Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with connecticut

Where should I live in SW Connecticut that has a good cheap rent vs. good elem. school balance?

taumeson — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:47:28 -0800

I'm moving with my family to Connecticut in a few weeks. Definitely western CT, probably SW CT. Need advice on rent and elementary schools, specifically: "Where should I live that has a good balance of cheap rent vs. good schools"? I'm not going to be making SW Connecticut income, so I need a cheapish place to live with good schools. Aren't we all? I've investigated it a bit and there seem to be plenty of places to live as long as I avoid Norwalk and Bridgeport. Accurate assumptions? I'll be working near Stamford and Norwalk, with occasional stints near Hartford (once or twice monthly). I'd like to see a shorter commute than I currently have (50 mins each way) so I would like to live near where I'll be working.

Lunch in Hartford?

haveanicesummer — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:46:16 -0800

Best places to grab lunch within walking distance of Constitution Plaza in Hartford, CT? My company has me in downtown Hartford for at least a month and I'd love suggestions for good lunch spots. I'm interested in all varieties/nationalities of food, with an eye towards a bargain (but I might splurge if someplace pricey was considered worth it.)

Travel in the NewEngland states. A little help please?

filmgeek — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:38:37 -0800

Travel plans through the Northeast (New England States) Looking for the fun/quirky ideas. Myself and my g/f - we know we want to travel in the New England area for about week (from Aug 7th-12th). We're cheap and we like to keep it that way (but don't want to camp in tents.)

We're thinking about going to the Arlington craft sale in VT on sat the 8th and the Mystic Outdoor festival on the 9th...

And beyond that, we don't know. We're mobile, adults (late 30s), I've traveled more than she has; but this is a first (a random cartrip vacation together.) She's never been to a BnB (so kitchy little cheaper ones are good...)

Not so interested in food festivals, but a brewery visit is fine...music festivals aren't our cup of tea either. Also a no-go anything involving the caging of animals (circuses and zoos make the baby jesus cry.)

Maybe a meetup (or crashing at a mefi's place) would be fun too.

C'mon - Give us your best. Feel free to toss in quirky or touristy 'don't miss' things

Credit against what taxes?

smackfu — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:31:36 -0800

Help me understand tax credit incentives for filming movies in a particular city/state. How would the production company get enough taxable state income to make a credit worth it?

Apartment hunting around Derby, CT

nemutdero — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:53:30 -0800

My S.O. is moving to Derby, CT next month for a year-long job. Where should he live? He will be taking a job at Griffin Hospital in Derby and is looking for a place in Derby or in one of the towns nearby. He has a car and would like a commute of less than 15 minutes (New Haven is a stretch but possible if there are compelling reasons to live there). Which town(s) do you recommend? We've heard about Shelton, Naugatuck and maybe Derby itself being better options, but beyond that, we're at a loss.

Priorities are: a short easy commute, convenience (big grocery stores open 24 hours), safety. A cheery, active vibe would be great, but cafes/nightlife/etc are secondary. He's aiming for a 1-bedroom or studio less than $800.

The area is completely unfamiliar to both of us, except for the couple times I've visited New Haven, and Craigslist has been a bit concern-inducing (some of the apartments and neighborhoods in certain towns look consistently rundown and depressing). So, please advise. Much thanks!

How Do I Sell My Wife on Moving to Connecticut?

Oso Mocoso — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:25:28 -0800

I got a sweet job in a town near New Haven, Connecticut. I'd been looking for work for about six months prior in California and I got nothing promising at all. So, when I got an offer in New England, I took it. The problem is this - my wife does not want to move to the east coast. I'm the bread-winner, so she'll go but I'm trying really hard to sell her on Connecticut as a cool place to live. Can anyone think of things to try to help me talk up Connecticut? Stuff I've already thought of: proximity to New York City and to Boston (where my wife has a few friends), good seafood, and presence of distinct seasonal weather (maybe also kind of a negative).

Wife's Interests: a good Asian grocery store would be something she'd love to hear about, anime/manga stores, a Sanrio outlet, and that sort of thing. She loves art museums. She's a big fan of Food Network. I know all of these things exist in New York City not far away, but that's an hour and a half away on a train, not where we'll be living.

Connecticut MeFi people, what do you think is awesome about this state?

Help Me Make Old New England New.

MasonDixon — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:38:40 -0800

Obscure New England? I've seen the best, what about the rest? What quirky, "second tier," and out of the way places have I missed? My SO and I have been all over New England, we've seen the big stuff, especially the major stuff along the coasts. So . . .

What quirky, unique, oddball, hidden gems or secretly awesome places have we not been to?

What seldom visited state parks, by-way diners, unusual attractions, great picnic spots, attractions from an earlier age and things only-the-locals-would-know can you suggest?

