I'm 28, grew up here, went to high school here, but have connections to NYC where I was born and have also lived in the suburbs. I find New Haven interesting, fun, yet a bit expensive. And when you find the places that aren't frequented by Yale underclass-folks, you'll notice a very artsy, progressive, and weird vibe that is really cool. When you come, check out Never Ending Books on State St.

Gateway is decent from what I hear. I'm not a college grad though so what do I know.

The library is a great resource and there are ALL types of people here. It's a Connecticut thing, we have literally everything.

Good luck