[littlejoann]

My husband and I are retired and looking to downsize but stay active. We saw a new community in Prospect, Ct.that we are interested in. We like the builder and the amenities. It is close to Waterbury, which I have had some negative vibes about. Anyone have info about the area? Or perhaps you can suggest other towns that have active adult communties. Price range approx. 400,000. Proximity to Fairfield is important since my daugter goes to Sacred Heart University.

Although we love the community we saw in Prospect, we would also like to be closer to the shore but we know that usually is pricey. So any suggestions for an active adult community, condo or single family, in the $400,000 range close to Fairfield and the shore?

[JayCT]

Since you want to have an easy commute to Sacred Heart in Fairfield, I would suggest you look along the Merritt/Wilbur Cross Parkways corridor. This will keep you closer to the shore as well as provide the access to SHU you want.

Have you considered Stratford or Milford? Both towns are shoreline communities with great parks and beaches and a lot of good shopping and restaurants. There are a number of 55+ communities in this area including the grandaddy of them all, Oronoque Village in Stratford. Jay

[littlejoann]

I worry about Stratford being to close to Bridgeport.
We looked in Milford but most of the area is old. No new developments and we weren't crazy about 95 and the bridge into Fairfield to visit our daughter. What do you think?

[CoolStrom]

Hi ,

Not sure if you have a realtor or not, but i can't think of names of those 55+ communities going up in Milford. We are in our early 30's and we couldn't find anything but 55+ communities in Milford when we were looking for new development in Milford. I will try to do a search for you, there are so many i come across when i look at Milford newspapers section.
Good Luck in your search.

[jeremeyk482]

Originally Posted by littlejoann

I worry about Stratford being to close to Bridgeport.
We looked in Milford but most of the area is old. No new developments and we weren't crazy about 95 and the bridge into Fairfield to visit our daughter. What do you think?

The town of Oxford has a number of 55+ housing developments, the most popular being Oxford Greens and Meadow Brook Estates.

Oxford Greens is a beautiful, yet large, 55+ state of the art facility. The price to live here is higher than normal, about $479k and up, but people here love it. My great-aunt lives here and tells me that most people here are former New Yorkers. If you like to golf, there is a professional 18 hole golf course in your backyard. The setting is more rural being further from facilities in the woods of Oxford.

On the smaller scale (the complex, not the homes), there is Meadow Brook Estates in Oxford (actually, half in Seymour as well). This has quick access to the regular errands you'll have to run - there's a Stop and Shop, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, banks and plenty of restaurants. You'll have easy access from here to Fairfield, as you jump on Route 8 two miles away and you can be there in 20-25 minutes. I think the starting price of these homes is about 400k.

Both of these developments are brand new.

Let me know if you have anymore questions. Good luck!

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by littlejoann

I worry about Stratford being to close to Bridgeport.
We looked in Milford but most of the area is old. No new developments and we weren't crazy about 95 and the bridge into Fairfield to visit our daughter. What do you think?

Why would being close to Bridgeport be a concern? Bridgeport is not that bad of a city, in fact most of the city is very nice. There are many great things about living near it including the Downtown Cabaret Theater, the Arena at Harbor Park, the Baseball Stadium at Harbor Park, the Klein Memorial, the Bearsdley Park Zoo and Caurosel, Seaside Park, St. Mary's by the Sea and Captain's Cove. There are many wonderful restaurants and stores. Again consider it. Stratford is very nice and the Oronoque area is really beautiful though it is older.

You do not have to use I-95 if you live in the Milford area. Route 15 which is the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways is an easy alternative to I-95 and there are no large trucks. The Route 15 bridge over the Housatonic River was just reconstructed and widened so it no longer is a problem. Plus Sacred Heart University is located right off the Merritt Parkway, so it would be the easiest route for your daughter anyway.

As Jeremy suggested there are a number of 55+ complexes being constructed in Oxford. Also check into places in neighboring Southbury which is home to the other grandaddy of senior housing, Heritage Village. This area is beautiful but is not near the shoreline.

further up the parkway from Milford would be Hamden and North Haven. I know there are communities there. Another option may be Wallingford but again these are not shoreline communities. Good luck, Jay

[littlejoann]

Thanks for all your suggestions. We are widening our search after taking into account all your input.