Why is there a street called "Yogananda Street" in staid Sandy Hook, CT?

jimmyjimjim — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:58:50 -0800

Why is there a street called "Yogananda Street" in staid Sandy Hook, CT, when there's no apparent local connection to yoga, generally, or to the famous yogi/author Paramahansa Yogananda, specifically? This should not be a tough mystery to solve. But I'm finding it iron-like and utterly un-googleable. It's not that I care so much, it's just that I'm not used to questions that can't be answered via the Internets.

BTW, just to plug the president's "USA Service" initiative, I discovered the street when searching for local civic activities to participate in, and found the following:

37 Yogananda Street (Sandy Hook, CT)
Women Involved in Newtown makes Easter baskets for children who would not otherwise recive them. We work together with Newtown Social Services, Interfaith Aids and...

Help me get to Killington tonight, tonight!

Opposite George — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:05:28 -0800

How should I drive to Killington, VT from Ridgefield CT tonight? Given the holiday and rush hour, what route will take the least time? Heading up to Killington, Vt. for a weekend trip (yeah, I know it's MLK weekend.) Leaving Ridgefield, Ct. at 4pm.

Google Maps says take Rte. 7 all the way up through Rutland, which is fewer miles, and the route I'd take if I wanted a leisurely drive. I don't, as I need to meet some people tonight.

Despite Google Maps' advice I almost always make better time taking 84 to I-91 all the way up to Chester (using posted speed limits as a suggestion.) BUT, leaving when I am means possibly getting stuck in rush hour and holiday traffic in Danbury, Waterbury, Hartford and maybe even Springfield?

I'm stuck. Please help me decide! Does anybody have any experience with either route on a holiday weekend around this time?

how do i sell my car registered in CT to an New York resident?

nanhey — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:07:53 -0800

Selling my car (registered in Connecticut) to a New York state resident, who is not a US citizen. please help me with my forms checklist! I am selling my car that is registered in CT to a New York state resident who is not a US citizen. I am going with him to the DMV tomorrow to sort this all out. what else (if anything) do i need besides a

bill of sale
title
statement of transaction (sales tax form)

Thanks!

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world...

potatopeople — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:46:46 -0800

Looking for classy bar or lounge reccomendations in Connecticut, but willing to visit Southern Mass area as well. Went to the Tunnel Bar in Northhampton, MA some time ago and truly enjoyed the cozy, quiet setting with the lovely ambiance, big leather armchairs, and tasty drinks. Can I get one of those around here? Where can I go in CT to have a few drinks and hold a conversation with friends where I could actually hear them talk? Not looking for a loud noisy drunken bar scene. Somewhere classy, maybe TunnelBar-like or Milk&Honey-esque?

Cheers!

Yalers or Whalers?

bluejayk — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:07:14 -0800

Should I live in Hartford or New Haven, Connecticut? I'm moving to Connecticut tomorrow, though I'm not sure which city yet. I'm doing a 80-day contract for my company and they're gonna put me up in a 1-bedroom apartment of some sort. I don't have too much control over where I'm at within either city, but I can choose which one I'd prefer to be in. Either way, I'll be spending commuting at least twice a week between the two.

My company is going to pay for a fairly nice place, centrally located, so I'm not worried about quality of accomodations. However, I've never been to either city, don't know anyone in either location and don't really know anything about either place (except Yale is in New Haven, and I'll be working very near the campus). I'll have a car.

Important criteria to me: I like access to biking paths, hiking, nice coffee shops with wifi where I can do most of my work, good non-chain restaurants, historical stuff, easy access to trains to Boston and NY. I hate sprawl and traffic.

So.. is there any big difference? Is the Yale campus and student atmosphere a cool place for a 31 year old non-student? Is Hartford uhm... I have no idea what to say about Hartford. Is this six on one, half a dozen on the other?

When does the traffic get bad in CT?

smackfu — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:51:57 -0800

When in the morning does the traffic get bad along the CT shoreline on 95 and the Merritt (towards NYC)? The specific reason I ask is that I have to get from Bridgeport to Laguardia in time for an 8:30 AM flight on Monday, and I'm wondering if I'll still hit traffic if I'm on and off the road by 7 AM.

Train options from Connecticut/neighboring areas to Montreal?

rmrudy — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:11:26 -0800

The S.O. wants to go away for a weekend to Montreal. I'm pretty much sold on the idea except for one glaring issue - how are we getting there? Point of origin would preferably be in Connecticut. Her car isn't reliable enough to drive from where she lives {Middletown, CT} and we're fairly budget-conscious, as people in their early twenties sometimes are. I did a little bit of poking around online and I'm thoroughly flustered and confused by Amtrak and Greyhound. Before I call both of them, I thought I'd ask you ever-helpful folks. Some specifics:

1. She'd like to depart from Connecticut but I can't find anything.

2. There was also the idea to drive somewhere {she suggested Vermont} closer and take the train from there. I've looked into Vermont and though she insists there's a way, I can't seem to find anything that suggests a direct train to Montreal exists. Is there any neighboring area to Connecticut that has effective service to Montreal?

