[PNW to CT]

I was just offered a position Shelton, excellent enough to force us to move from Seattle. It looks like my wife will be working in Waterbury, CT.

Now we need to find a place to live. I've been up all night researching. I have only been to CT once to go to Foxwoods, so I know nothing about the state. My new boss recommended Trumbull, so how is that area? Good schools? Can we get a large lot with at least an acre or more? Easton looks nice too. We are willing to go up to 900-1mm to find a town that is an easy commute to both of our jobs.

Thanks for your attention.

[RogerAnthony]

I'd live right in Shelton itself. It gives you a minimal commute and your wife would have an easy shot right up Route 8 to Waterbury, Shelton has some seedy areas around downtown, but there are many nice areas too.

[NewJeffCT]

Congratulations on your job offer. Easton has highly rated schools and you'll likely be able to get a large lot there, but it could be a harder drive for your wife to Waterbury.

Bethany would also be a good option - you can get a large lot and it's a very short drive to both Waterbury and Shelton. Bethany is part of the Amity school district, which is very highly rated (Bethany, Orange & Woodbridge share a middle school & high school, but each town has a separate elementary school, I believe)

Cheshire is another option as well - short drive to Waterbury and not bad to Shelton from most of the town. Also very highly rated schools. With $900K as your budget, you can definitely find a home with an acre+ lot.

[laulob]

I always recommend Oxford. They are building some beautiful new homes on Lake Zoar for around your budget. It is a very family friendly town with great schools. Many people in town work in Shelton and Waterbury is even closer. Southbury and Middlebury are good options too.

[kidyankee764]

Oxford and Bethany are probably where you will want to zero in your search. Both are rural, residential affluent towns (Bethany VERY rural while Oxford more residential), have excellent schools and you can get a very nice house in both towns for well under your budget. My only gripe with Bethany is that it's almost TOO rural, and high school is out of town about 20 minutes away. Other than that, it's a great town if you like the country life.

Trumbull and Easton, while nice, are more expensive with a longer commute. Oxford and Bethany are cheaper versions of Easton.

[PNW to CT]

Wow so many replies!

You're right now that I am looking at a map. Easton and Trumbull are south of Shelton and we need north. So we will focus now on Oxford and Bethany. We definitely do not want too rural because we want neighbors and a friendly vibe.

Laulob, just looking at those houses on Lake Zoar but they are a little over our budget, and I read it's gated. We don't want pretentious. Are there neighborhoods similar without a gate? Plus we would have to get flood insurance, I assume.

How is Monroe?

[andthentherewere3]

Monroe could work, very highly rated schools, family-oriented with lots of parks, playgrounds and activities, some shopping and restaurants, a large library, etc. Zoning is mostly 1-3 acres. I know people who commute to Waterbury, without traffic it's about a half hour, depending on where in Monroe you live, and where in Waterbury you are commuting to.

[PNW to CT]

Thanks! Ok, we will add Monroe to the list. We're coming there next week so need an idea of where to look.

[kidyankee764]

Monroe is another great town to consider. It's kind of an awkward commute to Waterbury but definitely not difficult. I would say that if you don't want "too rural", then scratch Bethany off your list and maybe add Newtown.

[andthentherewere3]

Originally Posted by PNW to CT

Thanks! Ok, we will add Monroe to the list. We're coming there next week so need an idea of where to look.

Not sure if you are asking where to look in Monroe? First of all I would suggest a realtor that covers the towns you are looking in. And as you drive through Monroe, keep in mind that the commercial development is mostly limited to Rt. 25 and Rt. 111, with the rest of the town being residential zoning. A lot of people drive through the shopping centers and get confused as to how the town is laid out, there is a town green with town offices, churches, police department, library etc. off Rt. 111.

I'd also suggest you look into Newtown.