[angie91]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 23 yr old, single female that just got a job offer to work in Norwich, CT. I have never lived in this area or on the east coast for that matter, so I am very lost as far as where I should live if I do decide to take the job. I would want a place that I could meet other young people (potentially a boyfriend), can go out and dance, shop, etc (a suburb or somewhere would also be fine maybe even ideal; 15-25 minutes away is fine from that). I was thinking Providence, RI but I don't know since I've never driven in snow, am not familiar with how hard it is to do that kind of commute in this area, etc. Does anybody have any advice?

Thank you!

[NewJeffCT]

Providence to Norwich is closer to an hour drive each way - without the snow. I'd look at Mystic/Stonington as a place to live that is close to Norwich.

[htfdcolt]

As great a place as Providence is for young people, the commute to Norwich is not the most pleasant (mostly because of how slow it is just to get to the CT border). I would agree with the Mystic/Stonington idea, or even consider Hartford which would be a much easier (reverse) commute on Rt 2. Probably 45 min unless it's construction season.

[FreedomHawk]

A nice little town is called Killingly. It's not too far from Norwich and has lots of available houses

[NewJeffCT]

New Haven has a lot going on for young people - you could live near New Haven in a nice suburban town like Branford just outside of New Haven, and then commute to Norwich - it's a straight ride up 95 to 395 to get to Norwich, probably 40-45 minutes.

If you want a bit closer, you could also try Clinton or Westbrook. Still pretty easy to get into New Haven, but 15 minutes or so closer to Norwich.

[Csiko]

Originally Posted by angie91

Hi everyone,

I'm a 23 yr old, single female that just got a job offer to work in Norwich, CT. I have never lived in this area or on the east coast for that matter, so I am very lost as far as where I should live if I do decide to take the job. I would want a place that I could meet other young people (potentially a boyfriend), can go out and dance, shop, etc (a suburb or somewhere would also be fine maybe even ideal; 15-25 minutes away is fine from that). I was thinking Providence, RI but I don't know since I've never driven in snow, am not familiar with how hard it is to do that kind of commute in this area, etc. Does anybody have any advice?

Thank you!

I would stay somewhere close to SE CT without crossing into RI. It tends to get the least snow in the state, and I'm with the other guys on the commute. Providence would be really rough. You could still get there fairly easy if the night life in Providence (or even Boston) appeals to you. Closer to Hartford is another alternative, but they do tend to get a few more inches of snow each year.

[JayCT]

I agree with the others that Providence would not be a good place to live for a job in Norwich. I generally recommend that you live as close to your job as possible and the others have made some good suggestions with Mystic/Stonington. I am not sure Killingly is what you want though. It is too small with little for a single person to do. Also remember that southeast Connecticut has two major casinos that offer a lot of nightlife. I would suggest you find a place convenient to your job, get to know the area and then move to a town that suits you more in a year or two. Good luck, Jay

[willow wind]

I agree with Jay on this. For your first year, rent in Norwich. There are plenty of rentals from small apartment complexes to two-three family homes to condos. In your free time on weekends explore the area.

The Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods Resort/Casino complexes, both of which are very near Norwich, have many opportunities for nightlife year round. The Mystic and New London areas also have some, but on a smaller scale.

Providence and New Haven are both too far to commute to work. Each would give you close to an hour's drive if all goes well on the roadways and the weather was decent. They are better left for weekend trips.

When that one year lease is up, then decide if you want to stay in Norwich or move to another area. Do learn to get comfortable and familiar in the area first.

[Stylo]

Westerly and Mystic/Stonington are good options. Just realize that they will be much more dead in the winter, but very lively in the warm months.

[runforfun]

Welcome to CT! As a 26 yr old guy who has lived here about 5 years, you probably want to keep your commute ~30 min or less. It will greatly improve your quality of life. You would probably be happy in a SE CT town... Mystic, Stonington, Waterford area. Norwich and New London are okay but not the best areas. The casinos are great for nightlife all year around. In the summer Mystic, Westerly, and Waterford all pick up as the tourists flock in. Your other option is Hartford area, but the NE part of CT is pretty barren (except for UCONN campus).