[V&L]

Hello,

I have to make up my mind whether to move to CT or MA. As a therapist with two small kids, I want to be near affluent towns to be able to establish a new practice and of course, around good public schools. Both CT and MA are gorgeous, they have similar weather... how do they differ, in terms of the people and the overall culture and feel of its towns around the so-called "best" areas (near Boston, like Lexington/Wellesley/Dover in MA and Weston/Wilton/Easton/Redding in CT? (I left our Greenwich, New Canaan and Westport in CT and Weston in CT as I would not be able to afford them). A little about me: I just turned 40, I am recently divorced, I am originally from Europe and have studied art, philosophy and psychology (have degree in all of these). I lived in Budapest, Vienna, London, San Francisco, Manhattan, and currently in Princeton, NJ. I love the outdoors and NEED to live somewhere where there is peace and beautiful nature around me, yet I am relatively close by to some cultural life and good restaurants (within an hour though, it does not need to be next door). Please give me some advice, I am losing my mind over trying to decide where to go. Oh, I also propagate antique roses, so if you are aware of major climate differences between MA and CT, please let me know!

[GoHuskies]

I can think of multiple good things about both the outskirts of Boston and many towns in Connecticut. If hitting the great outdoors Boston is a bit closer to the rural upper New England states so I'd give that area an advantage for you.

According to the plant hardiness zone map most of Connecticut excluding the NW shouldn't be much different than outside Boston. From a winter weather view Boston will usually get more snow however.

[NewJeffCT]

welcome to New England.

While I love Connecticut, based on your background of having lived in some great cities around the world, you might be happier close to Boston. While you can easily get to NYC form Westport, Wilton, etc, you're just closer to Boston in Lexington, Wellesley or Dover than you would be from NYC in CT.

Weatherwise, you will usually get less snow in Westport than you would in the Boston area and it might be a few degrees warmer.

[howdydoody342]

I would say if ur an avid hiker, somewhere around boston would be ideal for relatively short distance to the white mountains....

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by V&L

Hello,

I have to make up my mind whether to move to CT or MA. As a therapist with two small kids, I want to be near affluent towns to be able to establish a new practice and of course, around good public schools. Both CT and MA are gorgeous, they have similar weather... how do they differ, in terms of the people and the overall culture and feel of its towns around the so-called "best" areas (near Boston, like Lexington/Wellesley/Dover in MA and Weston/Wilton/Easton/Redding in CT? (I left our Greenwich, New Canaan and Westport in CT and Weston in CT as I would not be able to afford them). A little about me: I just turned 40, I am recently divorced, I am originally from Europe and have studied art, philosophy and psychology (have degree in all of these). I lived in Budapest, Vienna, London, San Francisco, Manhattan, and currently in Princeton, NJ. I love the outdoors and NEED to live somewhere where there is peace and beautiful nature around me, yet I am relatively close by to some cultural life and good restaurants (within an hour though, it does not need to be next door). Please give me some advice, I am losing my mind over trying to decide where to go. Oh, I also propagate antique roses, so if you are aware of major climate differences between MA and CT, please let me know!

I am not sure what your price range is or what you expect for your money but those towns you list in Massachusetts are likely as expensive as say Westport or Weston. In fact they may be more. The only houses I see listed there are a couple of condos in Lexington and Welesley and a couple of small homes or condos in Dover.

Which is better for you is kind of subjective. Do you want to remain in an outer area of one of the largest and most important cities in the world, New York or do you want to be in a suburb of the sixth largest city in the country? Both areas are great and there really is little difference. You will be a bit closer to Boston in those towns though so if that makes any difference, good or bad, that is your choice. If travel is important to you, you cannot beat the flights offered from New York airports but then again getting to them can be a nightmare from Connecticut. At least with Boston, you can get to Logan easily. International flights from Bradley in Hartford are kind of limited and often involve traveling to other airports. Again this is kind of your call which is best for you. Personally I like Connecticut but as most people here will be all too quick to tell you, I am biased. Jay

[V&L]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I am not sure what your price range is or what you expect for your money but those towns you list in Massachusetts are likely as expensive as say Westport or Weston. In fact they may be more. The only houses I see listed there are a couple of condos in Lexington and Welesley and a couple of small homes or condos in Dover.

Which is better for you is kind of subjective. Do you want to remain in an outer area of one of the largest and most important cities in the world, New York or do you want to be in a suburb of the sixth largest city in the country? Both areas are great and there really is little difference. You will be a bit closer to Boston in those towns though so if that makes any difference, good or bad, that is your choice. If travel is important to you, you cannot beat the flights offered from New York airports but then again getting to them can be a nightmare from Connecticut. At least with Boston, you can get to Logan easily. International flights from Bradley in Hartford are kind of limited and often involve traveling to other airports. Again this is kind of your call which is best for you. Personally I like Connecticut but as most people here will be all too quick to tell you, I am biased. Jay

Thanks for your reply! In truth, I am torn because if work was not an issue, I would go to a more rural area with a cute downtown where I can afford 3 or more acres (I was considering Washington in CT, for example), but how would I work as a therapist there? Maybe I could compromise and go to Essex or Chester, which are closer to a larger community like Madison. In a more affluent areas, I could maybe afford Wilton or Easton or Redding (I have 500,000 in cash and want no mortgage), for a 2 or 3 bd, maybe. Any thoughts? Also, how is CT thinking and attitude different from MA?

[nico7]

Although it might not be your deciding criterion, you should consider that New York and Boston have starkly different cultures.

Boston is very academically oriented and has a vibrant technology sector, while New York is comparatively more focused around financial industries, high fashion, etc (although you can find anything in New York).

[V&L]

Originally Posted by nico7

Although it might not be your deciding criterion, you should consider that New York and Boston have starkly different cultures.

Boston is very academically oriented and has a vibrant technology sector, while New York is comparatively more focused around financial industries, high fashion, etc (although you can find anything in New York).

That in fact was helpful, thank you. I used to live in Manhattan and although I love to go and visit, in terms of living, it is a bit too crazy for me to be around all the time. Boston I have only been a couple of times. Do you think that difference also trickles down to the outskirts and affects the way people are in the suburbs?

[nico7]

Originally Posted by V&L

That in fact was helpful, thank you. I used to live in Manhattan and although I love to go and visit, in terms of living, it is a bit too crazy for me to be around all the time. Boston I have only been a couple of times. Do you think that difference also trickles down to the outskirts and affects the way people are in the suburbs?

No question. In my experience, people live near New York so they can earn a New York salary and near Boston so they can be near Boston.

I kind of miss the NYC that produced Simon & Garfunkel's concert in the park (not that I was there), although it seems long gone.

[STEVEN 1]

Since both offer 4 seasons and pretentious douche bags you just need to decide if you want to be colder in the winter up in Mass or a bit warmer. in the winter down in New York.