[BackToCTin13]

Hi all,

Just wanted to check back in since this board was so helpful to me when my family and I were planning our move back to Connecticut. We've been in West Hartford since June and I'd like to share some of our impressions so far in case they might be helpful to someone else.

First off, we LOVE it here. West Hartford seems like just about the perfect place for our family of five. Although we initially wanted to live near the center, we weren't able to find a house there that worked for us when we were looking this spring. We ended up in the northwest part of town and we are happy with our decision. We have a nice, tree-filled yard and a very friendly neighborhood and are still an easy drive to the center (just under ten minutes right down Mountain Rd.), plus it's easy to pop over Avon Mountain to take advantage of the shopping and services there.

There is so much to do here for families with kids - from free events at the library and affordable ones through the department of leisure services to terrific restaurants and plenty of shopping. We've also been very impressed with the schools so far. Our kids - at Norfeldt and the JCC preschool - have terrific, dedicated teachers and the parent communities have been very welcoming. Most of all, the people we've met have been universally nice, putting a lie to the stereotype of cold New Englanders. So many people have reached out to us, helping us find our way around and inviting us over.

Only one complaint - and it's pretty minor compared to everything we like about living here: although I grew up near here, I'm still pretty shocked by how aggressive the drivers are. I can't remember the last time I drove through Bishop's Corner or the town center without seeing a driver honk at someone. I'm not exactly a slowpoke, but I'm almost always being tailgated. My husband recently stopped at a light as it turned from yellow to red and the car behind us honked immediately and then proceeded to follow us up the street honking and flipping the bird. What happens to these nice West Hartford folks when they get behind the wheel?

That small point notwithstanding, we are really happy with our new town. Thanks to everybody who helped us decide on West Hartford. We've very happy here!

[Stylo]

It's a great town, glad you like it.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by BackToCTin13

Hi all,

Just wanted to check back in since this board was so helpful to me when my family and I were planning our move back to Connecticut. We've been in West Hartford since June and I'd like to share some of our impressions so far in case they might be helpful to someone else.

First off, we LOVE it here. West Hartford seems like just about the perfect place for our family of five. Although we initially wanted to live near the center, we weren't able to find a house there that worked for us when we were looking this spring. We ended up in the northwest part of town and we are happy with our decision. We have a nice, tree-filled yard and a very friendly neighborhood and are still an easy drive to the center (just under ten minutes right down Mountain Rd.), plus it's easy to pop over Avon Mountain to take advantage of the shopping and services there.

There is so much to do here for families with kids - from free events at the library and affordable ones through the department of leisure services to terrific restaurants and plenty of shopping. We've also been very impressed with the schools so far. Our kids - at Norfeldt and the JCC preschool - have terrific, dedicated teachers and the parent communities have been very welcoming. Most of all, the people we've met have been universally nice, putting a lie to the stereotype of cold New Englanders. So many people have reached out to us, helping us find our way around and inviting us over.

Only one complaint - and it's pretty minor compared to everything we like about living here: although I grew up near here, I'm still pretty shocked by how aggressive the drivers are. I can't remember the last time I drove through Bishop's Corner or the town center without seeing a driver honk at someone. I'm not exactly a slowpoke, but I'm almost always being tailgated. My husband recently stopped at a light as it turned from yellow to red and the car behind us honked immediately and then proceeded to follow us up the street honking and flipping the bird. What happens to these nice West Hartford folks when they get behind the wheel?

That small point notwithstanding, we are really happy with our new town. Thanks to everybody who helped us decide on West Hartford. We've very happy here!

Hard to disagree with any of your observations. If you want to really see aggressive driving, check out the intersection of Trout Brook & Albany just about any weekday morning!

Nonetheless, glad that you're happy with WH. After almost 6 years here, still feel lucky to live here.

[JayCT]

Thanks for letting us know how it is going. I am glad you like the West Hartford so much. It is a great place to raise kids. Good luck, Jay

[Mr_250]

Originally Posted by BackToCTin13

Only one complaint - and it's pretty minor compared to everything we like about living here: although I grew up near here, I'm still pretty shocked by how aggressive the drivers are.

I have to agree with you. Not sure if I just started noticing it or it has been like this for a while, but tailgating and "close" calls seem to be the normal for my drive to work now. People are noticeably more aggressive.

[westender]

Regarding the aggressive driving: Interstate 91 is pretty bad also, as well as the major routes to and from (through Bloomfield and Windsor). The wild gesticulating (the bird or whatever) is just icing on the cake.

I have a theory that a significant number of younger drivers (under 40) simply did not get the intensive training in driving etiquette (or any kind of etiquette) that used to be commonplace in the schools. If I had an employee whom I observed driving with this level of aggression or rudeness, I would be preparing to fire him. Aggressive people are destructive to organizations.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by westender

I have a theory that a significant number of younger drivers (under 40) simply did not get the intensive training in driving etiquette (or any kind of etiquette) that used to be commonplace in the schools.

And Get off My Lawn!

[westender]

Lol

[Aquaboy]

On my last trip to West Hartford the drivers seemed a bit slower than what I'm used to but I live in Northern California.
Try driving in L.A. sometime for a REAL horn-honking, tail-gating, middle finger experience!

[nep321]

At least you don't live down in Fairfield County where people are addicted to honking their horns. It's rude and ridiculous. I would kill to live in West Hartford compared to here. Plus, West Hartford is a B-A-R-G-A-I-N compared to Fairfield County.