Ohh, makes sense. Yeah, weirdly West Hartford feels a bit more family-ish than Milford. But still more diverse than other suburbs. West Hartford is a nice town though, depends how much you want access to shore/NYC as it’s a schlep to both.

Gotcha. Maybe look in Milford, it’s a more populated/dense town in general. North Haven isn’t known for a robust rental market.

It depends what you’re comparing to. Compared to New Haven, yes, a bit more family oriented. Compared to any other suburb in CT we’ve lived in, not at all.

We are a childless couple, in our late 30’s. We have other childless couples or singles in town we are friends with. Many I previously worked with who chose the town. The town is very popular for first time homebuyers, and is having a small apartment boom right now. It’s appealing to Millennial buyers because it’s relatively affordable for a southwestern coastal town (much cheaper than Fairfield), has good schools (unlike nearby Stratford and West Haven), has low taxes (unlike nearby Stratford and West Haven), low crime, good walkability (great downtown, and other walkable centers). There’s 3 breweries in town, independent coffee shops, good food. I was talking to a restaurant owner that had their location in Branford previously, and they mentioned how much more buzzing and young the town feels.

There’s also a lot of beaches, parks, a boardwalk, a nature sanctuary, tons of sporting facilities (tennis courts, pickle ball, etc). People are always out in the warm months jogging, biking, walking their dogs.

We are a 15 minute drive to New Haven. So we go 1-2 times a week to eat out, walk around, visit coffee shops, take in culture, see a show. Could also take the train just as easily, which, is super easy to access downtown.

Again, compared to most CT suburbs, this isn’t one of the dead ones full of homebodies.

New Haven is great. You should definitely consider buying in East Rock. But if you want a lower tax sibling on the coast that’s got some liveliness, it’s Milford. In fact, while I love Westville, it’s not super convenient to the rest of New Haven and I’d probably recommend Milford over that.

This site is a great summary: https://discovermilfordct.com

Also, I see you edited your original post to include West Haven. West Haven is great for those on a tight budget. The area of West Haven near Milford, West Shore, is a bargain. The rest of West Haven is fine, but a little rough around the edges. The city has serious financial issues, now the state is having to get involved. Again, it’s a good bargain. Taxes are high. Schools aren’t great, which affects resale. I’m not sure I’d ever recommend it over Milford, unless you were looking for cheap coastal housing in West Shore.

You said you’re buying. I would absolutely not buy in Hamden. The schools appear to be in decline, and the town is not run well. It has what you could call a runaway property tax issue. The mill rate is 55.48, which is insane. In comparison, Milford’s mill rate is 26.65.

Milford and Branford are also coastal, have train access (Milford’s better on the main line, of course), more well defined downtown areas.

Hamden is fine, it has good access to New Haven and some nice areas, but I’d never recommend someone buy there.

Maybe look in the suburbs too? Milford, Branford, North Haven.

Rental affordability is a national problem right now and CT has the lowest vacancy rate in the country.

Danbury is a snooze.

New Haven is nothing like Bridgeport. You’re clueless.

I’d recommend Milford and Branford over Hamden personally.

If one is worried about property tax, live in Milford or Branford.

I agree it exists as an option that’s between Stamford and New Haven in feel, but not sure what you mean by more amenities? Like big box and mall shopping? New Haven still has it beat on city attractions.

Milford/New Haven area for sure. Relatively affordable, lots to do, shoreline, excellent culture/dining in NHV (best in the state by far).

New Haven is so much better than Stamford as a city with personality, things to do, music, art, food. Stamford is kind of sterile and corporate in comparison. Stamford of course has the huge advantage of being near NYC, but now that I live in Milford near New Haven, I get my great city fix on a smaller, easier scale and don’t need to go into NYC that often.

You should have moved to Milford. Much better town.

NW looks equally dark.

Would never choose it over the areas he’s considering though, and I grew up there.

But still in that traffic nightmare vicinity.

Madison and Guilford are pretty damn perfect. Especially if you want quiet.

Bonus points for always being in reach of New Haven for food and culture fix.

Hope you enjoyed your massive fire.

Alton Brown brine recipe, and either in oven 325 or smoker overnight. However, even when done really really well, turkey is still a very underwhelming meat to me.

Shelton: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/593-Howe-Ave-Shelton-CT-06484/57350282_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

West Haven: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5-Greta-St-6DAD8A9EA-West-Haven-CT-06516/2066753463_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

New Haven: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/115-Long-Hill-Ter-New-Haven-CT-06515/2129297387_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/158-Fountain-St-1H2-New-Haven-CT-06515/2060759183_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

Naugatuck: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/20-Diamond-St-APT-2R-Naugatuck-CT-06770/2089720399_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

All safe areas.

Go to Jones on a weeknight, if you can

Never had. Current favorite is Dogtown.

If you won’t/can’t go to East Rock where there’s a lot of good options (Atticus Market, Zoi’s, Olmo, Nica’s, Crepes Choupette, etc), then I’d recommend G Cafe on Chapel or Orange, Atticus by the art museums, Donut Crazy (solid sandwiches, nothing fancy), Book Trader. Maybe Bnatural Kitchen but never tried their breakfast items.

Holy shit, you made me very happy to have gas heat in a modern house build. Almost 3000 square feet and my absolute max bill in winter is $200 a month.

I mean, there are tons of recos in this thread already.

Any locally owned burger stand is going to be better than Sonic.

But here’s some of my favorites: Dogtown (has a great In-N-Out approximation), Mr Mac’s Canteen, Merritt Canteen, Lake Zoar Drive In, Sycamore, Prime 16, Dive Bar, Louis Lunch, Fryborg, Oar & Oak, Oar & Oak Birdhouse, Rudy’s, Denmos, Tavern on State.

For chains, I think Shake Shack and Wayback are also superior.

Do you eat fish? Rockfish is some of the best sushi I’ve had anywhere in the country. You can get takeout but it’s worth sitting at the bar and having Jason take you on a magical sushi journey. Next door, East Rock Brewing for a beer.

Menya Gumi, Mecha have great veggie ramen options. Midpoint has excellent Turkish food. Munchies has amazing vegan subs. Tacos Los Gordos for Nopal tacos.

The Cannon is a vegan soccer bar with good food. Three Sheets is also a good dive bar with good vegetarian/vegan food. House of Naan, Lazeez, and Sherkaan have great Indian.

Atticus Market excellent takeout food.

Honestly the city has SO many options. One of the best small cities for food. I’m missing a ton. Help us narrow down more!