I have mid-term (>1yr, <5yrs) plans for moving back to the northeast. I've liked what I've seen about Connecticut so far. Are there any areas I should be looking at or avoiding? I was thinking about moving near Hartford.

Here's what's in my head as I'm thinking about moving up from Greenville, SC:

Wife has chronic conditions, so healthcare is a must
I work remote, and the company I work for isn't particular about where I live. So, traffic concerns are minimal.
I like hiking and nature trails, so nearby access would be a plus
High-speed internet is a must for both work and recreation/entertainment
Grocery delivery available (Walmart is fine)
Wholesale club(s) nearby (Costco preferred)

I was born in Pittsburgh, lived in Florida, spent some time in CO (Boulder) and have been in SC for a few yrs.

Seeking town / area recommendations , but any feedback is appreciated!

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DarkStarJimmy t1_izox5be wrote on December 10, 2022 at 7:14 PM

If hiking and trails are important there are more options west of Hartford. The town of West Hartford is a nice with lots to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants, etc but it’s pricey. It’s also a a bit busy. After that is Avon which is still pricey but a good option and getting more towards rural areas. After that Canton is more affordable and near nature and hiking but close enough to Avon’s shopping etc. Also look into Granby and East Granby. South and north of Hartford don’t have too much to offer recreation wise BUT are near I-91 which can easily get you to many places. East of Hartford takes a while before you get past East Hartford, Manchester, and Vernon which I don’t think you would be interested in. There is Glastonbury and Portland which are southeast of Hartford and have some recreation but not the same as west of Hartford. Honestly, as with many things, it depends on what your budget is and what you are willing to compromise for (and you will always have compromises regardless of your budget). High speed internet is widely available but still need to check specific neighborhoods. Shouldn’t be any problem with deliveries in any of the areas I mentioned.

EvidentlyEmpirical t1_izqwym8 wrote on December 11, 2022 at 4:31 AM

Funny you mentioned Avon and Granby but skipped over Simsbury in between them. :)

We've got Frontier fiber now!

kaw027 t1_izowg74 wrote on December 10, 2022 at 7:09 PM

You could probably close your eyes and throw a dart at any town in Hartford county (including Hartford itself) and be decently close to all those things. Really it would just depend on your budget more than anything else

Read_it_again_often t1_izpm27r wrote on December 10, 2022 at 10:05 PM

I really like the towns in the Farmington valley. Great schools, nature, community feel. If you like yoga West Hartford has free yoga in many parks.

SoxPatsWhalersCelts t1_izq9i9c wrote on December 11, 2022 at 1:10 AM

I would say lower Litchfield county. My guys install appliances all over the state everyday. Towns like Brookfield, Roxbury, and Woodbury are some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen (especially during the fall foliage! and I wouldn’t call myself old. Plus the trails, well let me stop there. There are great trails all over the state. I would stay out of the city of Hartford since there are plenty of places in shouting distance that are cheaper and offer more. One example would be West Hartford. What they have done over the last 15 years downtown is amazing. Another town would be Glastonbury. Same with their downtown district. Both are on the higher end of the tax bracket, especially if you add in South Glastonbury but it’s not the Gold Coast. If money is an object then Wethersfield, Newington, and Cromwell are also very very nice. Anything in Hartford county should have high speed internet.. My brother lives in Cromwell, my sister is In Colchester (another nice, quaint) town. Feel free to ask me anything. Good luck 🍀!!

rtnichol t1_izqapth wrote on December 11, 2022 at 1:20 AM

Honestly, you should probably start by finding a really good doctor or specialist for your wife that accepts your insurance, and then use that at a proximity. If it's an hour drive each way because you need to get to UConn medical center or Yale, you will be sad.

One good way to find more affluent neighborhoods is to look where Whole Foods sets up shop. West Hartford, Glastonbury, South Windsor.

There are Costco's in South Windsor, New Britain, and I think Enfield.

guitar1257 t1_izqmgw0 wrote on December 11, 2022 at 2:59 AM

Farmington or neighboring towns are going to be close to a Costco and the UCONN health center

sabrinatherealtor t1_j08o0w2 wrote on December 14, 2022 at 9:29 PM

Hartford Hospital is literally 5 minutes from the Downtown area. I wouldn't see you having problems with high speed internet, you would need to check the providers. I know of XFINITY, COX and I believe Frontier, but definately do your research. Also, Connecticut is know for their hiking and walking trails. You can litereally walk over into East Hartford using the trail by the CT Science Center. There are several Walmarts located within driving distance and can deliver. Also, there is a Costco, located right in Farmington. Not far from the West Farms Mall and it has a gas station. Hopes that helps.

HartfordResident t1_j0dm9h3 wrote on December 15, 2022 at 9:45 PM

CT is amazing. Why not live in Hartford proper though? That way you're in the center of everything, and you can walk places. Many of the towns farther out from Hartford are not walkable at all, although there are a few nice sections like West Hartford center, Wethersfield, Manchester etc. You might also want to check out areas along the shoreline (New Haven, Branford etc) since you also get easy access to the beach/ocean, not just forest trails.