[ohhshenanigans]

Thanks for all the responses!! I've started looking in all the towns that have been mentioned and I really appreciate all the thorough, well-thought-out suggestions and pointers (like the traffic east of 84, I never would have known that!) You guys are the best.

A couple of you mentioned budget - Right now it's a little up in the air because my husband hasn't entered pay negotiations yet. However, we're looking for a 3 bedroom (or 2 bedroom with a separate study or a large living area that could accommodate desks for my husband and I), and one bath (I wouldn't complain about having another half bath or second full bath, but it's not a dealbreaker) for somewhere around $1800/mo - although obviously lower would be nice, and depending on his salary we could potentially do more. We have some wiggle room to work with for the right place.

In the past, we've had the best luck in apartment community type places as opposed to renting from a private landlord. To give you an idea of our ideal scenario: when we lived in Groton, it was in a place called "The Ledges" and their website can be found here. It wasn't upgraded with high end finishes or anything, but it was in a decent area, it was quiet, and had in-unit laundry I'd love to find something similar in Western CT.

[hvexpatinct]

Apartment communities are not common in the towns west of Waterbury. Naugatuck has a couple of apartment communities and Watertown has a bunch of condo neighborhoods plus some older single family homes that occasionally pop up on the rental market - Zillow shows a few right now in the $1700/M price range.

[basehead617]

As far as I know, Southbury, Middlebury, and Woodbury have a combined total of 0 apartment complexes like you describe.

It's just not a commonly desired way to live in that area. Luxury/managed apartment complexes are more popular in the wealthy cities like Stamford -- places with young single professionals. The families generally prefer single family homes.

Naugatuck, Bristol and Southington have apartment complexes but at least in the case of the former two, they will tend to be run-down and well below your budget.

It may be difficult to get what you're looking for, at least with a short commute to Waterbury.

[kidyankee764]

In all honesty, I think Middlebury/Southbury might be your best bet based on your desires. Newtown is also great, and is less than 30 minutes from Waterbury.

[RunD1987]

Your looking to rent...not sure the size of these places. However, Woodbury has 4 to 5 different apartment/condo complexes within your budget. Definitely check out Woodlake and Woodbury Knoll. Woodlake is nice place bit of being out there could be tough during the winter's, basically a 10/15 minute drive of back roads till you reach I 84 in Southbury. Does have a fitness center I believe, an indoor pool, hiking trails, community garden, canoes to go out on the lake, and some units have a central vac.

Woodbury Knolls is nice area close to Quassy.

There is Middlebury Crossings might be a bit small, but here great reviews of the place.

If up near Town Plot there is 5 to 7 different condo/apartment/town home's can rent in that area. Some have fire places. They are mostly 2 bedrooms. Some have only outside parking. Some have three floors. Some have a completed basement. Have to look at them all to compare there different perks.

Middlebury has a lot of houses for rent.

Beacon Falls has an apartment complex they converted an old factory out of is nice.

Southbury in Heritage Village built a luxury condo place near the hotel for all ages to live in.

[johngalt12345]

I was born in Waterbury and grew up in Wolcott - most of my family is still up there and I still own property in Wolcott. Quite honestly, it's a terrible area to live in and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I moved out of state about 6 years ago and have no regrets whatsoever - it family/friends weren't there, I'd never go back.

Yes, there are some nice town in the vicinity, but I still wouldn't recommend it...

[hvexpatinct]

Woodbury Knoll tends to attract a fairly shady element and is not what OP is looking for from an amenities perspective.

Avalon Danbury is probably the closest thing to Waterbury that fits the bill, but don't think it will fit the budget. There are nicer newer condos in Watertown that occasionally come up for rent, a couple of which have amenities like garages and pools, etc.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by johngalt12345

I was born in Waterbury and grew up in Wolcott - most of my family is still up there and I still own property in Wolcott. Quite honestly, it's a terrible area to live in and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I moved out of state about 6 years ago and have no regrets whatsoever - it family/friends weren't there, I'd never go back.

Yes, there are some nice town in the vicinity, but I still wouldn't recommend it...

Any particular reason you do not like the area? Jay

[AMSS]

Originally Posted by johngalt12345

I was born in Waterbury and grew up in Wolcott - most of my family is still up there and I still own property in Wolcott. Quite honestly, it's a terrible area to live in and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I moved out of state about 6 years ago and have no regrets whatsoever - it family/friends weren't there, I'd never go back.

Yes, there are some nice town in the vicinity, but I still wouldn't recommend it...

It works for me and a lot of other people. Just because it didn't work for you means it's terrible.

[RunD1987]

I have to agree outside of a few areas would avoid certain areas from Waterbury on up.