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Katherine Stewart moving

Moving to Willimantic for work -advice?

First post here. I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $180,600 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Willimantic sits at 124.6 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes

8 Replies

Jayden M.
hmm interesting perspective
38 upvotes
Vivian Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Uptown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
33 upvotes
Jackson Peterson
great question, following
32 upvotes
Alexis C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Katherine Rodriguez
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Jeremiah Hughes
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Aurora K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a pharmacist, 30, moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes
Connor H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
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