If you want a more suburban feel, parts of hamden, Cheshire, Wallingford (decent electric rates), and Branford maybe options.

If you are a Yale grad student and want to be near others you might try science hill or east rock. The former seems to have more families. You will probably want a car here. But I’ve seen people do food deliveries from stop and shop and even Walmart. Though east rock does have some small markets. And definitely has more walkable restaurants. Science hill maybe closer to campus for you. Though the shuttles are decent.

I lived in new haven for over a decade on the edge between science hill and east rock. I was lucky and I loved it. My wife and I moved a half hour out of the city when she was pregnant three years ago. (It’s also a halfway point between our jobs).

Most of all the towns I listed are within 5-10 mins of either 95, the Merritt (state rt 15), 91, or 84.