[VegasD]

What are the best Hartford burbs/towns for easy commute to Hartford (still working) - but good for 50+ with grown kids? West Hartford? Glastonbury? Avon? Berlin?

[Stylo]

West Hartford is nice if you are looking for a more lively community with things to do. Glastonbury is also very well rounded, though not as much going on as WH. Avon is a bit sleepier, if you like that. I really like Canton too if you want something more low key, the Collinsville section is pretty charming.

[kidyankee764]

It depends on what type of community you want. Walkable, suburban, more rural? Also, how much do you want to spend?

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by VegasD

What are the best Hartford burbs/towns for easy commute to Hartford (still working) - but good for 50+ with grown kids? West Hartford? Glastonbury? Avon? Berlin?

There are a number of fairly new housing developments open only to 55+ in Farmington, Berlin, and Tolland (?). I don't know the names offhand but check out the Sunday housing section of the Hartford Courant.

[JayCT]

There are 55+ communities all over the area. A lot will depend on price and what you want in a community and a home. Do you want a 55+ community? Do you want a condo? There are some nice 55+ communities in Bloomfield including one overlooking a beautiful new golf course. There are also some nice condos in Cromwell overlooking the Tourniment Players Club that are very nice. I think a little more information would help us. Jay

[mels]

An impossible question to answer without more details. Does "best" to you mean bustling and densely populated? Wooded and quiet? Near big box stores or as far away as possible? What is your budget? Condo or single family home?

[VegasD]

Wow - Thanks for the really fast reply:
a)Over 55 community is OK
b)A little backyard as we have two dogs
c)Walkability -- we are big walkers/runners (tennis if possible)
d)Smooth/shortest commute possible into Hartford
e)Lived in Litchfield County 30+ many years ago and did the very rural thing (but sadly not familiar with Hartford burbs at all). Low key/ quiet is fine but close enough to get to stores
f)Patio Home (condo house) - No attached walls is OK
g)Nothing north of Hartford as we have relatives south in Jersey,etc. --
I)Under 400K

Thanks in advance - really appreciate all your feedback

[NewJeffCT]

Not sure how much a 55 & over place would cost in Farmington, but Farmington, Avon & Simsbury have some excellent walking trails - years back, several towns (or the state) converted some old unused railroad tracks into biking/walking trails that are pretty popular with residents of the area. (Rails to Trails) Farmington also gives you low taxes (relatively speaking) and easy access to Hartford.

[AmyBergquist]

You should be able to find what you're looking for, within your budget, in West Hartford, Farmington, Bloomfield, Glastonbury, Newington, South Windsor or East Hartford. Those towns all offer options for what you've mentioned, within a reasonable commute to Downtown.

You wouldn't necessarily need to go with 55+ communities, although those would get you newer construction, if that's important to you. It might be if you want lower condo fees or something updated. Two dogs may be a challenge in some communities, so just find out how many dogs are allowed for a community before you fall in love with it.

You've got the Metropolitan District Commission land trails in West Hartford and Farmington, so that may be of interest for your walking/running needs. Also the rail trail in Farmington/Avon/Simsbury would be fairly close.

[EricS39]

If you like West Hartford but want a little quieter and close by try Avon