Looking to Move to Hartford

Submitted by Crispy_Fritos t3_xwgsj2 in Hartford

Hello everyone! My name is Chrissy and I am considering a move to Hartford. I'm currently living in Memphis and I am sure that recent national news events in the city and just the South in general...you might have a good idea why I want to flee from here.

I am currently a news video editor for a TV station here and the parent company has a station in Hartford that I want to eventually work for. I have already reached out to the news director there so I am basically waiting on an opening and when my current lease expires in January 2023.

So some questions on my mind that I want to ask are what are some good apartments around Downtown (so I can be close to work) or West Hartford as well as any LGBTQ groups or organizations I can get connected with. I have already been researching around finding out different things about the city, but I would different like other opinions about the community.

Thank you all so much in advance and hopefully by the beginning of the new year, I can be relocated to CT and out of the South for good!

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rose-buds t1_ir6zn60 wrote

i loved living in the west end of hartford! some cool bars and restaurants, and smack in between downtown hartford and west hartford. i second other comments that downtown hartford isn't ideal as there's not much happening there (which is unfortunate). definitely suggest checking out the west end.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir8jlof wrote

I have been a lot of great things about the west end and West Hartford so I will definitely look over there for housing! Thank you!

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MattinglyDineen t1_ir6kyk8 wrote

You must be working at Fox 61 as that is the only station left that is actually in Hartford.

That being said, what are you looking for? If you want an area with some life move to West Hartford. If you want an area that is quiet on weekends then live downtown.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir6o8oh wrote

That is the station I would want to work. I am not hired yet but hopefully something will line up soon!

I had lived in Downtown Nashville for a time and I found it too noisy for me but managed to cope. Though I would prefer downtown Hartford, I am also open to West Hartford as there seems to be plenty to do, especially in the evenings and appears to be cheaper based on what I have seen.

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MattinglyDineen t1_ir6onvr wrote

Nashville and Hartford downtowns are polar opposites. In downtown Hartford the only life is during the day from business people and even that is way down since COVID. On weekends it is basically a ghost town. You can't even find a place to get a quick bite to eat.

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kaw027 t1_ir7it4f wrote

Man where are you looking in west Hartford because from what I’ve seen it’s not cheap at all lol

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jarman1992 t1_ir6z5lm wrote

You definitely would not prefer downtown Hartford to West Hartford. Or anywhere else, really.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir6ogg0 wrote

So basically a quiet area, work adjacent but also not a food desert so I can get access to goods. Also cheaper but willing to find a studio as I am single.

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MattinglyDineen t1_ir6p4g0 wrote

Hartford is considered a food desert. You have to drive to any grocery store other than smaller bodega-like ones.

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the_slavic_crocheter t1_ir75hjn wrote

This is very true I think New Britain has really great food options though especially if you like pierogis and sausage !

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir7i5iu wrote

I am hoping to find some linguica there (I have Portuguese blood in me) but if I can't find any there, thankfully Fall River isn't too far away.

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the_slavic_crocheter t1_ir7lims wrote

Ohh I had to look that up haha but New England is interestingly diverse and I only know that because I’m in the linguistics industry myself and I worked for a small local language company up in Connecticut. Lots of Balkan, Eastern European, Puerto Rican, and Cuban folk up there. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it in one of the many euro markets up there.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir7hy4t wrote

I am not seeing grocery stores in downtown, but there are some not too far away like Key Food Supermarkets and Stop and Shop. Sadly I wished the city had more options.

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kaw027 t1_ir7izdi wrote

You might also want to check out the west end neighborhood as a middle ground between downtown and West Hartford proper

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the_slavic_crocheter t1_ir6pe8x wrote

