[maestro]

Hello all,

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, I'm a fan of West Hartford but I get the feeling I wouldn't be able to afford a house/taxes there.

can one live in the Hartford metro with a non-working wife and kids and 1) make less than $100k and 2) live in a town with a nice walk-able downtown? We like nice, established neighborhoods as opposed to new developments.

[skytrekker]

Maestro- West Hartford is a very desirable town that features many of the attributes you and others desire.

Some towns to consider are Stafford Springs, With a compact but charming center, also Somers, Middletown-which has one of the best Main Streets in Connecticut, Wethersfield- the 'old Wethersfield' Main street area offers incredible charm, is very walkable- though because its an historical district has strict zoning.

[maestro]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Maestro- West Hartford is a very desirable town that features many of the attributes you and others desire.

Some towns to consider are Stafford Springs, With a compact but charming center, also Somers, Middletown-which has one of the best Main Streets in Connecticut, Wethersfield- the 'old Wethersfield' Main street area offers incredible charm, is very walkable- though because its an historical district has strict zoning.

I knew I could count on you for a reply!

Can one live in these areas (including West Hartford) and afford to provide for a wife and kids? We don't live very extravagently, but I'm stressed about a mortgage, taxes, etc. The job I'm looking at would pay be about $65-$75k, and housing seems to be around $175-$250k with high property taxes.

I know there are other options if we looked at other towns, but we really like the walk-able downtowns with restaurants, shops, etc -- places to walk by with the stroller! Any other thoughts here?

[wanderintonc]

Well, you might be able to get a little place over in the Elmwood section of West Hartford, for your budget. There are some small capes and ranches on the sidestreets. That's a cute little town area. You should check out house prices and taxes online, then figure your monthly cost and see if it fits your budget.

Middletown has a downtown but the housing close to it is, in my opinion, not great. Mostly multi-family rentals and Wesleyan housing. You could find places in your budget further out from Main St.

I think the biggest factor for your family will be housing costs, in living in CT. If you can keep that under control, you'll probably be ok.

[skytrekker]

I guess I live cheaply- but keep in mind I live in a townhouse, which was built in 1991 in Vernon- additionally it is paid for. Condo living has its pluses and negatives. The small community I live has but 24 units, is self managed (sometimes a problem with competing egos and personalties) Condo fee is $150 a month-taxes $190 a month or $2300 a year.

A Smaller home-lets say 1000-1200 square feet, built prior to 1995 is unlikely to have taxes in excess of 2500 dollars a year in many towns.

Middletown is a place where a home could be found, but also Manchester, Vernon, Wethersfield, Newington and Rocky hill. Keeping the taxes to around 200-250 dollars a month is the key to your situation- also housing here has fallen at this point over 10% in the last year, there are some nice homes for sale that are nicely priced in greater Hartford.

I see Ohio and Michigan plates here on a regular basis in Vernon. So it looks like you are not the only one investigating the area. The economic downturn is hitting us as well, but not as bad as those states and the recession we had from 1989-1992.

[AmyBergquist]

I would actually recommend speaking with a mortgage broker/banker first. They will help you understand what you can comfortably afford on a monthly basis. From there you can identify a price range for houses. And from there you can then identify towns that might work for your lifestyle and budget.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by maestro

I knew I could count on you for a reply!

Can one live in these areas (including West Hartford) and afford to provide for a wife and kids? We don't live very extravagently, but I'm stressed about a mortgage, taxes, etc. The job I'm looking at would pay be about $65-$75k, and housing seems to be around $175-$250k with high property taxes.

I know there are other options if we looked at other towns, but we really like the walk-able downtowns with restaurants, shops, etc -- places to walk by with the stroller! Any other thoughts here?

There are many people living in CT with these incomes. Skytrekker has made some great suggestions. You might also consider Manchester. It would help if you sat down and did the math to determine what your price range is and what you would get for your money here. Good luck, Jay

[redbaron]

Originally Posted by JayCT

There are many people living in CT with these incomes. Skytrekker has made some great suggestions. You might also consider Manchester. It would help if you sat down and did the math to determine what your price range is and what you would get for your money here. Good luck, Jay

I would consider Windsor as well, I currently live in the center and enjoy the convenience of walking to some of the shops, grocery store and restaurants. It's definitely no West Hartford Center, but it does have a certain charm, a great town green and is more affordable...

[maestro]

[quote=skytrekker;3535867]

Middletown is a place where a home could be found, but also Manchester, Vernon, Wethersfield, Newington and Rocky hill. Keeping the taxes to around 200-250 dollars a month is the key to your situation- also housing here has fallen at this point over 10% in the last year, there are some nice homes for sale that are nicely priced in greater Hartford.

[quote]

do some of these towns have walk-able downtowns -- restaurants, shops, etc?

[wanderintonc]

You might really want to get with a realtor, or at least do some internet searches, and find about how much you might have to pay in property tax for the kind of home you want. There are some figures being bandied about that sound kinda low to me, based on my experience. I don't know what sort of house you're looking for so I don't know the taxes, but you should probably look up a few and get some firm numbers. It can vary a lot town to town.