I like mystic, but I can't imagine what it would be to live there.

Groton is fine. It's not nice, per se, but it's livable. Bit crusty. New London is also a bit crusty, but also has some really cute neighborhoods.

Given the choice, I'd probably look at westerly/pawcatuck. Fewer tourists, still as very cute town.

Look, if you're willing to slum it up a bit, I think Norwich is worth a look. Places should be cheap, it's easy access to the coast and the forest and even Hartford is only 30 minutes away. Norwich seems to be coming out of its slump a bit, and so it's a good time to try it out.