Happy to help! Perhaps it seems strange to see New Haven listed as my first choice, I’ll share why. First, the food scene is incredible, best pizza hands down. Second it has a burgeoning biotech industry anchored by Yale, which compliments already strong Ed/med opportunities. Third it’s coastal so you get the charm that comes with that, and close proximity to decent beaches. Fourth it is a major transit hub, with easy and direct access to NYC and Boston. Fifth, there is a lot of recent press (including several pieces by The NY Times last year) about New Haven’s resurgence, focused around innovation, arts, etc. And New Haven metro is currently quite a bit cheaper than Fairfield county.

Best of luck!