[nowita]

There are many towns in CT that are relatively short commutes to Stamford and more diverse (relatively speaking) than New Canaan that you should consider:

1. Fairfield -- large town, good schools, nice downtown. Perhaps you can find something in the University area, where there is more diversity (socioeconomic, etc.).

2. Westport -- similar in many ways to NC and Darien, but more laid back and liberal

3. Greenwich -- although pockets are as snooty as anywhere in America, the town is much more diverse than many suspect. Riverside and Old Greenwich, in particular, are great for families. Others know more about Greenwich than I do.

4. Norwalk -- not the same caliber of schools, but pockets of strength; more socioeconomically diverse

5. New Haven -- home of Yale University; this would be a lengthy commute, up to 45 min, but may be the best bet in terms of ethnic and socioeconomic diversity

lastly, you may want to consider Larchmont/Mamaroneck (in NY state) -- higher taxes; schools aren't as strong, but still good, but lots of European expats in Larchmont, lots of activities, shopping, etc.

I don't know enough about the Danbury area, but that may be another consideration.

[Konig1985]

Why not wilton? you get more land for your money, great schools and most neighbours are not the type who will put their grandmother on the stock market to trade.

[FLASHcard]

We recently moved from New Canaan to Fairfield, and my husband works in Stamford. Although I think you will find people in New Canaan to be very welcoming and not nearly as pretentious as you might think, it is an odd place to live. I was concerned our children would grow up with a skewed view of the world if we raised them there. It always feels so ridiculous to complain about such a nice place to live, but in the end it was a little too nice for us. (IMHO, it was like living in a J Crew ad, but with nannies in the background.)

My husband takes the train to work from Fairfield, as i-95 is beyond congested. By train, the commute to Stamford from Fairfield is not much longer from than New Canaan.

As far as schools go, NC’s schools are amazing. They are also pressure cookers. Your children might thrive in that environment and need the stimulation, or they might burn out. We found it difficult to find a happy medium in Fairfield County.

Good luck in your search!

[rmad]

Originally Posted by FLASHcard

We recently moved from New Canaan to Fairfield, and my husband works in Stamford. Although I think you will find people in New Canaan to be very welcoming and not nearly as pretentious as you might think, it is an odd place to live. I was concerned our children would grow up with a skewed view of the world if we raised them there. It always feels so ridiculous to complain about such a nice place to live, but in the end it was a little too nice for us. (IMHO, it was like living in a J Crew ad, but with nannies in the background.)

My husband takes the train to work from Fairfield, as i-95 is beyond congested. By train, the commute to Stamford from Fairfield is not much longer from than New Canaan.

As far as schools go, NC’s schools are amazing. They are also pressure cookers. Your children might thrive in that environment and need the stimulation, or they might burn out. We found it difficult to find a happy medium in Fairfield County.

Good luck in your search!

Thanks Everyone
@ Flashcard this is exactly whats going on in my mind. how do u find Fairfield coz I was looking at the houses available and they have a much better inventory than Wilton/NC/ Westport
and what about taking the Merrit for Stamford coz he would work in north side of the city?

[renovating]

Originally Posted by rmad

I just wanted to know your opinion if we should move to New Canaan or should we stick to north of Stamford which is more diverse.

Who told you North Stamford was diverse?

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by rmad

Thanks Everyone
@ Flashcard this is exactly whats going on in my mind. how do u find Fairfield coz I was looking at the houses available and they have a much better inventory than Wilton/NC/ Westport
and what about taking the Merrit for Stamford coz he would work in north side of the city?

Fairfield is about 17 miles east of Stamford. It is about a 20 to 30 minute drive without traffic. With traffic it is an hour or more. Your husband could take the Merritt Parkway but it too has traffic during rush hour. Most office complexes in Stamford offer a shuttle from the train station to their building. Your husband should check to see if this is offered. for rentals, check Realtor.com and craigslist.com. Good luck, Jay

[rmad]

Thanks everyone all the info has been very helpful.
I am not sure if my husband would be up for the commute from Fairfield given his long hours but would surely check the shuttle. We are really tilting towards Old Greenwich/Riverside hopefully we would get some nice apartments/houses there. Would surely let you know where we end up

[andthentherewere3]

Originally Posted by renovating

Who told you North Stamford was diverse?

Yes, to clarify to the OP, I said earlier that Stamford was diverse, not N. Stamford, big difference. But the schools in Stamford have been redistricted so that students are not always sent to their nearest school. Diversity is nice, but the kind of diversity you find in downtown/West end of Stamford is not necessarily something you want your kids to grow up with. We have friends in N. Stamford who recently put their house on the market and are moving because of that very issue. Stamford created a real mess with their redistricting a few years ago.

To the OP, your use of the term "coz" and "u" might not go over very well in New Canaan. Just sayin'.

[arielmina]

If your husband is working in North Stamford (i.e. near the Merritt) and looking for an easy commute, honestly I'd consider Ridgefield as well. It's due north and you commute using back roads. If you stick to the south west side of Ridgefield (west of Main Street congestion), your commute can be around 25 mins with really manageable traffic even during rush hour.

Ridgefield has excellent schools and is a great, family friendly community, very much less emphasis on keeping up with the Joneses. Just something to consider.

[rmad]

Thanks everyone the information is very helpful.