I lived right by the capital there’s a string of apartment complexes down there. As other people said, it’s a pretty quiet area for the most part, a lot of businesses are leaving because it’s impossible to afford rent in that city. But that being said I really enjoyed my building, I was on Union Pl so the train station was across from me if you get used to the train noises that’s about the only noise you’ll hear because the landlady has driven any business out of that street basically. There’s one small smoothie shop run by a Florida lady (so you won’t be getting too far from the south 😅) but she’s very friendly and maintenance is very efficient and I never had issues with things, just wasn’t a fan of the landlady she was kind of racist but very LGBTQ friendly. One thing to note in downtown though as any other city, be really careful with your belongings, there’s a car robbery on that street at least once a week, I paid an ungodly amount of money to LAZ for a covered garage for this reason, didn’t want to risk getting my stuff stolen. But I guess if you’re willing to spend an extra penny on safe living I’d definitely recommend it in Hartford. There are also many great towns around Hartford which I felt were pretty safe and more affordable such as Manchester or south Windsor, anything west of Hartford will be expensive, you’re looking at minimum $1500 for a studio. I’d avoid east hartford altogether and Wethersfield is also a nice town nearby. Newington goes hand in hand with Wethersfield, some parts get expensive. Glastonbury is a very safe town also but very expensive. Connecticut is like a checkerboard, one town is outrageously expensive while the next town over is a complete shithole lol. But I think it’s a great place to live if you can afford it, everything is nearby, literally you’ll probably only ever drive 15 minutes to get to anywhere you need to get to. The nearby states are between 2-3 hours away at most, some even less and you’ve got great hiking everywhere great weather (unless you’re a swimmer then prepare to say goodbye to that lol the water is never swimmable)

Connecticut is a great choice ! Expensive but it’s great I hope you find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_iralky0 wrote

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in Hartford! Yeah, I would have better luck swimming in the Mississippi River than anywhere in Long Island Sound (and the river here is downright disgusting and muddy 😅). I would probably look for places with pools if that is a thing. I am actually excited about the idea of actually taking a short trip to NYC or Boston after I relocate.

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the_slavic_crocheter t1_iravnkl wrote

Boston and nyc are a train ride away I definitely miss that luxury they’re both gorgeous cities ! I don’t recommend taking your car to either city lol. And yes indoor pool places are good to swim in Connecticut anything outdoor warms up for like a week in July and then it’s just cold all year…including the beaches and everything. Just catch the hottest week in July and you’re good to go for a dip in the ocean for a week lol.

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Eyeseeno t1_ir6hzf4 wrote

If I could swing it I'd love to move to these new apartments in downtown.

You'll be within walking distance of Yard Goats baseball, City Steam, Arch St Tavern, XL Center, Xfinity Theatre, Infinity Music Hall and the apartments and amenities look fantastic

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Cutlasss t1_ir80ba6 wrote

What's your budget? Some of the most overlooked great rentals are in multi family houses in West Hartford, rather than apartments.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir8lj44 wrote

Kinda of looking between $1000-$1300 but once I can have a job lined up and know more about wages, then I have a better idea of what I am play with. But basing on my current wages, that's the ball park I have set for myself for right now.

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MikeTheActuary t1_ir8c4zx wrote

If you already have contact with the folks at Fox61, at least one of their morning personalities is living within walking distance of the studio, FWIW.

As a former Memphian, I feel obliged to warn you that the BBQ and fried chicken options up here are extremely disappointing. For pizza, the reverse is true, to the same degree. :)

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir8kkhp wrote

Yeah, I was talking with the News Director over Zoom yesterday. They have no openings for an editor now but I am letting them that I am interested in the station and making connections. I have a seen a number of apartments that are within walking distance (or scooting distance as I will bring up my Honda Metropolitan) of Fox 61.

Oh believe me, I know in my hearts of hearts that BBQ is sorely lacking up north and not to expect sweet tea. That said, I am sure pizza is probably way better in Hartford than any other place in Memphis. And I can always come back to the 901 if I want that sweet 901 pork.....or just make the BBQ myself haha!

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Content-Bathroom-434 t1_ir8ex6f wrote

Downtown is VERY quiet at night… because there’s not a lot going on. That said, I don’t mind downtown. I’ve got the spots I like to go and some businesses are starting to expand their hours to be better on the weekend. PMC property group is a decent property manager from what we’ve dealt with, except they’re sometimes slow to fix things.

I’m not a good point of reference for LGBTQ groups or organizations, but Tisane in the west end is a popular spot for the LGBTQ community (my bf lived around the corner from there, excellent location). Connecticut in general is a very inclusive and liberal area.

