[Ithaca04]

Hello all,

1. This is a great site.
2. My wife and I are moving to Connecticut, maybe Greenwich, from Santa Monica, CA. We like the idea of a walkable town, hence Santa Monica and Greenwich seems to have the same appeal. However, we are a bit concerned with the perceived snobbery of Greenwich. Can you all shed some light on that side of Greenwich? Are their down to earth people living there? Are all the shops and restaurants high end and expensive? Or does it have something for everyone?
3. We are considering purchasing a small condo at the top of Greenwich ave but are concerned with the timing? Does anyone have a sense for the real estate market in Greenwich.

Thanks for the help,

Paul

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by Ithaca04

Hello all,

1. This is a great site.
2. My wife and I are moving to Connecticut, maybe Greenwich, from Santa Monica, CA. We like the idea of a walkable town, hence Santa Monica and Greenwich seems to have the same appeal. However, we are a bit concerned with the perceived snobbery of Greenwich. Can you all shed some light on that side of Greenwich? Are their down to earth people living there? Are all the shops and restaurants high end and expensive? Or does it have something for everyone?
3. We are considering purchasing a small condo at the top of Greenwich ave but are concerned with the timing? Does anyone have a sense for the real estate market in Greenwich.

Thanks for the help,

Paul

Greenwich is a very nice community to reside in. Keep in mind it's among the wealthiest towns in the country and the town largely caters to the rich and famous. If you have kids, the public schools in the area are better than most private schools and the shopping around the Greenwich Ave area is rather upscale. You are moving to an area of town where famous people often stroll on a Sunday afternoon and 'yuppies' gather at night. Nothing wrong with that, as it's a very safe place to live.

That being said, there are very modest areas of Greenwich (Cos Cob, Byram and Old Greenwich). These little hamlets are all part of town, and are still very expensive with small homes on small lots listing for at least a million. Greenwich does have a middle-class population (well, by Greenwich standards) and the town does have friendly folks (especially in Byram, the least expensive part of town). Once you go north of Putnam Ave, going toward the Merritt Pkwy (North Street, Taconic & such) the real wealth of the community shows. Large gated estates are the norm worth tens of millions and house many Wall Street execs and celebrities. Take a drive up there, some of the homes are absolutely stunning.

Shopping is rather upscale, but you can dine anywhere from the diner on Putnam Ave, to Pizza Post for some casual Italian and pizza or dress up and make reservations for a nice, classy meal on Greenwich Ave. For more modest shopping, Stamford is a short drive away and has Target, Walmart and the usual. Nearest malls are Stamford Town Center and Galleria in White Plains.

Don't take anyone else's word for it regarding snobbery in Greenwich. If you haven't visited, I suggest coming here for a weekend to get the feel of the town. Sure, it's going to be harder here to make friends than small town America, but you shouldn't have too much of a problem. Folks here are very private, fiscally conservative and really don't go out of their way to strike up a conversation. I don't call it snobby; I think it's more reserved. More of an east coast thing. Once you get to know people, you'll find they're actually very friendly.

If you like NYC, Grand Central is a short train ride away (you can walk to the station on Greenwich Ave).

Oh and as far as I know, it's a great time to buy. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Good luck and if you have anymore questions, feel free.

[skytrekker]

'New England Snobbery' is a great myth that those living outside of the region believe is the behavior of many of the inhabitants of the six state area.

Most of it is untrue. Coming from L.A -you will find the 'old and established' money here very down to earth and surprisingly non materialistic. Some of the recently 'arrived' economically flushed yuppies can have an attitude- and drive the expensive car- but for the most part this is not the case. And in fact snobbery and class 'attitude' is frowned upon. People are reserved- but friendly and civil.

[Viralmd]

PERCEIVED snobbery? In Greenwich, it's more than perceived. It's REAL.

[BogieOrangeman]

It may be real in Greenwich, but I know that even here in Long Island people perceive me as being a New England snob. I don't believe there's anything wrong with being proud of where you're from, but I agree with Skytrekker that for many areas the "snobbery" is perceived as opposed to being a reality.

[Dockside]

I agree, there is nothing perceived about the snobbery in Greenwich, it is snobby. Greenwich attracts lots of A-type alpha males and females.

But who cares? Greenwich is a physically beautiful area and town, great beaches, great facilities, great services, low real estate taxes. Stamford is right next door, and NYC is an easy train ride away. And you will find nice people.

Real estate in Greenwich is not immune to economics of the housing market, but think location, location. It's a great area.

[mels]

I think in any wealthy town you will have your share of snobbery no matter where said wealthy town is located. I never lived in Greenwich but have lived in Stamford and spent plenty of time in Greenwich shopping and dining. I never felt like the snobbery was in my face. People who don't even know the area like to deem it as snobby just because they know it is a wealthy area. Like I said, I am not denying there is some snobbery around but I don't think you will find it as bad as some would like you to think.

[JViello]

California snobbery and New England snobbery are two different worlds.

If anyone making comment hasn't experienced the two, they are misleading the OP.

To the OP: I think you will find the established wealth in Greenwich to be refreshing compared to the collagen, botox injected augmented am I wearing the right kind of X mindset of California snobs.

One of my clients is rich beyond what probably anyone on this board can comprehend. (ONE of his investments was purchasing a controlling interest in a $75 million company)

I found out on accident that he was worth that much. If you met John on the street, you'd never know it. He drives an older Jeep, was always in a pair of these
jeans and flannel shirt. (He's always neat and not sloppy just comfortable) The guy is top notch, easy going, loves his kids and wife, is a family man and is just generally the kind of person you wish more people in the world were like.

He lives in Greenwich. (Actually, he just purchased a new home there at todays prices)

It's actually considered somewhat tacky around there to "flaunt it" like the jetset. Most of the people in GNich with substantial worth find it proper to drive an older volvo or benz and be conserative. Granted they may have a Ferrari or a Porsche in the garage for day trips whatever and are not afraid to spend money but they generally don't find their personal worth in their stuff or status.

On the otherhand another client of mine from Stamford is a new money technology guy - he and his wife have to have all the "look at me" stuff. Maybe that will change with agen and/or exposure to the old guard...

Hope that helps.

[JayCT]

Greenwich is a more refined version of Beverly Hills. It is considered one of the most desireable suburbs of New York and has all types of people. It is a great place to live but very expensive. Being from California though, it won't seem to be that bad. The real estate market in southwest Connecticut is down but anything would be down compared with the past couple of years. Historically though CT real estate is more stable than the market in California where there have been hugh price increases and decreases over the years. No one can tell you what the market will bring, but generally a town like Greenwich (which is always desireable) should be fine. JMHO Jay

[Dockside]

Originally Posted by mels

Like I said, I am not denying there is some snobbery around but I don't think you will find it as bad as some would like you to think.

I can agree with that.

Denying Greenwich has a certain attitude is like denying water is wet. But you will find many people who laugh at that attitude and are very nice people. Also, Greenwich is a very nice place to live, people who live there are very satisfied with the area.