Hey everyone,
Im moving from the midwest (originally from philly), and was wondering about living in downtown. My friend who lived there 8 years ago was strongly against it but I found a couple of "newer looking" places in element 250 and millenium. Other than that any insight would be helpful. We are in our early 40s but lived in east coast cities all our adult lives, and the only kid we have is a small dog. Any insight helps!
Thanks for responding! Is the parking situation an issue for you assuming you park on the street?
I know the crime situation is relative but what’s your take?
We have a parking spot around back and a garage spot; a guy in our building reported a “break-in” in his admittedly unlocked car in the same lot, but we haven’t had issues with that. We’ve had a few packages stolen from out front, even with a camera, so I’m looking into renting a mailbox at the UPS store.
My partner and I just got an apartment at capewell, moving up from NJ - it is really nice so far. Element 250 isn’t too far away.
The area south and immediately west of us isn’t super great from driving thru, but the access to downtown and the river is quite nice (so far!). Eager to explore more of Hartford’s hidden gems.
Definitely check out 55 On The Park. It’s right next to Bushnell Park, relatively new and well maintained. Most tenants are friendly and seem to be young working professionals so I feel very safe. Love the high ceilings and I almost never heard any noise from upstairs/neighbors. The only downside is that the parking lot right next to the building is full right now so you’d be on a waitlist. They do have a garage for rent next block but it’s very old and run down.
There are 2 garages one directly across the street next to salute and one on the other side of spectra half a block away. Ample street parking too; which is free on weekends and outside of 9-5.
You mentioned The Millenium building. While that is technically downtown, it is a bit isolated in that you won't walk out your door and be mere steps from other things to do, neighbors, etc. It is a converted hotel and faces a highway entrance ramp and road that get VERY busy on nights when there are baseball games or concerts at the amphitheater. Do a Google Street view "drive" to see what I mean in terms of being isolated from the rest of downtown.
If you are looking for a modern building check out The Pennant (right behind The Millenium but on Main Street so not as isolated), Hartford 21, or anything by Spectra. There are also some older buildings that have been converted to nice apartments: Capewell, 55 On The Park, The Metropolitan.
I have lived in the South Downtown neighborhood (north of Element 250, south of the Traveler's Insurance Tower) for 18 years and it is a great neighborhood with a number of historic condos and apartment buildings, great neighbors of all ages and walks of life, lots of dogs, and a good vibe. We just had our neighborhood holiday happy hour on Tuesday at a local restaurant and it was a great turnout!
If you are expecting the vibrancy of NYC you will be disappointed. We may not have the density of other cities but there are a lot of activities/parks/restaurants within a 1-mile walkable radius of downtown. I have never felt unsafe here, walking around at all times of the day or night. Just like any other city, be aware of your surroundings and be smart, don’t leave stuff visible in the back of your car enticing people to break in, etc.
Just wanted to say hi from another Philly transplant in my early 40s! 👋🏻 Downtown is very different now than it was 8 years ago. There are a lot of nice places to live. I've worked downtown for the past 8 years and used to live on the West End (in the Clemens Place Apartments). Your main issue is that it's still a bit of a food desert when it comes to groceries, but as long as you have a car, you're fine. On that note, car break ins are still the main crime issue downtown. If you can find a place with a parking garage, you should be in pretty good shape - none of my coworkers or I have ever had a break in issue in our parking garage. Otherwise, just be careful to always lock your car and don't leave anything of value in it.
There is also grocery delivery. I see Instacart, Whole Foods/Amazon, and PeaPod (Stop & Shop) deliveries in my building almost daily.
OP, don’t go for 250 — it’s not well maintained and I’ve heard a lot of bad stories about it. Obviously, proceed at your own risk :) I would highly recommend any of Colt Gateways buildings.
Im easily influenced lol...ixnay on the element!
Where will you be working? It actually matters quite a bit. What are you interested in doing?
Near the airport is where I’ll be working. Not that we are night owls but we enjoy going out on Friday’s to drink at a bar and play golf on the weekends.
Is commuting that way
West Hartford is kind of the go-to for young professionals who want to live in an area with a lot of amenities.
We are considering west hartford for sure and dont need the "metropolitan" of downtown but casting a wide net.
