[Paul_Heery]

If you were going to Meriden for work just by yourself, I would probably recommend that you stay in the town itself. To commute in/out of town can be a nightmare as you have Hartford to the north & New Haven to the south and there is considerable commuter traffic. But, since you mentioned family please be aware that three cities in Connecticut were ranked among the most dangerous mid-sized cities in the country to live by the FBI this year. The FBI list had the most crime-ridden places in the United States. New Haven was ranked second, Hartford was fourth and Bridgeport, sixth, according to the bureau's statistics. Meriden sits within the area bordered by these three cities and it has the ninth highest crime rate in the state. It is something to consider.

Now, there are some very nice parks in Meriden, but not much else. If you are looking for anything culturally redeeming, you will be heading out of town.

If commuting time is not an issue, personally I would be looking to stay somewhere north of route 84, probably near West Hartford. There is so much more to do in that area and a much better selection of restaurants. And, you would be much closer to some of the great roads that stomachmonkey mentioned. The area around the reservoir near Granby has some of my favorite roads and spots to stop and enjoy the views.

Let me know if you need any help narrowing in on a place to stay. Feel free to PM me your number and I'll give you a call.