I’m considering a job in Hartford Conn. Anyone out there have suggestions for nearby towns where I could live and be able to have good places to train for tri’s. I’m hoping to be able to open up my door and head out for a run. I’ll be making a pretty good living so price isnt a big deal.
Did my residency in Hartford (St. Francis - you going there? HUGE hospital). Hartford Hosp pretty large as well. Most will live in West Hartford. Lots of rolling hills there, but traffic is a bit high. Not too far north or further west for some really nice riding (which I did none of as a resident of course ;( )
I grew up in East Hartford, not West. West is a little more trendy, hence the traffic issues…
East has very good riding, with little traffic difficulties (Portland, Glastonbury, that area if you go to mapmyride). The riding is very similar to the course in Ironman Wisconsin.
Great running, too. In the summer, there are a few good areas to do open water swims (Lake Terramuggus) but fewer indoor pools than a triathlete may want…
Good luck!
How about Bristol, I heard this was a nice place to live. Not sure how far a commute it would be
I think that a bit far if you have to get to downtown daily. Also have to get through New Britain I think (not so nice). At least you will be right by ESPN headquarters and all their giant satellite dishes there though! A surprising amount of traffic in Hartford for its size (pretty much all white collar). I still think West Hartford best (northern side) or up in Simsbury/West Simsbury since just north of that is open, rolling areas to Granby (probably more developed there now than when I was there 10 years ago). Much north or Granby gets too far, but is certainly great for cycling to the Mass line.
Hi there-
I live in Bloomfield which is about 5-8 min from Hartford and feels farther away with easy access to great riding. I need more info to give you ideas: are you renting or buying? do you have kids? what type of riding do you like to do? do you have a restrictive budget? West Hartford is very pricy! Fantastic riding in Glastonbury, Portland, E. Hampton area (east of Hartford) but again Glastonbury is pricy to live. Portland etc is 20 min or so from Hartford. Bloomfield is very reasonable to live in but school system is atrocious! Not a choice if kids involved. Granby and Simsbury have absolutely fantastic riding with great hills, pastoral scenery not a lot of traffic. Bristol is ok but far away from tri stuff and I just don’t know much about it but seems busy. CT Heat is the local tri group and they are based more in the Farmington, Simsbury etc area. I have lived in state all my life and am more than happy to talk more if you want.
Just read your post again. Saw that price is no problem. Then forget Bristol!!
I would look at rocky hill, I went to Uconn and lived there for a few years. Great place to train on bike and run. Not sure of any tri clubs though
I have to put in a vote for Simsbury, having grown up there. Less traffic, lots of trails, including McLean Refuge (it might technically be granby). We used to be able to run for 90-120 minutes without repeating any trails. If you’re looking for more of an active nightlife then you would want to be in west hartford (I use active loosely)
Northampton Mass, although about 40 minutes away is a bicycle mecca. Great roads, hills, the NCC - Northampton Cycling Club and a few great bike shops in the area make it a wonderful bike community.
Add masters swim programs, and amazing running routes and you’ve got a great location. With the housing market the way it is, it really is a buyers market.
Hope that helps…
I would highly recommend Glastonbury. I grew up there and ride there all the time. I live in Coventry now which may be a little too far of a drive (20 miles). There is a great bike shop called Pig Iron which is now Cycling Concepts located in Glastonbury. They have Triathlon training groups. The cycling in the Glastonbury are is fantastic. I ride all over northeastern Connecticut with a local cycling club - Thread City Cyclers. If I can help any further send me a message.
Glastonbury has got great roads for riding and running. From yesterday:
http://www.facebook.com/...08788859&l=fcc60
Sean