Looking for something relatively affordable since it’s for my dog’s birthday party 🤣 but always looking for local bakery suggestions to support for other occasions! I’m in Manchester

Might be a dumb question, but do I need a Costco membership to get a cake there?

Ooh okay that context helps! I work in Hartford and have lived in both Middletown and Manchester and have never really had any parking issues. Street parking in Hartford is free after 6 on weekdays and free on weekends. Weekends are almost always dead and I’ve always found free parking. If you don’t mind paying then I don’t foresee you ever really having an issue, as there are enough paid lots and garages around

I think it really depends where exactly you’re going and what day of the week and time of day, as well as if you’re trying to find free parking or paid parking

That price range definitely seems feasible! I'd probably look primarily in Manchester and Vernon. I was renting a 1 bedroom pet friendly unit with laundry for 1440 last year before buying my house, so I imagine you'd be able to find a two bedroom in your price range. No harm in looking in advance and giving them your move in date to be waitlisted

Edit: forgot to say that I was renting in Manchester

I personally would check out Manchester over Hartford!

I moved to Connecticut in 2019 after living in seven different states within five years for a job in Hartford. Needless to say, I liked it so much that I bought a house here last year and am planning to stay long term. In 2019 I got an apartment (sight unseen) in Middletown. I loved the area and there are tons of relatively affordable apartments there… that might be a good option if you don’t have living arrangements lined up yet!

I went back to my parents’ house during Covid but when I returned to CT I got an apartment in Manchester (I came back with a giant puppy, so needed an affordable pet-friendly apartment and it was cheaper and bigger than my last place). Manchester is probably not an ideal commute for you but I love it here and it’s where I bought my house. Both Middletown and Manchester have tons of great restaurants, as does West Hartford, but living there solo was out of my price range.

I second Parkville Market! I love it there. Also the shops on Pratt street are lovely.. I’m partial to Hartford Prints. I’m also a big ice cream lover and am on a quest to try the best shops around the state, so if you need ice cream recs hit me up!

Edit: Also thought I should mention…I was 26 when I moved to CT. I am a single female and didn’t know anyone in the state when I got here