Relocating from Chicago to Hartford

I would like to get any insights on moving from a bigger city like Chicago to the Hartford area - the best schools/district in the area, how cosmopolitan the area is, etc. I am also Indian and would like to know as much as possible about the Indian community in and around Hartford, whether there are particular suburbs that are more cosmopolitan than others, what cultural opportunities my kids would have (Indian events, temples, Indian movies, etc.) and what I should expect coming from a cosmopolitan town like Chicago.

I would also like to get information regarding real estate and which neighborhoods/suburbs have good schools and contemporary homes.

Relocating from Chicago to Hartford

I think you%26#39;ll be fine in any of the upscale suburbs around Hartford. I%26#39;m a big believer in living close to your job or at least nearby so that you don%26#39;t have to commute through Hartford. West Hartford is probably the most diverse suburb with great schools and a significant Asian population but its an older town with some but not a lot of contemporary homes. You might also consider Avon, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury. There is a Hindu Temple in Middletown. There are indian movies shown in Manchester and New Haven and of course DVDs everywhere. We%26#39;re only 2 hours from Boston or New York.

Relocating from Chicago to Hartford

I think you%26#39;ll be fine in any of the upscale suburbs around Hartford. I%26#39;m a big believer in living close to your job or at least nearby so that you don%26#39;t have to commute through Hartford. West Hartford is probably the most diverse suburb with great schools and a significant Asian population but its an older town with some but not a lot of contemporary homes. You might also consider Avon, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury. There is a Hindu Temple in Middletown. There are indian movies shown in Manchester and New Haven and of course DVDs everywhere. We%26#39;re only 2 hours from Boston or New York.

Chicago to Hartford will be a big adjustment - CT is just not nearly as cosmopolitan as other parts of New England. Its very, very suburban, although cultural activities are out there if you are willing to search for them. The other benefit is that both Boston and New York are easy day trips from the Hartford area.

I absolutely advise not moving to Hartford itself - school system is suffering and as a city it just doesnt have much to offer.

I agree fully with the suburbs the previous poster mentioned - Glastonbury, West Hartford, Avon, and Simsbury are more affluent towns and all have fantastic school systems. Glastonbury and West Hartford would probably offer more diversity.

Less afluent, but still very nice towns are Newington, Rocky Hill, South Windsor and Wethersfield. Again, all good school systems, but you will find a lower cost of homes here.

Best of luck with your move!

Depending upon the ages of your children, do not discount the magnet schools in Hartford. The state has poured money into them, they have new buildings, state-of-the-art equipment and the best teachers. My daughter went from a suburb to Hartford, and it was the best choice we could have made. There are many magnet schools with every sort of specialty you can imagine.

Generally, admission into the area magnet schools is by lottery. Admittedly, they are demonstrating various levels of academic success, although not all have met State of CT CMT standards.

Glastonbury (close to Middletown), South Windsor, West Hartford are nice towns to consider...all have good schools. S. Windsor is a thriving community, lots of contemporary homes that are more moderately priced than some of the other towns listed here.