[lookinforahome]

The downtown area seems nice, but from all the pictures I've seen it looks somewhat abandoned and it looks as if there are many empty storefronts. Is this true? Is there a lot to do there? As in restaurants, bars, etc.? I've also heard there is some bad neighborhoods and that New London has a mild crime issue. Any thoughts?

[Mike Lightning]

There is a lot of empty storefronts in NL. The Day paper did a article on them several months ago. Something like over 30 empty storefronts in downtown alone. There is not a whole lot to do except go to the City Pier or check out the local history. There are some good bars and restraunts in the eastern CT area itself. NL has a couple nice places to eat but not many. As for the neighboorhoods there is a big homeless population and there is a sizable number of drugsin the street . I dont know about gang activity but I wouldn't be surprised. If you're looking to live here bad idea unless you got money. Pfizer came over and the prices of rent and houses skyrocketed. Hope this helps.

[planamovesoon]

I am planning a move to New London. I have read about the Highland APTS. on Granite St.I'm planning to get a studio or a 1BR. Please tell me your thoughts on the Post Hill District. The nearby park looks nice. I do computers in a Library (how is the New London Library.) Is the nearby Connecticut College a school with good computers? The great thing about NL is it's proximity to ferries and trains.OH... do the ferries and trains produce ear shattering sounds at all hours of the day/nite?

Thank You.

I am only 1 person and am retired.

[BlackWidowWeb]

You couldn't pay me to move back to New London... If I HAD to move in that area I'd look at Mystic first, then Noank or Stonington, then Niantic... but Not New London.

Harbor House used to have nice waterfront apts... but I don't know how they are holding up now as condos.

New London's taxes have always been very high, and as more people abandon the city less people are left to shoulder the costs. Back in the 1970's I was told only 12% of the town's 7 sq miles was taxable, too many colleges, roads, parks, hospitals, schools, etc.

[GrotonMan]

New London's downtown area has been hit by this down economy, just like everywhere else has. There are several empty storefronts in the downtown area, but there are also several new projects underway as well, probably the most notable of which would be the new 8 story condo project on the corner of Bank and Reed. When this economic downturn hit the area was beginning to undergo a period of restoration, values were starting to go up, and some people and businesses were having to move out.

Fact is, New London has quite a unique character, some people like it, and some don't. Being from Maine, I would say that if you have an opportunity to get down here for a day or two to check out the area, do it. There are quite a few things to do in the area, but often times it takes some imagination.