The Farmington Valley is located west of Hartford, Connecticut in the Hartford Metropolitan Area and is named after the Farmington River which runs through it. The Farmington Valley, often localy referred to as simply "the valley", typically refers to the three affluent towns of Farmington, Avon, and Simsbury. The Farmington Valley is approximately long by 3 to wide; the winding Farmington River at the valley floor has very fertile soil and is a haven for local farmers. Life in the Farmington Valley is fast-paced in comparison to the more muted suburbs around it; the valley can be described as being like many other wealthy bedroom communities in the state and in the region. It is not terribly unlike Fairfield County or Westchester County, New York. Although communities in the valley have the quintessential New England feel, a more cosmopolitan "New York" mentality is also very detectable in the area. The Farmington Valley is generally considered the most expensive and prestigious area to live in Greater Hartford.