Yankee TRACON (Y90)

📍 About Y90 & Windsor Locks, CT

Yankee TRACON (Y90) is located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The area is known for its mix of suburban comfort, small-town charm, and easy access to both Hartford and Springfield. Connecticut offers a high quality of life, scenic beauty, and great proximity to both Boston and New York. The region is ideal for singles, couples, and families alike.

🏡 Where to Live

Connecticut – Singles & Couples

• West Hartford – Trendy, walkable, lots of bars, restaurants, and parks.
• Windsor Locks – Close to the facility, affordable apartments and condos.
• Manchester – Urban/suburban mix, diverse food options, good value.
• Hartford – City lifestyle with riverfront development and historic charm.

Connecticut – Families

• Glastonbury – A+ schools, historic New England vibe, high-end housing.
• Suffield – Quiet town with good schools, close to the airport.
• Avon – Upscale suburb, excellent schools, mountain views.
• Ellington – Safe and rural-suburban with quality public schools.
• South Windsor – Great schools, shopping, and parks.

🚗 Commute Times to Y90 (Bradley Intl. Airport)

• 5–15 min: Windsor Locks, Suffield, East Granby, Enfield
• 15–30 min: West Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, Bloomfield
• 30–45 min: Glastonbury, Avon, Ellington, Springfield (MA), Chicopee (MA)

🎓 Top School Districts

• Glastonbury Public Schools – Consistently top-ranked in the state.
• Avon School District – Highly rated with modern facilities.
• South Windsor Public Schools – Great academics and extracurriculars.
• Suffield Public Schools – Small town district with strong community support.

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Talcott Mountain State Park: Hike to Heublein Tower for panoramic views.
• Wickham Park: Gardens, disc golf, scenic walks in Manchester.
• CT River Cruises: Scenic riverboat tours from Hartford and Essex.
• Day Trips: Skiing in Vermont, beaches in Rhode Island, or hiking in the Berkshires.

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Mark Twain House: Historic site in Hartford with literary tours.
• Basketball Hall of Fame: Located just 30 min away in Springfield, MA.
• Connecticut Science Center: Hands-on museum for families and kids.
• XL Center: Concerts, UConn sports, and major events.
• Breweries & Dining: New Park Brewing, Thomas Hooker Brewery, Bear's Smokehouse BBQ.

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Bradley International Airport (BDL): Primary commercial airport and location of Y90 TRACON.
• Hartford–Brainard Airport (HFD): General aviation and flight training hub.
• Westover Metropolitan Airport (CEF): ~30 min away, general aviation with limited commercial service.
• Logan International (BOS): ~1.5–2 hrs to Boston – major international flights.

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• State of Connecticut Official Site
• CT DMV – License & Registration
• Visit CT – Travel & Events
• CT Transit – Public Transportation
• Best Places to Live – CT

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• Lowest Crime: Avon, Glastonbury, Ellington, and South Windsor are among the safest towns.
• Moderate Crime: Manchester, East Hartford, and Springfield have more variation by neighborhood.
• Check Local Reports: Each town posts crime stats on police department websites.

🔗 Town Websites

• Windsor Locks, CT
• Glastonbury, CT
• Avon, CT
• Ellington, CT
• South Windsor, CT
• Manchester, CT
• West Hartford, CT
• Enfield, CT
• Springfield, MA

🏥 Healthcare & Essentials

• Hartford Hospital: Major teaching hospital with trauma center and specialties.
• Baystate Medical (Springfield, MA): Large full-service regional hospital nearby.
• Urgent Care: Hartford HealthCare and PhysicianOne locations in most nearby towns.
• Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, and local options in every town.
• Grocery Chains: Big Y, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Costco.

🌤️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Cold and snowy. Prepare for icy commutes and snow removal (Dec–Feb).
• Spring: Mild and rainy, great for hiking and blooming landscapes (Mar–May).
• Summer: Warm to hot, occasional thunderstorms and high humidity (Jun–Aug).
• Fall: Cool, crisp, and stunning foliage — best season in New England (Sep–Nov).

💵 Cost of Living

Connecticut is a mid-range cost-of-living state. While property taxes are higher, housing near Bradley is more affordable than coastal or urban parts of the state. Living just outside the Hartford metro in places like Enfield or Windsor Locks offers a good balance of value and proximity to work.

❓ FAQs

• Do I need a car? Yes. Most areas have minimal public transit.
• Is this a good location for families? Absolutely. Many top-ranked school districts and low-crime suburban areas.
• Where do most controllers live? Enfield, South Windsor, Manchester, and Glastonbury are popular choices.
• How far is Y90 from Hartford and Springfield? Roughly 15–25 minutes in either direction.

📦 Moving Tips & ATC-Specific Advice

• Connect with current controllers to find roommate opportunities.
• Move between April–October to avoid winter-related moving issues.
• Compare state tax rates if deciding between CT and MA housing.
• Bring snow gear — the region gets 30–50 inches of snow each winter.

📫 Contacts & Resources

• NATCA National – Union representation and relocation assistance.
• State of CT Portal – Resident and registration services.
• FAA Jobs Site – Job listings and internal transfers.
• TwentyOne52 Relocation Resources – More TRACON & ARTCC guides.