[mayopac]

Hello....Can anyone offer any opinions on which area is better for families in terms of schools or walkability and shopping?

[JayCT]

It is kind of hard to compare the two. They are very different. New Haven is a major city with typical big city issues. Milford is a suburban community. Very different. In terms of schools, Milford schools perform better on the Connecticut Mastery and Connecticut Academic Performance tests. the links below will provide you with more information on schools in both towns.

Strategic School Profiles by District

Strategic School Profiles by School

For shopping, it is hard to beat Milford since it has a LOT of stores. It has the regions major shopping mall and just about every major national retailer plus a number of smaller ones as well. New Haven does have a number of good smaller retailers and a lot of good ethnic foods. It is also has an IKEA store which a lot of people like.

As for walkability, Milford is a more suburban community so the the car tends to rule. There is a small downtown area and some walkable neighborhoods, but New Haven is a city built around pedestrians, so I would have to say it is more walkable. I hope this helps, Jay

[mayopac]

Thank you Jay.....

My dilemma is that I don't drive and would need to move somewhere that I can be able to walk to the stores or walk to the school....Renting a townhome is what I am considering....Any suggestions?

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by mayopac

Thank you Jay.....

My dilemma is that I don't drive and would need to move somewhere that I can be able to walk to the stores or walk to the school....Renting a townhome is what I am considering....Any suggestions?

Unlike the Bronx, this arrangement - where one can get by without a vehicle - doesn't really exist in Connecticut.

[KH02]

I agree with Rich, it most likely won't happen here in CT. You need a vehicle to get around.
But you if end up buying a car, I would steer clear of New Haven's public school system, it is not a desirable one.

[goldenband]

It's possible to get by in certain places in CT without a car, especially if you're willing to bike. In West Hartford I knew a fair number of people who got around via bike, foot, and bus, and actually did so myself for a month or two when my car gave out on me and I couldn't afford a new one. If you're willing to bike/walk up to 2 miles on a regular basis, and can get help from someone who has a car when necessary for moving furniture and things, it can be done. There were several grade schools in West Hartford within walking distance of where I lived, and certainly within biking distance.

I don't know Milford or New Haven well, though, and it may not be realistic there.

[Jpierpont]

Originally Posted by KH02

I agree with Rich, it most likely won't happen here in CT. You need a vehicle to get around.
But you if end up buying a car, I would steer clear of New Haven's public school system, it is not a desirable one.

New Haven could easily done carless. Everything one needs is located with in 15 minutes of downtown.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Jpierpont

New Haven could easily done carless. Everything one needs is located with in 15 minutes of downtown.

I agree. New Haven has a good bus system so moving there would be your best bet if you do not have a car. Milford would be a bi tharder, but it too has bus service. You would have to look at it closer thought to see if it is good for you. Jay

[KH02]

Though the OP wanted good schools and New Haven does NOT fit that criteria.

[Jpierpont]

Not sure Milford does either, though they are better. New Haven has some pretty well regarded charter schools I believe.