her and start my son in high school this year in the West Hartford area but things just haven't worked out. First, it is very difficult to get a job in a state when you are not living there. I totally get that. I am wondering though, is it just as hard these days to get a job there even while being a resident? And what industries are even hiring there these days?

Much to our surprise my husband was offered a well paying job in Austin TX this summer so for now we are here. And as nice as it is here in Austin my husband is not thrilled with the company he is working for. And let's face it Texas is nothing like the east coast. It has always been my dream to live on the east coast, and somewhat close to NYC. Sadly, I am wondering if that is still possible.

When we talk to my in-laws, who live in Stratford, they pretty much tell us all the reasons we shouldn't move there, COL being the number one. I personally don't think it would be that much of a difference coming from Orange County, CA though. I am not interested in being in FF county, I have been looking in the West Hartford and Milford areas. Somewhere either inland or up the coast in order to stay in our budget. Like, the OP though it seems that most people on this board, and in general these days (including family), have only negative things to say when I tell them we want to live in CT.

For those who really do like living in CT. Is it worth it? Where else on the east coast would you suggest or go to if you could? And do most people who live in CT dislike it? Will it be a non-stop complaint fest once we get there?

If you have always wanted to live on the east coast and be somewhat close/close to NYC and are not to concerned about costs compared to the OC, have no issues with our climate, and your own daughter is already here and really likes it, then I feel you would be very happy here. West Hartford is a lovely affluent suburban/urban mix of a town with great amenities and much more diversity and easier highway access compared to other upscale Hartford area towns. I'm a big fan of West Hartford and IMO and possibly unarguably has the best/nicest/largest downtown area in all of Hartford County. It has underwent a massive newly renovated and expanded downtown area known as blue back square in the last decade, which has a very urban yet quaint feel to it. There are also many other shopping areas and IMO has the nicest mall in the whole state, except for maybe the Danbury Fair Mall which is larger. But Westfarms Mall as it's called due to being on the border of West Hartford/Farmington is by far the nicest/most upscale mall anywhere in the Hartford area, and has/is also undergoing improvements in recent years. West Hartford also has two Whole Foods which says a lot since most CT towns don't even have one and i'm almost positive is the only town with two, which seems almost unfair to me. lol.

Don't let others discourage you if it's something you've always wanted. I'm sure you'd be happy hear based on your enthusiasm.

You also mentioned Milford which is on the coast and closer to NYC. I've been a few times, but didn't explore enough to put in much input, I hear positive feedback on this forum though. It has an urban feel on a similar level as West Hartford I believe, yet the towns have their own vibes.

There are countless other towns to consider. Based on the towns you mentioned you seem to want an urban/suburban mix.

My cousin also is a Sophomore at Sacred Heart and went on vacation over the summer to California with her classmate/friend who is from the LA area. But given you said you've been in Texas it was most likely not your daughter.

( :

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by oc2nyc

For those who really do like living in CT. Is it worth it? Where else on the east coast would you suggest or go to if you could? And do most people who live in CT dislike it? Will it be a non-stop complaint fest once we get there?

I think you'll notice two major differences with OC -- one is snow / climate. Second: you'll run into a lot more educated people in CT.

On a personal level -- by the time you move, your daughter might be finished with college, and ready to move on. She might or might not stay in CT. So, if I was you, I would also take into account if I would stay in CT without the daughter.

Depending what you value -- CT (non-FFC) is the best deal / value IMO for any place close enough to major centers, but far enough to be peace and quiet.

[oc2nyc]

Thanks for the encouragement MikeCg. Actually we have only been in Texas since late July. I may know your cousin since my daughter had three friends come out to visit us in CA. How funny would that be? One of them lived in Upstate NY, one on Long Island and her roommate, who is from Torrington. Sound familiar?

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by Tilt11

To be fair, most people I see driving the expensive cars here, drive like jerks. Just sayin

In Fairfield County, it's the MFFY (Me First, F*** You) syndrome. And yes, it's mostly people driving expensive cars.

You see, they're More Important than you are because they have More Money, and because of that they deserve to be in front of you.

