[gahr1family]

My husband is currently interviewing for a position in North Hartford. We are coming from a fairly conservative and quiet town and we are searching for a town similar to what we have acclimated to. I have two children and we would prefer to keep them both in a solid Christian school k-12 in the area as well. It has been recommended to me that we look at West Hartford, Avon, Simsbury, and Farmington as possible options. Of these four towns, which of these towns would you recommend based on the following desired criteria: low crime, appealing amenities, good schools, nice downtown, small-town feel, friendliness, conservative. If there are other towns you could recommend outside of these four, I would really love to hear your input on those as well. Thanks so much for your advice. Originally from the north, I am so looking forward to getting a little closer to the water and my hometown as well! CT is a beautiful state and we are really excited about this potential move!

[mels]

How do you define conservative? As in a fiscally conservative town? Do you mean the Christian version of conservative? Socially conservative?

Also, the most important question in Connecticut is "what is your budget?" There are loads of great towns that have low crime, nice downtown area, good schools, etc. but your budget will dictate where you can live.

[mrgmrg]

Definitely not West Hartford--it is loud, has high crime compared to the other suburbs you mention, is unfriendly, and is very far from conservative. Avon and Simsbury are more up your alley.

[mels]

Also, check out this recent thread where "conservative" in CT was discussed, it may give you some insight:
//www.city-data.com/forum/conne...-distance.html

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by gahr1family

Of these four towns, which of these towns would you recommend based on the following desired criteria: low crime, appealing amenities, good schools, nice downtown, small-town feel, friendliness, conservative.

Of these four towns, the only one I can find with a "Christian" private school is West Hartford. That is the Hartford Christian Academy. The other towns all have super public schools and various secular private schools, if you change your mind about schools.

Of the four, West Hartford is the only one with an urban downtown. The others have the "small town" flavor of downtown.

[KH02]

I would avoid West Harftord if you are looking for a conservative town. In my opinion Avon may work or look into Granby. There is a good Christian school there called The Master's School. Though it is expensive.

[gahr1family]

In response to your question, I would say socially conservative. My family and I hold true to our Christian values however, we do not place judgment or think less of those who may think otherwise. We tend to vote Republican and we would consider ourselves generally speaking quite conservative. We believe we are to follow the model that Jesus Christ set before us, that would be to treat others as we want to be treated, be non-judgmental, be kind, be charitable in our giving, and model the behavior for our children we want them to model, etc. I hope this information helps. I appreciate the information on the areas I aforementioned and I will look forward to visiting your area soon!

[NewJeffCT]

First, welcome to Connecticut.

Second: Avon and Farmington are probably the most conservative towns of the four you mentioned, while West Hartford has long had a reputation for being liberal. Simsbury is more middle of the road, but leaning conservative. All four towns - West Hartford, Avon, Farmington and Simsbury have excellent public schools and top students in each town will usually have their choice of elite colleges. All four towns are safe to very safe, though I think a few years back, Avon was rated the second safest town in America by some magazine.

Route 44 runs between Avon and Simsbury and into nearby Canton and is loaded with shopping, restaurants, a movie theater and some big box stores (Wal-Mart, Kohl's, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, etc). (You could also consider Canton or Granby as potential locations as well.)

In terms of Christian schools, I could not really say. Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford has an excellent reputation, and I think I read that 99% of students there go on to either college, or four year college. The elite private schools in the area are Miss Porter's in Farmington (Jackie Kennedy, Gloria Vanderbilt and some of the Bush family women went there) and Ethel Walker in Simsbury for girls, and Avon Old Farms and Kingswood Oxford in West Hartford for boys, but I think all are not religious.

Before high school, I don't really know what schools would be good for Catholic/Christian schooling. Perhaps some others could chime in there? I do know I used to work with a very conservative Christian man who lived in Avon, and he took his daughters out of a religious school and put them in public schools in Avon because the schools were better.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by KH02

I would avoid West Harftord if you are looking for a conservative town. In my opinion Avon may work or look into Granby. There is a good Christian school there called The Master's School. Though it is expensive.

I'd agree with Granby then. In most of Connecticut, people believe in the "mind your own business" ethic first, and don't advertise their politics or religion. Granby is 67% Catholic and voted heavily for Obama in 2012, but people won't hassle you about your politics.

[gahr1family]

Great information. Thanks again for everyone's time and advice. Greatly appreciated!