Aside from that, make sure you stay away from Intertown Realty (they have properties throughout Hartford and West Hartford). They’re awful.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir8l0tt wrote

Thank you for the heads up, especially about Intertown Realty. My most recent and last apartment complexes are horror stories and that's what I really want to avoid when I come up there. I also don't want a place that sublets apartments as AirBnBs because I went thru hell in Nashville because of that! 😅

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adultdaycare81 t1_ir71u5h wrote

West Hartford is a great place to live when you first move here and want to meet people. Hartford has some nice neighborhoods, but they aren’t near downtown. If you are working at WFSB/Channel 3 there are plenty of nice apartments in rocky hill too.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir8lue0 wrote

I haven't apply there yet but I have looked at Fox 61 (as they are owned by the same company as my current station, thus getting a job easier). Though I will definitely look into West Hartford and Rocky Hill.

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Mackie5Million t1_ir8b7pq wrote

I have a 2BR downtown that I'd looking to sublet. DM me!

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DrabMoonflower t1_ir8lwcs wrote

I live in West Hartford but have lived in the West End and have worked downtown for 10 years including in the FOX61 building. While I’m always inclined to vote West Hartford, there are some really cool organizations and groups in Hartford that may be attractive to newcomers who want to meet people with similar interests. West Hartford has a great feel but it’s a little more cliquey/townie/family oriented and it might be harder to meet people— especially in the winter.

However, they are so close to each other and it will be relatively easy to go between both. I live in West Hartford because of the convenience of groceries, shopping, takeout, etc. and then go downtown for games, restaurants, events. I wish it were the other way around but I can’t be driving out of the city every time I need groceries.

Best of luck and feel free to DM me with any questions :)

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it_just_me_hi t1_ir8t3sn wrote

Hi, I just moved up to CT from FL recently and I'll give you some advice that I learned from my time so far. I will say that staying west of Hartford will probably be your best bet and no matter where you end up in or around Hartford you won't be more than 15 mins away from whatever you need (from my personal experience here) and the rental prices fluctuate pretty frequently so I'd check them out regularly once you're ready to choose one.

Research the parking for your complex or any new places you want to check out, street parking is A LOT more common up here than in the south. (parallel parking is my arch nemesis)

Always check the reviews for any complexes you like via Google (or any other apartment rating site you like) because there are some gorgeous ones that are infested with pests/mold...

Central A/C is not as common as it is down south so double check any listings you like for it or be ready to buy a window unit. I got a window unit from Walmart for a pretty good price and it works wonders!

I would also suggest a dash cam for your car! My fiance and I have a game where we tally up how many people we see run red lights while we are out... The results might shock you! In general a lot of the drivers we have encountered here are not very good at all.

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The_Best_At_Reddit t1_ir8yh89 wrote

Hartford has some nice apartments and there are restaurants open during the week and weekend, although Monday and Tuesday are quieter. There are lots of concerts, minor league sport events, comedy shows, etc. Most people moving in would prefer trying right downtown, or west end of Hartford. West Hartford is generally an upper middle class suburb with a lively town center. It’s a 10 minute drive from west Hartford center to downtown Hartford. For Hartford there is 777, Hartford 21, metropolitan building, spectra building, and the newest is the pennant at north crossing, which is right near the still new minor league baseball stadium and has cool amenities. Community in Hartford is business commuters on weekdays , then people coming for events on weekends. On quiet days homeless and pan handlers can stand out. For what it’s worth the mayor lives right downtown and senator Murphy is just outside downtown Hartford.

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cz75Dcompact t1_ir9x3tg wrote

Make you sure budget for the fact cost of living is significantly more expensive everywhere in CT than anywhere in TN (with Nashville possibly being on par). Income taxes alone in CT will significantly impact your take home pay - TN see one of the few east cost states that don’t have income tax.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ira1sbk wrote

If cost of living is comparable to Nashville, then I will be okay. It would be move expensive than Memphis but I had lived in Nashville recently and lived pretty well there. I would also need to take income tax into account but also pay does scale up.

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cryptocratic7 t1_ir6cv8i wrote

Depends where in hartford. The closest to west hartford, the better. There are areas in hartford that you will want to avoid.

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Crispy_Fritos OP t1_ir8lat4 wrote

Noted! I have pepper spray but don't have enough to go around so I definitely don't want to end up on the wrong side of town haha!

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Even_Dragonfruit3387 t1_isii1lp wrote

How far are these areas from UConn hospital? I’m moving from Milwaukee next month and want a cool urban area that isn’t far from my work at the hospital.

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chrisgam t1_ir7dzns wrote

There was just an attempting car jacking and shoot out that left couple people dead a couple days ago. This happened right infornt of parkville market. So there's always those things to look forward to while leaving the market. Seriously dont come to hartord

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