I’ve accepted a job in New York City, but I’m really not much of a city person, so decided to live in Connecticut and be a commuter.  My choice of location was mainly dictated by being far enough out that I could afford a reasonable house, and close enough in that I could manage a daily commute.  I considered a few places, but southwestern Connecticut seemed to suit me best.  I also looked for a few nice lifestyle features, like this grocery store that’s like visiting the circus, and is actually in the Guinness Book of World Records..  Nice pumpkins.

There were also running clubs, car clubs, hiking clubs, parks, beaches, and events like Oyster Fest and Chowda Fest that would help me get involved and meet new people.  Chowda!

 

I definitely took access to public transportation into account too, since I’ll be doing the commuting thing, and checked out a few local train stations.  There seems to be a pretty active scooter and small motorbike scene here.

I looked at a variety of houses, and especially liked this house built in 1840 with extensive grounds… but in the end decided that, although it had charm, it wasn’t right for me.

In the end, this is the house that suited me best.  It’s big enough, but not too big.  It has a double garage.  It’s close to a train station, but not too close.  It could use a little cosmetic work, but no major renovation.  It’s close to shopping and activities, but on a quiet side road.

Yes.  This will do.  I’ll make this my new home. 🙂