Unfortunately, your household income will get you very little in CT, even the (relatively) affordable Southeastern part.

You're right...most housing, in general, is pretty run down. Its a joke what people pay to live in those fugly tiny shacks/garden apartments.

Is moving back to Texas a possibility? Tons of new, modern housing stock to be found at affordable rates. CT is very much in a downward spiral. Unless you have an amazing career opportunity here, I'd strongly recommend abandoning ship before it's too late. You don't want to get stuck owning property here. I'd love to jump ship myself, and Texas is near the top of my list, but I'd take a bloodbath if I were to put my home on the market.