Old Saybrook, Guilford, Madison? (New Haven, Hartford: crime rates, house, school)

fleeingFFldCnty · 03-22-2007, 09:34 AM

Lived in Fairfield County all my life - I feel drained. Looking to pick the family up (wife, 2 kids, 1 dog) and move up the coast. We want:
- slower pace
- good education system
- shore town
- friendlier people
- bigger house (for the money - we're in Norwalk)
- more property
- breathing room

Yet, we would still want access to NYC (gotta get that fix on occasion). We've visited Old Saybrook a few times, but don't know too much about Guilford or Madison. I've read a few posts comparing Guilford and Madison. But if you threw Old Saybrook into the mix, how do they compare.

Thoughts?

Thanks!!

skytrekker · 03-22-2007, 10:15 AM

Those areas you described;
Old Saybrook, Guilford, Madison are very pleasant- and are likely to offer a much more pleasant life then Fairfield county- which are 'in Connecticut'- but is not- get the 'picture'- Also try eastern Connecticut, Tolland county, Windham- to east near the Rhode Island border- very quiet and nice- and they say CT is 'all the same' hardly- actually the aforementioned areas are like another world from FF County- and housing prices are incredibly low- much lower then the coastal towns east of New Haven you mentioned.

fleeingFFldCnty · 03-22-2007, 10:28 AM

Thanks for your insights! Maybe a drive through that 'neck of the woods' would be a good idea for us.

I do have this thing though about being on the coast near the salt water that may keep me looking along there - but I realize the cost-of-living will not be as much of an improvement.

skytrekker · 03-22-2007, 10:35 AM

Fleeing

good luck- the eastern CT shore will bring you much peace- try also Stonington, Mystic- a bit further to the east-

Seems like FFLD county is seeing a out migration.

Rich Lee · 03-22-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Fleeing

good luck- the eastern CT shore will bring you much peace- try also Stonington, Mystic- a bit further to the east-

Seems like FFLD county is seeing a out migration.

Hi skytrekker,

How very timely. Did you see today's Hartford Courant? It reported on the very same subject. Approximately 56,000 folks left the county over a 16-year time span (I believe) with many staying within Connecticut. It was by far the largest departure of any of the eight (8) counties.

skytrekker · 03-22-2007, 11:59 AM

Yes Rich
I did read that- (as you might have guessed I would!)
Interesting demographics to say the least- Seems like CT east of the river is becoming a desirable place to live.

Also- I have driven from I 84 east- to CT 74 east, to 44 east to 101 into Rhode Island Many times over the years- its very peaceful, and rural- try the drive sometime- its very easy on the mind and soul. Rolling hills, farms, vineyards, low traffic, minimal shopping- small town attitude. I hope we can keep it that way!

Friendship-Properties · 03-24-2007, 11:21 AM

I grew up in Guilford and Id say its what your looking for EXCEPT, the homes are quite expensive, but the school system and crime rates are excelent. Madison is about the same, but slightly more expensive. Very peaceful towns. Old Saybrook you can prob. get a larger house for the money as Guilford and Madison are VERY 'hot' markets right now.