Hi, this is in continuation to my previous message on driving thru CT winters. I was pretty sure I was going to live in the East Rock neighbourhood in New Haven and drive to work at Bridgeport everyday. Some comments to my last message have got me thinking, and may I request the help of Fodorites in and around regarding nice communities near Bridgeport CT? My priorities are safety, shopping malls and access to good entertainment[ie. theatres]. Since I don't have kids, schools are not an important issue at present. So, which areas of New Haven would fit the bill, and which areas should I avoid? Any other neighbouring communities? Is there any area of Bridgeport that would meet the safety first requirement? Thank you in advance.

In Bridgeport, off of Main Street near the Trumbull shopping mall might work

Try Fairfield

Black Rock section of Bridgeport is very nice and up and coming. Fairfield will be expensive, as will anything further west of Bridgeport.

Just bear in mind that there is a reason prices are so much lower in Bridgeport. Don't rent ANYTHING sight unseen, there are some very dicey neighborhoods in Bridgeport, I'm even afraid to drive through them.

Problem with Bridgeport: taxes and insurance on your vehicle can kill you, I think the mill rate is, like, 65ish and insurance is expensive because of all the theft. I would recommend Milford, not the Devon section, and north of Post Rd. The communities near the beaches get sketchy as soon as you're a block off the beach, perhaps Woodmont is a bit of an exception.

Anywhere Fairfield and westward will be nice put also pricey. Places like Trumbull, Shelton, Monroe might be a good compromise on location, safety, and cost.

Thanks for all the messages. Can anybody tell me about good neighbourhoods in New Haven?