[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Lintu

We tend to hit traffic in two places on the Merritt - Westport and Trumbull. Cutting out the trumbull portion of the jam would help a decent amount, and Fairfield is an easy commute to Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, etc. if a job location changes.

But ultimately, I agree - if you're going to spend that much money, I would not suffer through a car commute from Fairfield to Stamford. It's really tough, though, because most places commutable to Stamford are either fairly rural, extremely expensive, or have a poor school system (Stamford and Norwalk).

A train commute is far more reasonable, at least if you don't have to then take a shuttle (which is what my husband does).

Don't hit traffic between Norwalk and Stamford?

In my experience that area can be a nightmare. Especially after work.

The worst part in my commute is by far Fairfield/Westport between the exit for Route 59 and the "no exit zone". That's why I use the backroads often. Trumbull traffic has been more rare in my experience.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Don't hit traffic between Norwalk and Stamford?

In my experience that area can be a nightmare. Especially after work.

Oh yeah. Throw in a raindrop or two and it's a parking lot.

[Lintu]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Don't hit traffic between Norwalk and Stamford?

In my experience that area can be a nightmare. Especially after work.

The worst part in my commute is by far Fairfield/Westport between the exit for Route 59 and the "no exit zone". That's why I use the backroads often. Trumbull traffic has been more rare in my experience.

Well, he rarely drives, but when he has, he's commented on it more where I also see it. I only occasionally commute and it's only to 40a/b, so I am less familiar with the stretch between Norwalk and Stamford.

No exit zone is definitely the worst part for me. I need to learn the back roads.

When I do commute, I try to leave the office by 4:30 at the latest, and I do end up hitting traffic pretty close to home. I think it's caused by the link with rt 25.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Lintu

No exit zone is definitely the worst part for me. I need to learn the back roads.

It's actually pretty easy once you learn it. And usually barely any other cars unless the Merritt is a complete mess.

[jax12479]

You can find 3 bdrm homes in Greenwich for 600k, but they will be pretty small and likely fixer-uppers. The ones in the best condition for that budget will be found in the western part of town (Byram & Glenville). If you can stretch to 700k, also look in the North Mianus section of Riverside and Cos Cob.

You will be able to find much more for your money in Milford and Fairfield, which are nice communities as well, but not as easy of a commute to Stamford. Have you thought about North Stamford?

[elinyc]

Originally Posted by jax12479

You can find 3 bdrm homes in Greenwich for 600k, but they will be pretty small and likely fixer-uppers. The ones in the best condition for that budget will be found in the western part of town (Byram & Glenville). If you can stretch to 700k, also look in the North Mianus section of Riverside and Cos Cob.

You will be able to find much more for your money in Milford and Fairfield, which are nice communities as well, but not as easy of a commute to Stamford. Have you thought about North Stamford?

We have thought about North Stamford, but from what I understand, the schools in Stamford are not good. Also, the north part of Stamford is far (not at all walkeable) to any of the shopping/commercial attractions in downtown.

[BucsLose]

There is plenty out there for 600k, even in a state full of even richer people. I certainly chose a poor career path. I'd love to have the problem of finding a 600k home. Maybe in my next life I'll make better choices earlier in life....one can dream

[elinyc]

Originally Posted by BucsLose

There is plenty out there for 600k, even in a state full of even richer people. I certainly chose a poor career path. I'd love to have the problem of finding a 600k home. Maybe in my next life I'll make better choices earlier in life....one can dream

You're not alone in those thoughts. Everybody thinks "if only I'd done X earlier in life..." No home, regardless of the Ks, guarantees happiness anyways. And everything $ wise is relative anyways.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

I think you might be better off staying in Stamford until your budget increases a bit. Revonah/Oaklawn/Upper Strawberry Hill area would probably be ideal. It's on the "edge" of the city, with a higher concentration of Jewish families. Move out by middle school though. IMHO.

[peachto4]

If you are looking in Fairfield for "walkable place where there's an active outdoor community and you see children playing in the streets", you must check out the beach area or somewhere close to town. You can walk to all the awesome shops and restaurants on the Post Road, the library, concerts on the green, the beach itself, etc. There are a variety of homes in that area. Some are very expensive, but there are many cute capes that would be perfect for a young couple. Try Catherine Terrace, James St, Oldfield Rd, Riverside Drive, Longdean, Cambridge St...and on and on...your agent may also call this part of town "Center" in addition to the "beach". We have lived here for 10 years and adore it! Awesome neighbors, lots of kids, block parties, etc! It's wonderfully lively and friendly! It's PERFECT for you.