Cohousing-L Mailing List: Retrofit in desirable area

[Tonka444 (Tonka444]

Hello--

My cohousing group has been meeting since July.  We have almost nailed down 
our vision statement and will soon be looking for a location.  One of the 
towns we are considering is West Hartford.

The problem with W.H. is that it is a very "hot" place to be right now.  The 
city is very well-planned out with a lively center which includes an outdoor 
mall, sidewalk cafes with live music, art studios, post office, library, etc. 
 Ringing the center are apartments, homes, office buildings, etc. The homes 
are close together with wide sidewalks.  It is also a town that is becoming 
more and more diverse.  My son's principal calls the elementary school a 
little "united nations."

I want to research (for my group) purchasing within walking distance of the 
"center."  The problem is that there is no land and a realtor told me that 
most of the apt. buildings, etc. sell privately and never make it to the open 
market.  He basically told me that it would be "impossible" to get anything.  
I walked away irritated.

If there can be a cohousing community in the center of Boulder, Colo. I doubt 
it is "impossible."

How do I research properties if they are not on the market?  


Shelly DeMeo
Greater Hartford Cohousing