[MisterNMickens]

We're both 26yrs old and moving from philadelphia to hartford county. I have grown up in farmington, ct and have a lot of family here. After moving to Philadelphia from farmington a few years back I'm a bit worried about having a lack of oppurtunities to go bar/restaurant hopping as we currently do in Philly. Both of us want an area where we can walk to or have a short drive to a lively 'happenning' area. So it seems as if we'll be limited to the farmington ave vicinity in farmington, west hartford (whart center/blue back etc) or to the downtown hartford area. I'm also considering living in newington or other such areas with good access to highways. My fiance's work will be in Cheshire, Ct and we would probably be looking to spend less than 200k on preferably 2+ bd/bath. What do you guys think?

[KH02]

West Hartford wouldn't be a terrible commute to Cheshire and it's really the only town with a lot of entertainment in walking distance, as I'm sure you know.
You could also possibly look in to Middletown and see if that is something you would like.

[JayCT]

First understand that Philidelphia is a very large city so you are not going to find as many or as wide of a variety of entertainment options there.

That said, I think West Hartford would be the first choice and then Middletown. Both have alot of restaurants and nightlife. I am not sure you will find what you are looking for in West Hartford for that price but you should be able to in Middletown. If these are not to your liking then you might have to head down to New Haven. Jay

[AmyBergquist]

For a house in West Hartford, $200K or less is pretty tough for a house, particularly if you're looking for 2+ bathrooms. There will be 2 bed, 1.5 bath options, they'll just be small. But that's doable and reasonable if it's your first house.

You'll have some condo options in that price range in West Hartford too, they most likely won't have 2 baths. There are some close to the Center/Blue Back though.

A commute from West Hartford to Chesire would be doable. It's a reverse commute, so there shouldn't be that much traffic. You're looking at probably 25 minutes, depending on where she's going in Cheshire. If you lived in Downtown Hartford the commute would be worse because you'd have to deal with traffic on I-84 in the city in the morning.

[MisterNMickens]

I think we're leaning heavily towards purchasing a condo rather than a house, if we do decide on buying. We are also considering renting if we can find at minimum a 1br 1ba apt for around 600-900 / month in an area that is compatible enough with what we want.

...on a side note: does anyone know what a good mortgage lender would be for the first time buyer program in ct?

[MikeK34]

Originally Posted by MisterNMickens

I think we're leaning heavily towards purchasing a condo rather than a house, if we do decide on buying. We are also considering renting if we can find at minimum a 1br 1ba apt for around 600-900 / month in an area that is compatible enough with what we want.

...on a side note: does anyone know what a good mortgage lender would be for the first time buyer program in ct?

sent you a DM

[Rich Lee]

Where is your fiancé's job be in Cheshire. If it's in southern Cheshire and he has to take Route 10, that could add at least 15 minutes more that if the job were in northern Cheshire.

[parentologist]

I think you've missed the boat on the first time buyer program. You had to have gone to contract by 4/30/10. Your best bet for a condo with nightlife nearby is West Hartford. There are several condo developments nearby, some go for as little as 150K for a 2 BR.

[Silli]

If you live in downtown Hartford there might be transit to the job in Cheshire.

[AngCT17]

What about New haven area?? New haven night life is a lot of fun and a pretty good commute to Cheshire!