My DS will start a job in Connecticut in about a month. He basically can choose anywhere to live because he will travel regularly to the different site locations - mainly in the middle part of the state, and will go to the district office in Danbury probably once a month.
DS wants to stay somewhere close to Hartford. Any suggestions as where would be a safe area for young professionals to live? Thanks.
We live in the Hartford area and if he wants to be close to Hartford he should probably look in West Hartford. That seems to be popular among young professionals now. It also has easy highway access so getting to other parts of the state wouldn’t be too difficult.
I would also suggest West Hartford - they’ve built up the town center (called Blue Back Square) with lots of shopping and restaurants. Glastonbury would be another area, but it’s more rural.
My D relocated there 2 years ago, and we had the same sort of questions about where she should live. West Hartford, West Hartford, West Hartford was the response she got when she asked around. But in reality, that didn’t work out for her because she was looking to rent, the rents were too high without a roommate. She had no one to room with and was not fond of living with someone she didn’t know or barely knew. She also has to drive for work all over the Hartford area and found a place in Middletown on the Middletown/Cromwell line which is situated close to Rtes 91, 9, 5, and 15. She can get to most places in 15-30 minutes. She knows of 2 other co-workers who live in Middletown and lots that live in West Hartford. Glastonbury also is nice, but I think its much more family oriented and laid back.
What we found tricky in terms of neighborhoods and safety was that things could go from good to bad in a matter feet, not miles. Lower end of Hartford vs Wethersfield. Same with things on the West end of Hartford vs West Hartford. Trulia has crime stats mapped on their website. I found that somewhat helpful to reinforce what we were getting for feedback from others.
D3 rented an apartment at Park Place Towers in Hartford as an undergrad - gated community, nice amenities. West Hartford has a nice little downtown area with some apartments nearby.
Middletown might also be a possibility and less expensive - with Wesleyan in town there’s some “young people” culture there, which is harder to find in most of the little towns between there and Hartford.
Yes, Middletown might also be a good location.
@stradmom what year was it that your kiddo rented at Park Place?
I would suggest Hartford 21 in downtown Hartford. Lots of young urban professionals live there. Nice building, good fitness center, covered parking, doorman, just nice. I wouldn’t mind if my own kid lived there.
There is a newer building…I can’t think if the name if it…but it used to be the Bank of America Building…might be worth checking as well.
Both have very easy access to 84 which is what he would take to Danbury.
@thumper1 it would have been 2013-14.
West Hartford if he likes to be near restaurants and shops and if he can afford it.
IIRC! park Place Tower is two buildings…and they do NOT have the same management.
Certainly…take a look…but there are other choices.
In terms of West Hartford, it’s a suburban town. If you live within walking distance of West Hartford Center, I suppose it would be OK.
Would he consider living in say…New Haven?
Thanks to all for your suggestions. It really helps to have some idea where to look.
thumper1 - most of the site locations are at a 45 miles or less radius of Hartford, New Haven is a little far from them, and being closer to the airport will be a plus.
There are a lot of new apartments in downtown Hartford which are catering to the young urban professional. In my opinion, that would be better for a twenty something than living in a suburban town.
He could rent at a place like Hartford 21 for one year…and figure out if there are better options.
Oh…he could also easily walk to the train station from there…and easily go to Boston, or NY.
The apartments near Blue Back Square are nice…but pricey.
The whole of West Hartford Center is filled with restaurants and the like…but It’s really a very short drive from downtown Hartford to get there.
There are also some great restaurants in downtown…but not as many. If he likes plays, he would like Hartford Stage, the Bushnell, and Theatreworks.
Have him look up Front Street where all the trendy things are being put in…Infinity Hall, Bears (best BBQ this side of Texas), etc. ).
There is the old Meadows which also has a different name…outdoor concert venue…hosts lots of concerts in the summer months. There are still things going on at the XL center…all in downtown.
Oh…and there is a Monday night Jazz night all summer in Bushnell Park that attracts a LOT of folks.
thumper1 - Thanks for the info, I know DS will enjoy those events. He will check out ultimate frisbee and rock climbing facilities too.
Both my wife and I grew up in West Hartford. It has changed considerably over the years. I concur with it being a good place to locate. We are planning on moving back to that area (maybe Avon or Farmington) when we can sell our house. Commuting on the state’s highway, is generally not a positive experience. It is particularly bad going to Danbury since Waterbury is a mess. Since it would be only once a month, that should be OK.
I live in the neck of the woods you are talking about…those western suburbs. They are great for young families…or folks like us. But this is a 20 something.
I’m thinking living in a sleepy suburb might not be his cup of tea.
To,the OP…what is his rent budget? That could give us some direction here!
Totally agree about the highways. They are awful.
777 Main in Hartford is nicer than Hartford 21. Hartford is cheaper than West Hartford, but I do not see the need of living in West Hartford because most apartments that are within walking distance of downtown West Hartford are too expensive (NYC prices), and if they are not then why not live in Hartford and drive to West Hartford.
That’s the one …777 Main Street. It’s newer…and nice. I think that as the old B of A building!
“I live in the neck of the woods you are talking about…those western suburbs. They are great for young families…or folks like us. But this is a 20 something.”
I agree. I was just mentioning that we are planning on retiring to that area since our newly married daughter has her Bristol house on the market. They’re looking in Farmington, Simsbury and Burlington.
There are plenty of places in West Hartford that aren’t too expensive. If you’re going to commute from Hartford, you can commute from someplace not right in West Hartford center. Everybody’s tastes are different but I would never rent in Hartford.
@DocT I might have agreed with you ten years ago…but I have to,say…Hartford is trying to attract the young urban professional crowd…and the two buildings upstream…777 Main and Hartford 21 attract upscale tenants…many are young. Some are more established professionals. Many work for comapoes in the downtown area. These are convenient, and nice places.
Hartford is NOT Boston or NYC.
I have a 29 and 32 year old…who would prefer to live downtown than in the suburbs…and they grew up here.
Disclaimer…neither of my kids lives in CT…at all.
I think this young man should see if he can talk to some other younger employees at his new company. They might have some suggestions.
There was another thread about a younger person who relocated to Hartford…a few years ago…I can’t seem to find it…and don’t remember where he ended up!
Well, I don’t know what DS’s rent budget is. Will definitely look up info about the places you all mentioned. Rent at a place for one year and figure out better options is a good way to go.
I really appreciate all the suggestions. DS is excited and looking forward to the new opportunity.