Do you know of any apartments that you would recommend or put on the no-fly zone?
From time to time a unit in a 2 or 3 family house becomes available. Those are often really good choices.
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Definitely the problem with downtown is no grocery store, gas station, or other sort of basic stuff you'd get if you lived in a less urban area. The bright side would be no commute, easy access to theater, museums, and the park.
This comment screams ignorance. There are 2 gas stations downtown and 3 large grocery stores <5 min drive away. Those grocery stores are on a bus line too if you cant drive. Literally dozens of bodega's and markets downtown to supplement this.
I've worked in downtown Hartford for 30 years and if you're downtown, there's few options, and these businesses come and go, for shopping, etc. CVS is about it, the and the bodega that is opposite it on Main St. How is that being ignorant? I was thinking of what is accessible within walking distance.
> How is that being ignorant?
For the reasons i outlined in the rest of my comment. You are wholly incorrect and it is a sentiment often regurgitated by those who dont spend much time in the city or havent for some time. There are 2 CVS's, a walgreens, dozens of markets, delis and bodegas, and there are 2 gas stations all within walking distance. Stop and Shop, Walmart and Aldis <5 drive away and they are all on bus line. CTown and Whole Foods also ~5 mins away. Stop downtown sometime and walk around a bit, everything is at your fingertips.
How much are you looking to spend? Lots of great buildings downtown. Id check out 179 Allyn, Union Place, 55 on the Park, Teachers Corner, Spectra Pearl, Front Street Lofts, 777 Main, Capital Lofts. All offer great value and living.
Hartford 21, Colt Building, The Pennant, Spectra Park, Park and Main are all very nice but cost more.
/u/MrA860 laid out a pretty good geographic footprint that i would adhere too no matter where you go though.
There are so many hidden gems downtown.. you just need to be careful late night because you never know (as with any big city). You might do better in glastonbury (right over the bridge).. the area is generally on the upswing. Just the very very early part of the upswing. As far as crime, don't pass yardgoat stadium and you'll be fine. Things get dicey on the north end. Lot of drugs and streetwallers south of downtown as well. Good luck and welcome!
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> As far as crime, don't pass yardgoat stadium and you'll be fine
On North or South of the stadium? Roughly, what would you consider south of downtown? We were looking online at apartments on Main and Temple. Huge thanks!
Main x Temple is a great area. Lots of great food in the area.. anything past Yardgoats (north of yardgoats) is sketchy.. if you see North Main st and Albany Ave you've gone too far. Anything south of Main St. x Park St. Would be considered South.. Franklin Ave, Wethersfield Ave, Maple Ave.. those are south and east sides.. more activity over there. Main x Temple is good. You'll be ok just try to make sure you have parking in a garage or figure it in.. catalytic converters are a hot ticket on the streets. Good luck
You should be absolutely fine around Main and Temple. The North side of the stadium is where it gets rough. You'll see it pretty clearly when you come visit.
Hello,
My name is Sabrina and I'm a REALTOR serving all of Connecticut including Hartford. Hartford is the capital of Connecituct which draws in alot of activity and events. Downtown Hartford opens up to festivals in the summer months, like the jazz festival, marathons and right now during the winter there is the ice skating in Bushnell Park. There is the museum, Capital Community College and UCONN is also downtown Hartford. Several places to catch a show, or watch the fireworks on the CT River during the 4th of July all within walking distance. Now, with all that I can't sugar coat , like most major cities, there is crime and unsightly areas within and around Hartford. The other comments are definately valid, however, when walking at night you should be vigilant and obserrvant in any city including Hartford. Parking downtown is not always the best, unless the property you live provides a spot and chances there maybe a fee as well. In regards to the catalytic converters, those have been stolen all around the state whether in downtown Hartford or right from someone's driveway in West Hartford. Lastly, if you would ike more information about apartment living in downtown Hartford, I would be more than happy to assist. Reach out and we can discuss. Thanks
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slippygumband t1_j07p2v7 wrote
We moved here from Pittsburgh a few months ago, bought a condo in a historic district downtown, and mostly love it. I’m glad we have cars, and cats instead of kids. I definitely have to drive for groceries and basic necessities, but enjoy walking to parks and rivers and museums on my days off.