[hollyk10]

My husband and I are possibly relocating to CT from Chicago, for a job in Stamford. We will be visiting before making a final decision but I was hoping for some help on what towns we should check out! Here is some info on us:

We're a young married couple, no kids, not big drinkers but do like some occasional night life, I'm a runner/hiker/etc., we both love the beach... I'll be looking for teaching work,together we earn $200,000+ and are willing to spend up to $3000 per month rent... less is obviously a plus. We have a dog so want a house- just something small, and would like to be walking distance from the beach. My husband's ideal commute would be 30 minutes or less.

Help, please?

[Stylo]

Maybe just look at some of the neighborhoods in Stamford closer to the water. With that budget, no kids, and your lifestyle - it's probably your best bet. I wouldn't bother with Greenwich/Darien, as you're not even using the schools so it's not really worth it.

The only towns with superior beaches commutable to Stamford are going to be Westport, Fairfield, and Milford. By train, you're looking at a 25-35 minute ride depending on the town. The problem with Westport is there's really not many rentals near the water, and if there are - they'll be single family homes and prohibitively expensive (figure $4000+). If you don't do Stamford and are willing to do a bit of a commute, look into the area south of Route 1 but north of the beach in Fairfield. Nice area, and you should find something to your taste that may be walkable to both the train station and beach. It'll be a little cheaper than Stamford too, and Fairfield is more laid back generally. I'd have recommended Milford only if you had, say, half the budget you do since it's so much less expensive to live near the water and is the "beachiest" town in the area. But it's not worth the commute when you have a budget of $3000, and you can afford a really nice place in Fairfield near the beach if that's a priority.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

For a beach neighborhood in Stamford, i would only recommend looking in the Shippan section.

[Kristin85]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Maybe just look at some of the neighborhoods in Stamford closer to the water. With that budget, no kids, and your lifestyle - it's probably your best bet. I wouldn't bother with Greenwich/Darien, as you're not even using the schools so it's not really worth it.

The only towns with superior beaches commutable to Stamford are going to be Westport, Fairfield, and Milford. By train, you're looking at a 25-35 minute ride depending on the town. The problem with Westport is there's really not many rentals near the water, and if there are - they'll be single family homes and prohibitively expensive (figure $4000+). If you don't do Stamford and are willing to do a bit of a commute, look into the area south of Route 1 but north of the beach in Fairfield. Nice area, and you should find something to your taste that may be walkable to both the train station and beach. It'll be a little cheaper than Stamford too, and Fairfield is more laid back generally. I'd have recommended Milford only if you had, say, half the budget you do since it's so much less expensive to live near the water and is the "beachiest" town in the area. But it's not worth the commute when you have a budget of $3000, and you can afford a really nice place in Fairfield near the beach if that's a priority.

I have been to a few of the Stamford beaches and would say that Greenwich Point is superior because of less people, less noise, and more woodsy surroundings. With a $3000/month budget you could rent a 2BR luxury condo in Greenwich, have easy access to the Greenwich beaches and islands, quick access to Greenwich hiking (at Greenwich Point, the Audobon Society, and Montgomery Pinetum), and nightlife via the downtown and Byram hot spots. I would argue a lot of people pay the premium to live in Greenwich for recreational amenities, shopping, and town beauty. There are a lot of singles and childless couples here!

[Stylo]

Yeah I guess it is a better beach. I don't particularly like any of the beaches west of Westport though, so I guess I'm biased.

[hollyk10]

Thanks guys, your info is really helpful!

[jacoby23]

I would say Fairfield. It is in your price range, has a great beach, (dogs are allowed on the beach from Oct 1st through April 1st), safe nice neighborhood. I used to live in Southport and my commute to Stamford (on Metro North) was 20 minutes. Driving will be about 40 minutes with traffic.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by jacoby23

Driving will be about 40 minutes with traffic.

On average, maybe - but some days could be more than an hour. Train all the way.

[kidyankee764]

With a budget of $3,000, I'm not sure why people are recommending the OP commute 18 miles on one of the most congested freeways in the country. It will regularly take the OP 55 minutes to over an hour to get home in the evening from Stamford. When it rains, it will take an hour and 15. When it snows, 2+ hours. Period.

Train is an option but if you don't work within walking distance to the train station in Stamford, your commute will be an hour and still not stress free.

OP - you will get a LOT more for your money if you look inland in Stamford. You'll be thanking me when you see 95 gridlocked everyday from your office window. Live in Stamford/southern Greenwich/Darien.

[Wilton2ParkAve]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

With a budget of $3,000, I'm not sure why people are recommending the OP commute 18 miles on one of the most congested freeways in the country. It will regularly take the OP 55 minutes to over an hour to get home in the evening from Stamford. When it rains, it will take an hour and 15. When it snows, 2+ hours. Period.

Train is an option but if you don't work within walking distance to the train station in Stamford, your commute will be an hour and still not stress free.

OP - you will get a LOT more for your money if you look inland in Stamford. You'll be thanking me when you see 95 gridlocked everyday from your office window. Live in Stamford/southern Greenwich/Darien.

Spot on Kid.... Live in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien or New Canaan. Your budget is sufficient for the area.