I would recommend Plainville or Bristol first. You can get cheaper apartments there too, in the $900 to $1000 price range (sometimes less), and live in a safer area, while also having access to the FastTrack bus. I will get you to Hartford for events, or for work, and to the bowling alley and movie theater in Plainville.

New Britain works too for cheaper apartments, but you have to know the neighborhood. Living near the college or a neighboring suburb is better.