considering a move to CT or NY--Need help pls!
 

Hello. We,(my husband, two kids, 5 & 7, and I) now live in NJ in a very crowded, yet vibrant town, (Montclair). We are looking to move to a place with more open space and natural resources, and where we can upgrade our home. We want to stay within two hours of central jersey where we have family. We are looking for a wholesome place but with culture nearby and an open minded, friendly community. My husband works from home so commuting is not an issue. Good schools are a priority--either public or private. Two areas we have been researching are Guilford /Madison Ct and New Paltz NY. Anyone familiar with these areas? Since we know noone in either of these places, we are really hoping to hear the inside scoop of what it is really like living there. Thanks in advance.

I actually went to college in New Paltz, NY. And I have family in Madison, CT. These are just my personal impressions of the areas. I would suggest you look into schools, and census statistics, etc to learn more. Or take a few long weekends at each place, to get your own sense of things and develop your own opinions.
New Paltz is in a beautiful setting, and is an extremely unique and vibrant town. The town is on the VERY liberal side, and there is a lot of support for the arts, local crafts, music, etc. There is also a thriving "outdoorsy" attitude, with some of the best rock-climbing in the country, plenty of hikers, bikers and general nature lovers. Think "hippy". The college has a large presence there with a lot of students flooding the downtown areas. It is a very nice town, but very "free" if you know what I mean. It would probably be a very nice place to raise a family, but I get the impression teenagers would probably find plenty of trouble to get into.

Guilford/Madison area is also a lovely area, near the long island sound beach. There is much more a sense of "new england" here than in new paltz, and seems to be a strong sense of community. It is much more conservative, (though not republican). But, there is less going on - it seems to me. More sleepy and wholesome than New Paltz, but also has a less "artsy" community.
Both would be lovely places to live, but have their pros and cons. If you are asking me, I would rather live in Guilford/Madison. But I grew up and live in small town New England - and love it (so im biased).

Thanks "Steviegene" for that nice posting on New Paltz and Guilford...
Just spent the day in New Paltz and I had the exact impression...the hippy dippy factor is huge! I've been there before, but today, (must be the return of the college kids) the town seemed like a throw-back to my college days of Grateful Dead concerts! I love a town with a vibrant college presence, but couln't stop wondering about how it would be to raise a family there--how much there is for young kids to do. I need to keep exploring that. There are some schools that look interesting in that area that I plan on visiting this fall. Anyone reading this who have opinions on raising kids in the New Paltz area, I'd love to hear from you.

As far as Gulford/Madison goes, I really have little experience in that area but for two visits within the last two years that were brief. I need a trip there too. I have studied real estate listing, but again, have a hard time gettting a true feel for the "soul" of the town without knowing anyone living there to openly ask.

Thanks again for your insights. They were truly helpful.

Paupeg,
Glad you saw what I was talking about re: New Paltz. Its rather psychedelic! But I don't want you to think I am discounting it. I liked going to college there - and being an art major I felt a tremendous amount of support for the arts and creative expression. It is definetly a town with some spirit - and a true appreciation for creativity, nature and the outdoors!
Also, Don't know if this will help...but just a little more info about Madison.
My Aunt and Uncle bought a house in Madison a few years after they got married, (in the 1960s!). My 2 cousins (one boy, one girl) were raised in Madison, CT. They BOTH want nothing more to buy a house in Madison and raise a family there!