Hmmmm.........well from someone who has lived in both areas, I would suggest closer to the Hartford area than Waterbury. The commute into Hartford in the morning is terrible on 84E. 84 West is better. Same on the return trip.
You want to avoid the area near Southington/Wolcott where the road construction is slated to continue for the next few years.
Southington (You can always go the back roads to get to Waterbury) or Cheshire would be excellent choices to start.
Please contact me when you are coming to town and I can take you on a tour.
Thanks,
Amanda

Mon Apr 28 2008, 10:11

Hi George,
As you have read there are many choices of towns which would make your commute to both Hartford and Waterbuy not so long. As a real estate agent and someone who made that commute for many years I would narrow it down to the I 84 corridor between both cities and then determine how far off the Highway is reasonalbe based on the maximum lenghth of commute time you would prefer. It is possible for us to create a list of homes available in that area and email them to you. This would really help you to determine which community has what you are looking for in emenities. Your dream home can be found within that community that suits your needs.

Fri Feb 29 2008, 03:20

Here are several communities I recommend you look into, that work with your price range and services you're looking for:

West Hartford - located between Hartford and Waterbury, closer to Hartford. Theater in the center, lots of amenities and town services, good schools and many neighborhoods that are walkable. There are currently about 30 properties activley for sale that are under 500k and around 2500 sf. Several grocery stores such as Whole Foods as well as some smaller markets.

Farmington-Further west than West Hartford but not immediately off of Rt 84. Not as many walkable neighborhoods or amenities but good schools. Also have about 30 properties actively for sale under 500k and around 2500 sf.

Southington-Movie theatre and lots of amenities in town including many chain restaurants and grocery stores. Good schools. Easy access to highway, RT 84. There are currently about 60 actively for sale properties meeting your basic criteria.

Berlin-Movie theatre, many town amenities, easy access to Rt 9, Rt 5/15, Rt 91 (can connect to 691 which brings you into Waterbury). Good schools, but not as many houses currently on the market - about 20. Easy access to Berlin Tpk which has hundreds of stores like Target, Walmart, Lowes but there is also a historic area as well as the Kensington area which is less big box commercial.

Mon Feb 25 2008, 05:08

I picked Berlin, when I was looking for a central location to Hartford and points east.
I'm a frequent traveler to Waterbury also, but not a lover of being on the highway. From Berlin to Waterbury, there is RT691 to RT84, as well as several back roads thru Meriden/Cheshire or Southington/Wolcott.

To Hartford, the choices are many. Rt 9 to Rt91 or RT84. There are so many back roads to take when the traffic is bummer to bummer on the highways or just want to take in a sunny spring day.

Yes, that's how I came to settle in Berlin. Its rural yet close to major shopping, theaters and, home to a train station. Prices are decent too with 1/2 acre lots being very common. Square footage of homes average 2200-2800.

In advance Thank you and welcome to our area.

Esther Farr, GRI
Direct Line 860-830-9601
esther@adfarrrealty.com

Mon Feb 25 2008, 04:07

Welcome to CT. You could try Southington as one of your choices. Nice area and close to Rte 84. There are others along 84 that would be good for your commutes also.

Good luck with your decision to move here to the Hartford area.

Duane Mason, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
Avon, CT
860-761-3731
duane@duanemason.com

Sun Feb 24 2008, 17:07

As stated, there are many very nice towns that would fit your needs and price. I am an agent in Hartford county and serve all towns in that vicinity. Please contact me for more information on your relocation and to visit my site for searching of homes, etc.

Sun Feb 24 2008, 14:34

Hi George,
There are many great towns to choose from between Hartford and Waterbury, some very rural and some quite urban. I have colleagues upstate who would be able to guide you to the right community. Feel free to contact me if you would like to be introduced to a top Prudential agent in that area.
Best regards,
Mary MacKenzie REALTOR e-PRO ABR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203-319-2348 Direct/VM
203-258-3836 Mobile
MMacKenzie@prudentialct.com

Sun Feb 24 2008, 14:28

There are several wonderful communities in the area. Call me so I can get a little more information as to what you are looking for and I'll have you in your new home in no time. Gary McIntosh at (203) 979-2132 or gmcintosh@kw.com. Talk with you soon.

Sun Feb 24 2008, 13:23