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beaveristired t1_ixwbdvl wrote

As one half of a childless, middle-aged couple, I heartily recommend New Haven. Lots of live music, arts, theater, dining, bars that don’t just cater to younger folks. Easy access to nature. On the commuter rail to NYC. Excellent community vibe. Recommended neighborhoods: Westville, Wooster Square, East Rock, Downtown, Beaver Hills between Goffee and Crescent, Morris Cove. Taxes are high but homes are often less expensive than suburbs. Nice old historic homes, most are well-maintained in the neighborhoods listed above. I’ve been a homeowner here for 10 years, free to dm me if you have any questions.

Also recommend Hamden (Spring Glen, Whitneyville, avoid Highwood).

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CatsNSquirrels OP t1_ixwn393 wrote

This is super helpful. Thank you!! I may DM when I’ve got more time. :)

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curbthemeplays t1_ixxr8ke wrote

I’d recommend Milford and Branford over Hamden personally.

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CatsNSquirrels OP t1_ixza9va wrote

Oh? What do you feel is lesser about Hamden?

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curbthemeplays t1_ixzh7qb wrote

You said you’re buying. I would absolutely not buy in Hamden. The schools appear to be in decline, and the town is not run well. It has what you could call a runaway property tax issue. The mill rate is 55.48, which is insane. In comparison, Milford’s mill rate is 26.65.

Milford and Branford are also coastal, have train access (Milford’s better on the main line, of course), more well defined downtown areas.

Hamden is fine, it has good access to New Haven and some nice areas, but I’d never recommend someone buy there.

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beaveristired t1_iy9hut6 wrote

Agree Branford and Milford are “nicer” and Hamden taxes are insane (worse than New Haven) - but OP doesn’t have kids. My impression is that there are fewer childless middle aged couples in especially Branford as well as Milford, but could be wrong. They’re also further out from downtown New Haven, 95 can be a barrier sometimes. And school quality doesn’t matter as much (although a well-run town is a bigger deal and agree that Hamden is struggling right now in that area) But yeah, Branford and Milford are also good choices. Personally, if I wanted to buy in the suburbs, I’d rent in New Haven first, get some friends, then buy in the surrounding areas.

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