[kt4737]

I would prefer being within 10 minutes driving distance...I'm from a big city so I feel like I won't be too comfortable in a more suburban setting. But after driving around a bit, I am starting to feel that I should choose safety over urban living. Maybe I'll explore more of Hamden?

[inetlom]

If you're used to city living, you might be okay in Fair Haven - plenty of people live there and are fine, but it's just not for me. My husband also comes from a large city and thinks it's funny that people in New Haven freak out about crime and safety so much. The thing about a large city that comforts me is that there are always people walking around - not the case in a small city like New Haven, especially after people finish commuting in the evenings and in the winter.

Hamden has some condos on Whitney Ave, which is a straight shot into New Haven, and a ton of condos off of Dixwell Ave. near a number of shopping complexes.

For reference, the parts of Fair Haven will probably be at least 10 minutes driving from downtown depending on the traffic. I consistently have to add extra time when I drive within the city to account for traffic - getting from East Rock to Westville in the evenings often takes me a good 20 minutes more than I expect it to. Driving from Hamden, depending on your time of day and location, will probably take 10-15 minutes to get to the edge of downtown.

[kt4737]

Thanks so much inetlom. I'll check out the streets in Hamden you mentioned.

I noticed that there really aren't that many people walking around the streets -- even in downtown New Haven. Is it because of the season? The area looked a little too quiet so I was wondering what's up.

[inetlom]

I'd say it's partially the season, partially just the way the city is. Yale stays busy most of the day and into the evening, but there have been times walking from my office on the campus to my apartment where I have seen very few people in the span of 20 minutes. There are definitely more people out in the evenings once it gets warmer, but my street tends to be pretty dead after 8 or 9 pm for most of the year.

[goldenband]

Based on what I've seen and read, I would make sure to look in the Beaver Hills neighborhood. It has some nice housing stock and combines some surprisingly upscale streets (I believe there's a strong Orthodox Jewish presence there) with areas that are grittier and other parts that are "in-between". It's not easy to tell which way the neighborhood is trending, but you may be able to get good value for your money there, plus it's right next to SCSU so that may help it to retain value regardless. I don't know how the condo market there is, though.

[puchka]

we my husband and I will be moving to New Haven and I will be commuting to New York for work, so can you please suggest areas that we should consider for renting an apt.

[JayCT]

The neighborhood around Union Station is not the greatest. I would suggest checking for apartments downtown. You can either walk to the station or take the Shoreline East train from State Street Station which is a very short trip. This location would help minimize your trip to New York which over 95 minutes. If downtown does not appeal to you, then consider either East Rock or Westville. These are very nice neighborhoods but note you will have to take a bus to the station first and that will add to your trip. Jay