[Boatdrinks]

We have a possible job offer in Middletown and I'm interested in what the area is like. We need a good, safe place to raise young kids, good schools, good shopping, restaurants, etc. - safe and good schools are the priority though. Will we get all this in Middletown, or other cities nearby? We'd be ok with up to a 45 minute commute, so open to suggestions, though would prefer east, if possible, to be closer to the water and train. We'd like to stay under 600k for a house, if possible.

Thanks!

[skytrekker]

Middletown is a nice small city of perhaps 35,000. In recent years much has been done to the very walkable main street, with new shops, excellent restaurants and much beautification. It is a quintessential New England large town.

Wesleyan University is in town, and while not a focal point to the town- it offers much in the way of art exhibits, theater, renowned speakers, and more.

The closest enclosed Mall would be located in Meriden (about 10 miles away) Although Middletown has supermarkets, smaller shopping centers and a few larger stores.

Within a 45 minute commute to Middletown, you could consider Rocky Hill and Cromwell- 15-20 minutes up I 91 both fine New England established towns with very good schools . Across the Connecticut river from Middletown- is the town of Portland- a nice small New England town- and further eastward on route 66 are the rural woodsy towns of East Hampton and Marlborough- offering many nice neighborhoods, great schools- both within 30-35 minutes away. All offering a peaceful high quality of life.

Housing prices are reasonable- in all these towns a nice home in a good neighborhood can be had for 275K and up.
Crime in these towns, including Middletown which has a slightly more urban character is low.

[Boatdrinks]

Thank you so much, skytrekker. This is all excellent info. I'll do some checking on the towns you mentioned.

[uconn99]

Actually Middletown is approaching 48,000 residents. There are many fine areas of Middletown and the main street is nice. Very large Italian population, one of the larger concentrations on the east coast so you will find many smaller bakeries, pizza shops, and eateries with tons of great food.

Don't know anything about the school system, although there is Middletown High school (aprox. 1400 students), Xavier High (all boys 9-12, 900 students), Mercy High (all girls 9-12, 700 students) and Vinal Tech High (700 students).



I would also check into East Haddam, Haddam, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, East Hampton, Portland, Marlborough, Hebron, Columbia, and Berlin. School systems in the above towns are all good.

[skytrekker]

uconn99

I was off in that population total- as I thought I might be-thanks for correcting me.
And on those restaurants( given 3 stars by the Hartford Advocate) Plus, yes many fine pizza shops and Italian eateries; but also fine Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and also an excellent Tibetan place I visited a few years ago. Plus Tex-Mex, Seafood, American hybrid, Irish style pubs- a fun place for a great dinner with cocktails on a Saturday night, while afterwards strolling down the nice Main Street.

[uconn99]

Harbor Park has pretty decent food and is right on the river near downtown. You can dock and dine with a boat, although not much room, maybe 3 decent sized boats can fit dock side.


At night the place gets pretty wild, younger crowd with some older mixed in, live bands ect.... Be ready to drink!

[Friendship-Properties]

I suggest searching Trulia to compare some cities of interest and get an idea of crime rates and school systems. Prob. not the safest town in the state, but certainly far from the worst. From the towns I know well .. id say Branford is good place to start.