Endless search....

I'm finding myself on an endless search for the perfect rental house in Connecticut.. which is  bit scary since I have no idea what area is nice. I bought my townhouse in 2001, I was so excited! My very first home, I was 25. I was proud of myself when  wrote that first mortgage check and I still have that sense of accomplishment now. I had many problems with this home, leaks in the roof (still do) leak in the basement, air conditioning and heating issues, I bought it new construction but later found out our builder wasn't all that honest, he half assed the job. But I tackled all the issues, spent a small fortune on fixing the air conditioning and I am still waiting to get the roof fixed so I can repair the kitchen ceiling. But I do love it here, Since Danny moved in and we had our babies, I  really feel like home. I'm comfortable, Danny is wonderful here, he helps out a great deal and the sound of my children running up and down the hall brings a warmth and excitement to me. Gael comes running the minute he hears the garage door open, and when I open up that door, I hear "oh mommy!" and I melt. 

So here I am now searching... for that same feeling in a city I am foreign to. Sticker shock isn't the word when looking, it's more like, "Holy mother of God, Who the hell can afford to live here?" I'm going back to renting.. something I am totally against, since at my age, I should be owning a home but since I'm not exactly sure what the east coast will bring me, I'm not going to buy a house until I know I'm secure there. So I'm looking at spending between $2000-$3500/month on rent, and that's depending on the house and location. I've seen some homes, on the cheaper end but they're either too far or too old. I'm a bit picky and want something more updated.. most of the homes in Connecticut are older homes, beautiful but I'm a bit paranoid with lead being in the walls and mold.. etc.. And I'm looking for a backyard.. I figure if I'm going out there, then I want to be happy and make my family happy, I want the backyard where my children can play. So of course the homes I've seen and like are about 3 grand a month.

I've posted a few pics of homes I've been looking at. They're about 3 bedrooms. I'm hoping my family comes to visit a lot so I want to find a home that has some room to it. Another sad moment, I'll miss my niece and nephews so much but that's another post.... 

So I'll continue my endless search for the perfect place...and outrageous highway robbery rent.... in the meantime.. I'll fix my leak problems and rent out my dear to my heart townhouse...anyone interested??