Either that, or they're just jerks.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by HeadedWest

In Fairfield County, it's the MFFY (Me First, F*** You) syndrome. And yes, it's mostly people driving expensive cars.

You see, they're More Important than you are because they have More Money, and because of that they deserve to be in front of you.

Either that, or they're just jerks.

My definition of a jerk is someone who promotes a stereotype and paints it on a large group of undeserving people due to the actions of a few.

Or perhaps you are just jealous of people who have more money than you do? Personally I don't know or care who has more or less than I do. I judge people by their behavior, not their car.

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

My definition of a jerk is someone who promotes a stereotype and paints it on a large group of undeserving people due to the actions of a few.

Or perhaps you are just jealous of people who have more money than you do? Personally I don't know or care who has more or less than I do. I judge people by their behavior, not their car.

So you admit to being a MFFY driver?

[Lalalally]

I think this thread is a perfect representation of why some people dislike CT so much. Don't get me wrong, I love my home, lifestyle, surroundings, proximity to NYC and other nearby locales, but my one (and only one) gripe with this state, which is the same one since pretty much day one nearly 20 years ago, is how ABSOLUTELY provincial people here can be. Never in my life have I've noticed such sweeping statements about regions, counties, towns, and even streets within a larger town!! I get people like to take pride in where they live -- I'm all for it, but 'c'mon, the sun does set at least one time a day on our homes and in our neighborhoods -- lets never forget that! Lots of places in this state are great, but just because they're not located 2500 feet from your front door doesn't mean they're bad or that they suck (or that the people who live there suck too). Just my opinion, for whatever it's worth....

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by HeadedWest

In Fairfield County, it's the MFFY (Me First, F*** You) syndrome. And yes, it's mostly people driving expensive cars.

You see, they're More Important than you are because they have More Money, and because of that they deserve to be in front of you.

Either that, or they're just jerks.

So are people from Fairfield County the only ones who create rolling roadblocks on MA/NH/VT/ME highways by hogging the left lane and refusing to let people pass them? I was operating on the assumption that all Connecticut people did so but in the past week I have seen three Connecticut drivers of non-expensive vehicles on northern MA roadways who were actually driving in the middle versus the left lane.

[NJ2?]

I wanted to visit New Haven a couple of years ago. One night was enough! What a depressing place. You have Yale and the Ghetto.. that's about it.

[brad4143]

Originally Posted by Mikecg123

I live in and am from Connecticut and I find it to be quite lovely with plenty of natural along with architectural beauty. I would never leave the Northeast/New England. Any activity you desire can be found within a couple hours. It has been wonderful growing up being able to take day trips to NYC, Boston, and even southern coastal Maine. Metro North is especially convenient for getting into NYC and brings you to the spectacular Grand Central Terminal which is a trip in itself. In the summer spending time in the beach towns of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode island. (I will admit our beaches are not the best) but there are many lovely historic coastal towns and It's interesting seeing LI across the sound. As well as the White Mountains in New Hampshire. New haven is a couple towns south of me and offers a Mini NYC like feel with great food and stunning architecture in the downtown/Yale district. There are great trails all around, scenic drives and hidden dirt roads with beautiful homes/estates/farms tucked away on them. The casinos are also large and beautiful and frequently feature major performers/musicians. The cities have become fairly to severely blighted since there heydays, but If you're comfortable with them offer a great culturally experience with little markets/stores operated by immigrants. I especially like the Polish markets in New Britain. Connecticut is excellent if you want the New England feel without being to far from cities like northern New England. Not to mention its progressive politics including gay marriage legalization and marijuana decriminalization. To all who complain I say move to Oklahoma or many of the other desolate, close minded states and then reevaluate what exactly it was you were complaining about. Also, I love the climate and history.

You like there then stay there. I have never been and don't plan to go there. I have better places to go visit like Hawaii CA or Florida. As far as living there no thanks to expensive. By the way I love the desolate places where you can't see your neighbors. I have lived close to neighbors and hated the busy buddy get in your business attitude, you can have it. All I have is Deer and Turkey to talk to and lovin it.