[zmoson]

Hi,

Our family is relocating to this area from midwest, we’re looking for housing in surrounding area.

. Budget 300-400k.
. Good public school is must. Want MODERATE hard working environment for kids.
. Wife need to commute near XL center, can’t work from home even in bad weather days.
Deep snow doesn’t bother us, used to live in upper midwest with half year of snow. However, hilly road with thin ice does bother us, didn’t have much experience with that.
We prefer low traffic backroad over freeway for commute, if it does not add too much time.
. Perfer quiet, rural area. Distance from shopping does not matter, we used to live in a town 1 hour away from nearest mall. Though it’ll be nice to have a grocery store within 30 minuets.

1. We heard about rt 44 is rough in winter, would rt 185 be better? How about old farm road - farmington ave?
2. How is the road from 185 to north Canton in winter? We found a house we really like there.
3. We heard about albarny ave, would homestead ave - walnut st be safer? Wife need to drive by herself to downtown daily.
4. Is crossing the river a problem? How heavy is the traffic on rt 2?
5. How’s the culture difference between the towns. I read from this fourm that Avon is too much about chasing luxury materials, is it real? If it is, to what degree?

Appreciate any advice.

[GeoffD]

There is no such thing as a “low traffic backroad” for a downtown Hartford commute.

Consider bus routes instead of driving yourself.

Make sure you understand your costs before setting a price point on housing. Property taxes. Energy. Automobile.

[zmoson]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

There is no such thing as a “low traffic backroad” for a downtown Hartford commute.

Consider bus routes instead of driving yourself.

Make sure you understand your costs before setting a price point on housing. Property taxes. Energy. Automobile.

Thanks for reply.

I thought 185 is kinda of “low traffic backroad”, I might be wrong.
Haven’t thought about bus route, will look into it.
Already considered tax, etc. when setting price range. Thanks for reminding me, though.

[JimG2]

Your wife has a job lined up...do you? If not, what do you do?

[hvexpatinct]

North Canton isn't that far from downtown Hartford, but commute can be long - 40-45 min depending on time of day. I'm not sure how well 185 is maintained during the winter - I've had difficulty traveling on other secondary roads in that area when it's snowy, but I don't live there so I don't know if my experiences are typical.

Farmington Ave is fine safety-wise but will be congested.

[zmoson]

Originally Posted by JimG2

Your wife has a job lined up...do you? If not, what do you do?

I work over Internet, so my commute is not a concern.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by hvexpatinct

North Canton isn't that far from downtown Hartford, but commute can be long - 40-45 min depending on time of day. I'm not sure how well 185 is maintained during the winter - I've had difficulty traveling on other secondary roads in that area when it's snowy, but I don't live there so I don't know if my experiences are typical.

Farmington Ave is fine safety-wise but will be congested.

I have friends in North Canton. She drives to a commuter lot in and takes the bus in. That's not a mellow, relaxing country drive. The drivers are really aggressive as you get closer to Hartford. Let somebody else drive.



Most people who don't have life-critical jobs tend to telecommute when it snows. With snow tires, it's no big deal getting around but you get hung up by the people who don't have snow tires. The state roads are bombed with salt and back to black pavement the day after a storm.

[zmoson]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I have friends in North Canton. She drives to a commuter lot in and takes the bus in. That's not a mellow, relaxing country drive. The drivers are really aggressive as you get closer to Hartford. Let somebody else drive.



Most people who don't have life-critical jobs tend to telecommute when it snows. With snow tires, it's no big deal getting around but you get hung up by the people who don't have snow tires. The state roads are bombed with salt and back to black pavement the day after a storm.

For bus commute, would walk in downtown have safety issues? Especially if she occasionally may need work late hours (won’t be later than 9pm) without advance notice. Also, is uber a safe alternative in downtown area in case she misses bus.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by zmoson

Hi,

Our family is relocating to this area from midwest, we’re looking for housing in surrounding area.

. Budget 300-400k.
. Good public school is must. Want MODERATE hard working environment for kids.
. Wife need to commute near XL center, can’t work from home even in bad weather days.
Deep snow doesn’t bother us, used to live in upper midwest with half year of snow. However, hilly road with thin ice does bother us, didn’t have much experience with that.
We prefer low traffic backroad over freeway for commute, if it does not add too much time.
. Perfer quiet, rural area. Distance from shopping does not matter, we used to live in a town 1 hour away from nearest mall. Though it’ll be nice to have a grocery store within 30 minuets.

1. We heard about rt 44 is rough in winter, would rt 185 be better? How about old farm road - farmington ave?
2. How is the road from 185 to north Canton in winter? We found a house we really like there.
3. We heard about albany ave, would homestead ave - walnut st be safer? Wife need to drive by herself to downtown daily.
4. Is crossing the river a problem? How heavy is the traffic on rt 2?
5. How’s the culture difference between the towns. I read from this fourm that Avon is too much about chasing luxury materials, is it real? If it is, to what degree?

Appreciate any advice.

Former midwesterner here...and lived in West Hartford for 9+ yrs. Just wanted to weigh in on your question (3). If safety is your #1 concern for your wife's commute, while I've done the Homestead route plenty of times, it still goes through some iffy areas. The best way is to take Scarborough to Asylum, and then into Downtown Hartford. Asylum is 100% safe the whole way especially during commuting hours.

For what it's worth, I'd consider Simsbury which is my favorite of the Farmington Valley towns, although your budget may be on the low side depending on how big a home you're looking for. Good luck with the move and welcome to CT!

[parentologist]

I second Simsbury. Prices are a bit lower, although taxes are just as high. Has areas with a definite "exurban" feel. The schools are excellent - there will be high academic expectations, but it's not the kind of town that is filled with kids who ONLY do schoolwork. And yes, as driving goes, 185 is not as steep as 44. If she can flex her schedule, and drive in early and leave early, she won't have to deal with as much traffic. Or she could take a commuter bus.

North Canton is too far, in my opinion.