I know you mentioned staying out of FFC. I’m originally from there too, and recently just moved back to CT from Northern Virginia. I settled in Ridgefield, and had the same concerns of FFC being too crowded as well. Ridgefield has one of the most picturesque main streets, excellent schools, and is “ off the beaten path” compared to my hometown of NC and its neighbors of Darien, Stamford, and the rest of the coast. I’m 20 minutes from shopping in Danbury, 20 from Norwalk, and can catch MetroNorth either in Katonah, NY or Norwalk as I occasionally have to go into the city for work.

FV has always had a strange feel to me, but couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I think part of it is being isolated from major hubs of NY or Boston, the coast, and the ghost town Hartford becomes after 5pm, but that might just be what you’re looking for. Both Madison and Guilford are beautiful towns as well with New Haven offering so much more than Hartford. Of course, just my two cents. Happy hunting.