3. We're not trying to spend a whole lot of money...or entire days on the train.

Is this even plausible? I'm getting dejected. Does anyone have personal experiences? Suggestions? Promising things they've seen scrawled in public bathroom stalls? Also, I've already trawled askMeFi, but if there's one thing looking for these train schedules has taught me, it's that I'm not so great at finding stuff. Sorry in advance if there is a related thread that is relevant and recent.

And just in case this does work out, any of you MF-ers have personal favorite activities/pretty places/good eats in Montreal? I definitely found a couple threads on that stuff, but I wouldn't mind reading extra/new opinions.

Thank you thank you thank you hive mind.

Should I buy a loft in Bridgeport, CT?

rocketpup — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 05:07:56 -0800

Should I buy a loft in a restored industrial building or the Columbia Records Tower in Bridgeport, CT? I'm an NYC commuter currently renting on Long Island. I am looking to buy something later this year but am probably going to try to get out of New York to find some lower prices and taxes. I've discovered a few loft developments in Bridgeport, CT that seem to be right up my alley. One (Federal Arms) is on Charles St. another is in the Columbia Records Tower and the last one is called Lofts on Lafayette, on Lafayette obviously, and close to the train station which would be ideal for my commute. Can anyone with some local knowledge give me some insight into the neighborhoods, what direction they're heading, the broad demographic groups I can expect from my neighbors, etc.? If anyone has any knowledge of the real estate market in Bridgeport, and can give me an idea of whether those lofts are expected to increase in value (mortgage crisis not withstanding), or to tank, whether I have any room to bargain on the asking price, etc. that would be amazingly helpful.

Thanks, Connecticutians!

Transportation and domestic help options for an elderly couple in Stamford, CT

sotalia — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:04:28 -0800

Transportation and domestic help options for an elderly couple in Stamford, CT? My mom's aunt and uncle (Olga and Andy) live in Stamford, CT. About two weeks ago, Andy had bypass surgery at the Bridgeport Hospital (about 25 miles away). On Monday he has to return there for a follow-up visit. However, the forecast is predicting snow, and Olga is not at all comfortable with driving in it. Other than taking an expensive cab ride over there, do they have any other (cheaper) transportation alternatives? I Googled and asked the Bridgeport Hospital for suggestions, but neither helped.

Also, Olga is having a hard time taking care of Andy post-surgery. According to my mom, she is pretty much constantly exhausted. I think it would be a good idea to hire someone to help out around the house, even if it's just a couple of hours a day for a couple of weeks. Can you recommend people or agencies in the area that might be willing to do this without charging an arm and a leg? Thanks in advance...

Daytime things to do in Norwalk, CT?

rinosaur — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:15:35 -0800

I have an evening meeting in Norwalk, CT on Monday (late) afternoon. I'll have the better part of Monday to burn, and am looking for something/s to kill a few hours with. I love museums, zoos, aquariums, etc, or even just a good park/beach/other spot to read a book/take photos/people watch. I know it's close, but I'd prefer not to go in to NYC for the day, and am looking for Norwalk (and close surroundings) specific suggestions.

(I'm 23 and female if it matters)

Thanks in advance!

Commuting to NYC from Hartford. Confused as Heck.

benjh — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:03:05 -0800

I'm moving from Ohio to Connecticut this year, and need help with figuring out my commute. I currently live in the Greater Cincinnati area in Ohio, and have lived here all my life. Recently my partner was offered a job at a major university in Connecticut, and my job is mobile, so here we go.

We will probably be living near the University, probably in the Hartford area. I will be splitting my time three ways; mostly working from home, commuting to Boston once a week, and to NYC once or twice per month.

The Boston trip, I pretty much have that figured out, since our office is outside of the downtown area; NYC I am having a little more difficulty with.

I am finding that trains from Hartford to Penn Station aren't running on schedules that I would need, and New Haven isn't much better. So my thinking was to drive close to the city, and get on the transit system once I get there.

Is it reasonable to "park and ride" in NYC? Will this be a major headache? What is the best solution? Any thoughts on getting me from Hartford to NYC would be helpful. I need to end up at Penn Station no matter what, so that might help narrow it down.

I've been to NYC on business a few times, and I'm pretty comfortable with the subway and trains, so I'm not afraid to jump on mass transit, just need to figure out where to get on so I can get where I am going, and how much it's going to cost me to park my car in a place I will be safe to get it back in the evening.

