Would I be crazy to relocate to New London/Groton (from GA)?

[bunkerbuster1]

I guess the header says it all. There's a professional opportunity awaiting me that might make sense financially, but I don't really know that part of CT at all.

Mind you, I had lived in the NYC metro area for many years, and wouldn't mind being back in a blue state. So what's it like out there, in what appears to be the least densely populated part of CT? Anyone care to fill me in?

[LynzM]

1. I'd say it depends a lot on how much you want to spend on housing

There's lots of cheap housing around there, in Groton/NL, but not great places or neighborhoods. Lots of quieter areas with nice houses, too, if you're willing to spend a little more and probably drive a little more. Decent eating and activities around to do, especially if you like the beach and music festivals.

Tell us more about what you're into/like/don't like?

[bunkerbuster1]

2. I know housing's going to be a little tough.

I've got a property here in GA that might--might--go for around $225-240. I've already done some web surfing and found it will be tough to find anything other than a fixer-upper in a desireable area for that kinda money, although I'm not expecting luxury in any case, just a safe, decent neighborhood for myself, wife, and six-year-old daughter.

Ours is an interracial family, and I don't know how that vibe is in that part of the world. We'd been in northern NJ before, in a racially integrated neighborhood, and things were OK there. But frankly, they've been fine in GA as well. Maybe it's not that big a deal for people any more, although ideally I'd like my daughter to attend school in a racially diverse community.

as for what I'm "into," golly. Nice people, something other than chainstores and chain restaurants, sidewalks, places to bike (I literally can't bike anywhere, where I live now in GA). Does that help?

Culturally, it'd be nice to have places to go to hear new bands... well, in theory anyway (there are places to do that in Atlanta but I'm always too lazy to be bothered...). Indie movie theaters, museums, stuff I guess most people at DU would want, I want too.

Were Unitarian Universalists, I already checked out the New London congregation, seems they're a pretty solid bunch (and have been there since the mid-19th century!)

That help? Thanks in advace for any light you can shed.

[calico1]

3. I live in the area myself and it is in the

least populated area of CT. As far as housing goes I agree your best bet is *IN* Groton or New London, but as far as nice neighborhoods go I would definitely recommend Groton though you will probably find a cheaper house in New London. New London is kind of run down though they have done stuff in recent years to revive it. There are more nicer, quieter neighborhoods in Groton which is more suburban, while New London is more urban or city like and has less suburban areas. But you do have the mall on that side of the bridge as well as more movie theaters, more shopping places and also restaurants. And of course the hospital. Both have libraries which are both very good. The two cities are divided by the Goldstar bridge so it takes just a few minutes to go from one to another. Very close. Activity wise there is a decent amount of things to do and we are a small state so you can always go to Hartford or New Haven for more things to do.

I also wanted to mention that as far as how the tax money is used Groton seems to do a better job. I used to live in Waterford years ago (which is right next to NL) and worked in NL. In the winter NL did a shitty job of clearing snow and you could tell the moment you got into Waterford because of the huge difference. Groton also does a good job. It was years ago when I lived in Waterford so maybe NL is doing a better job.

[femmedem]

8. HI Calico. Sometime I have to show you my New London.

I've lived in Groton City, Mystic and New London, and I'm happiest in New London. We were here two weeks when we realized it felt completely like home. So easy to meet people.

If you're ever free mid-day on a Tuesday or Friday between now and the end of Oct., come on down to New London's municipal parking lot for the Farmers' Market, where I sell my handmade soap. It will be good to meet you.

And to the OP, in case you're still reading the thread: sorry I didn't find this until after you'd made up your mind. It's great here, and I bought my house last Nov. for 126,000. And it's not a fixer-upper, either. :-)

Edit to add: I have to agree with you about the snow removal, though. We definately don't have Waterford's budget. But then again, we don't have Millstone.

[calico1]

9. I hope you didn't think I was

trashing New London! I think it has some of the most beautiful historic landmarks. I worked on Eugene O'Neill Drive for a few years when I worked for New England Savings Bank...the building across from the main bank building. Then we moved to Shaw's Cove where I worked until the bank went belly up. A coworker and mine would go to different restaurants for lunch. We liked the Cobblestone a lot. (Don't know if it is still there). From what I hear from people that live or have lived in New London they pay plenty of taxes. So I just think it's too bad that more doesn't seem to be done with that money.

I will definitely try and meet up with you! I will pm you to let you know! It would be great meeting you. :)

[femmedem]

10. No, I didn't think you were trashing New London at all.

Unless you live in New London, hang out in its coffee shops, get to know the artists, small business owners and social activists it's easy to see a grungy little city. But the people...oh the people.

Looking forward to meeting you, too.:hi:

Now I have to get off the computer and make soap!

[NewJeffCT]

4. you're very close to the casinos (more info inside)

Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun. Also, the sub base is down there.

You're pretty close to some nice beaches in Misquamicut - just over the border in RI. Newport is not far away at all, and neither is Cape Cod. NYC is a straight shot down I-95.

Outside of Groton, New London & Norwich, it is pretty rural down there. A lot of Chinese relocated to the area after 9/11 and now work in the casinos, or in related supporting businesses.

Once you get out of New London, Norwich & Groton, you're likely going to run into the rural conservative types if you head North,(or NE or NW) A bit to the West, the wealthy Republican types that tend to be more socially liberal than a southern Republican. I should also add that there are plenty of blue collar Dems in the area as well.

If you go back a few pages, somebody on this board relocated to the same area from (I think) Virginia. Look him up and see if he's still on DU.

Found the guy - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=143x1647
he started the above thread

[bunkerbuster1]

5. Thanks for the info. I decided to pass on the relocation, though.

It wasn't going to work out financially to do the move. Kind of a shame--it sounded like a nice part of the world to be in (and I do miss the Northeast an awful lot--it sucks not having any snow!)

Guess I'll just have to keep trying to turn my red state blue.

Good luck taking out Joementum, guys.

[groton]

6. May I Ask where u were going to work?

as someone who lives in Groton
I am going Guess Pfizer

[VTMechEngr]

7. I'm still here.

I'm living in Groton, and love the area. Who can complain about driving to work and never getting stuck in Gridlock :thumbsup: