sjk

Just found out I'm being transferred to Hartford in about a month from Cleveland, Ohio. I need some help. The moving part I'm not worried about... it's the answer to "Where do I live" question. I've never been to Hartford and although I will be going there in about 2 weeks to figure out housing, I need a clue. I will be working in downtown Hartford, not too far from the Adrien's landing development. I don't know what traffic is like heading that way so I don't know what to expect. I'm used to a 30-45 minute commute but I'd like to cut down on it if I can. So Fodorites... please help! Advice or anything like it would be really appreciated!!

khmac

Did you live in the city of Cleveland or in the burbs. Nobody really lives in the city of Hartford. We are all suburbanites. The average commute is between 20 mins to 40 mins. Traffic can get backed up during rush hour but you have to remember that Hartford is pretty small. But then again our mass transit system is almost non-existant.
If you want country-like settings with a big yard I would recommend towns like Tolland, Marlborough, South Windsor... Average 4 bedroom house goes for around $300,000+. Towns west of the river like Avon, West Hartford, Simsbury... are more upscale and your avg. 4 bedroom goes for around $450,000 to $650,000+ You get more for the money east of the river but more prestige west. Although the gap is definately narrowing. Good luck.

DawnCt

I live 30 minutes north of Hartford and work downtown overlooking the developing Adrienne's Landing. East of the Ct. River tends to be a bit more affordable than the west side. I don't know if you plan to rent or buy but the towns north of Hartford include Enfield, Suffield, E. Windsor, S. Windsor, Windsor Locks and Windsor. all are a fairly easy commute. There is probably more apartments east of the river, ie East Hartford, Manchester and Vernon. West Hartford, Simsbury and Avon tend to be a bit pricier.

sjk

Thanks for your reply. I live in the 'burbs. Westlake, to be exact, if you're familiar with the area. My commute is about 30 minutes w/ light traffic, and it's about 20 miles right now. I am definately going to rent. The suburb I'm in right now is prtty upscale, w/ housing being 300k+. I really lucked out finding the apt. i rent now. I pay 715$ for a 1000sf 2-bd apt w/ utilities included except electric. I'm looking to move to find something similar. What I like about the area here is the easy freeway access to my job, shopping w/in a 5-mile radius, and that it's a nice, safe place to live in.

How far of a drive would places like Manchester or Vernon be? Same for places north, like Windsor or Windsor locks. I live in the western suburbs of Cleveland and there's an abundance of reasonably priced apartments in this part of town. Is there somewhere similar in Hartford? I'm looking online at apartmentguide.com, etc but I'd like to know where to concentrate.

Thanks again for all the responses! You guys are a great help!

DawnCt

I would estimate 30 minutes from any of the towns you asked about. Also consider Middletown, there are a lot of apartments there but I am not familiar with the length of the commute however. Consider Enfield as well. I have a feeling that for a nice 2 bedroom you may be paying closer to $1000.

mrsbu

Boy when I was 5 we lived in Enfield for 2 years on Surrey Lane and our 3 bedroom 2 bath house on an acre of land and it cost 7500.00 for the whole house.
I thought Fairfield county was high, we were in the Bristol area , to buy our Jag and it seemed to look like a reasonable area. Actually our car still goes to Bristol every few months. They just pick it up here so we don;t have to.
SJK if you need a car I would suggest the Stephen auto people, they are just so nice.

khmac

There are plenty of apts in the Manchester/Vernon area. You may want ot check out the Buckland Hills Pavilions. They are fairly upscale apts right across the street from the mall. Lots of young professional couples. Vernon has the new Mansions at Hockanum apts. Right off of Rte. 83 and I guess they are very condo like.