Help me find a great neurologist.

sneakin — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:33:15 -0800

Can you please recommend a great neurologist in the New Haven County (Connecticut) area? I need to see a neurologist for a follow-up after an MRI. I really want someone who is whip smart and will pay close attention to me. Having a nice/friendly/warm bedside manner is important, too, but not imperative since I know neurologists aren't known for their cuddliness. Yale affiliation is a plus.

It's my noggin, so, it's pretty important.

What can be done now for Julie Amero?

lorimer — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:57:04 -0800

Julie Amero. Are there ANY concrete actions a non-expert stranger could take to decrease the chance she'll do jail time? Julie Amero is the substitute teacher in Connecticut who's currently facing up to 40 years in jail, for having been present in the same room as a malware-infested computer when it displayed popup porn ads in view of students. She's gotten international support from amazed techies (including a full-page ad in her local paper, taken out by 28 concerned computer science professors, saying she did not originate and could not have controlled the popups).

Her sentencing has now been postponed twice (maybe a good sign?) and is currently scheduled for June 6th. Her husband has a small blog with a list of local officials' contact info but it's not clear which of these officials would be important or relevant to contact at this point. Beyond that, is there anything else I or others could do? (Legal, sane and non-assholish please... this is a serious situation, please let's talk about real possibilities if there are any left.) There was a mefi thread about this in January but it has no discussion of actions that could be taken.

I find this a truly frightening case -- sure makes me want to never again be in the same classroom as a child and a computer.

What do I need to know before moving out East?

gazole — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:01:47 -0800

Potentially relocating to suburban NYC from flyover country. I have a job prospect in Westchester County, NY. I've lived in the Midwest my whole life, both in rural settings and urban, but this time my wife & I are considering the biggest move yet. Your thoughts on a couple of questions:

1. Early 30s, married with one small child, single income a bit shy of $100k. Where might a family like mine typically live to have a manageable commute (by car, most likely) to the area (job is located near Rye, FWIW), and affordable living to boot? I realize it's an extremely broad question, but I'll settle for very general answers. Your creative ideas are welcome too, though. (1a. Are there any good books or resources on the communities outside NYC for folks in our situation, to supplement the millions of books on the City itself?)

2. Having visited NYC and the Northeast just a few times as a tourist, I only have the slightest idea of what it might be like to live there. Looking past the obvious things - it's expensive, the traffic is bad, East Coast people are generally different from Wisconsin people - what would be the major adjustments for someone coming from, say, Milwaukee? I'm thinking in terms of day-to-day life, human interaction, personal economics... and bonus points if you can speak from experience. Thanks...

How do I make the most of three months in Hartford?

moooshy — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:03:13 -0800

I've been informed by my employer that I will be moving to Hartford, CT for 3 months -- starting in March. I am looking for suggestions for quirky regional things to explore on weekends, or things to do at night. I will have nights and weekends free, and I don't know anyone in Hartford. I'm 22. I don't drink, so hanging out at bars isn't really an interest. But I liked used bookstores, quirky people, wacky sight seeing stuff, and the usual hiking expeditions.

So what must I absolutely see in drives that are 1-2 hours away, or in the city? I will have a car and really look forward to getting to know the region.

Thank you in advance.

Help us find a wedding photograph in central Connecticut.

Xalf — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:23:21 -0800

Looking for a Connecticut wedding photographer and general advice on picking a photographer. We want someone to photograph our wedding in central Connecticut in July: someone who is easy to work with and will deliver a quality product at a reasonable price. Negative reviews are helpful too (my e-mail is in my profile if you'd rather not trash someone publicly).

More generally, how should we go about picking a photographer? What are important signals given by good or bad wedding photographers both in person and on their websites?

Best place to grab Metro North in CT?

clango — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 14:00:57 -0800

Popping down to NYC to visit the missus, probably taking the Metro North line into Grand Central from somewhere in Connecticut. I usually park and ride from New Haven, but would love to find a slightly smaller and more humane station further down the line. Suggestions?

Where can I rent a big cabin on the CT side of the Long Island Sound?

paul_smatatoes — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 20:50:47 -0800

Where can I rent a house (for a weekend) that sleeps between 15 and 20 (relatively) near Groton, CT? I know there's plenty that comes up depending on what I search for, but I'm looking for a personal recommendation- some place someone you know has stayed, or a place you've heard is really pretty and well-appointed. The idea here is getting a couple of people together to fish, eat the fish, and fish some more. A lot of us wouldn't mind sleeping on the floors, but the less we have to, the better. So...any ideas? It doesn't have to be super-close to Groton, just close to the shore, and it'd be absolutely perfect if it was the kind of place where you could have a nice campfire. I'm not that familiar with the CT side of the sound, but I'm imagining something like an Adirondak Great Lodge, only slightly more New England-y.

Tips, advice, etc., welcome. Cost isn't not an object, but I'd rather see what's available at a particular price before I rule anything out.