[mikeg9]

Thanks again.

[mlassoff]

How about living IN Westport and staying a 1 car family? Westport is commutable to Grand Central-- I do it a week a month and many others do it daily. It's a great community, your wife would have no commute at all-- and could drop you at the train station. There are some great condos (albeit expensive) here.

[mikeg9]

Living in Westport has actually been in the back of my mind.

As a runner, the only potential downside I see with downtown Stamford is the lack of running trail options. I know there are a few running groups in Westport and they've posted some cool pictures on their sites.

[Stylo]

Running in on certain Westport roads would be terrifying IMO. Way too many half-paying-attention tennis moms in Range Rovers.

IMO Stamford would be better for a runner if you don't mind sidewalks. Stamford also has a decent amount of parks.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by mikeg9

As a runner, the only potential downside I see with downtown Stamford is the lack of running trail options. I know there are a few running groups in Westport and they've posted some cool pictures on their sites.

I believe you can get a rental in Darien (Maybe Avalon) within your budget and just run to Cove Island Park. :-)

Cove Island Park - Stamford, CT Patch


Darien, CT Avalone Apartments. Darien Apartments - Avalon Darien Community and Apartments

If you look at the map, look for Cove Road in Stamford to find the park. :-) Darien Avalon isnt too far away. And all close to downtown too.

Edit: nevermind, just realized a 1BR is $2700/mth. I guess you pay for brand new, ammenities and a walk to the train station. (which would benefit you greatly) There is a way to qualify to pay $2300 for a 2BR but you have to prove you cant make the higher payments.

[mikeg9]

Those apartments have a lot of benefits...walk to NH train station and only 1.5 miles by foot to Cove Island Park. $2700 is definitely a little high for a 1BR but at this point, I'm just trying to narrow down the ideal areas anyway.

[AntonioR]

Originally Posted by mikeg9

Living in Westport has actually been in the back of my mind.

As a runner, the only potential downside I see with downtown Stamford is the lack of running trail options. I know there are a few running groups in Westport and they've posted some cool pictures on their sites.

That's what Cove Island Park is for.

Not only does it fills with runners/joggers, but also bicyclists, walkers, all types really. Its a very expansive and safe park with both, paved and gravel trails. There are some nice views of the beaches and Long Island Sound, of Long Island itself, fashionable houses on the Darien side, and lots of open space and woods.

The same happens at the recently renovated Scalzi Park, although this park is inland, just north of downtown.

Both have dedicated jogging/running lanes and are very pleasant places.

You can even jog/run over to Scalzi Park from downtown with no major hassles. In fact, you might have quite a few company, depending on the time of day. Simply go north on Washington Boulevard along the western sidewalk (to your left looking north). Once you pass the fire station, you will see a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Rippowam River and connects to Scalzi Park. Then continue doing your laps around the large circle in the park.

Cove Island Park is further away from downtown, right on the coastline.

Another nice park is Kosciusko Park, a few years ago was completely renovated. There you will have a full gravel trail for jogging/running/walking, with amazing views of the sea, the lighthouse, marinas, and Long Island. Also plenty of wildlife (mostly birds) and very nice landscaping.

All three parks get filled with health conscious people in the late afternoons/evenings.

[mikeg9]

Those parks sound great.

What do you think about in the AM? I usually run around 5:30-6:00 before work on weekdays.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by mikeg9

Those parks sound great.

What do you think about in the AM? I usually run around 5:30-6:00 before work on weekdays.

Very little foot traffic at those hours. There's also Cummings Park in Stamford by the coast but I'm not a fan of that entire area.

Cummings Park - Stamford, CT Patch

Also note.. Scalzi Park would be further away from the train to get to NYC

[mikeg9]

Got it. It's all about striking that balance between green space and closeness to train. I'm OK running through city streets during the week if it's quiet and I'm not dodging cars.