[kwmm]

We are a family of five considering leaving Southern California for a move to Fairfield County. We have three young kids and want a better place to raise them. My husband's job would be in either White Plains or Stamford and we're considering Fairfield, Ridgefield, Bethel and Newtown. We would most likely rent the first year then buy with a budget around $750,000. Schools, community and down to earth people are highest on our list. Any thoughts on these towns or others we should consider? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!!

[Stylo]

Whether it's White Plains or Stamford makes a big difference as White Plains is rather inaccessible with 15/95 traffic and no direct train from the New Haven line. If Stamford, train access is paramount if living in Fairfield or other shore points east. If you think CA traffic is bad, try commuting from Fairfield to Stamford by car. It gives it a run for its money.

If you have no idea, I'd guess Ridgefield might be your single best option.

Really need to know where he'll be working, but unless he wants a really long commute you can immediately cross off Newtown.

[kwmm]

Thanks for your reply. He will most likely be working in White Plains.

[JayCT]

Ridgefield would be the best commute to White Plains but it is still 30 miles and about an hour during rush hour. Bethel or Newtown would be better than Fairfield for a White Plains job but Newtown is 50 miles so it is not something I would want to do every day.

I would consider New Fairfield which is a nice town north of Danbury that allows you to bypass I-84 and get to I-684 which takes you into White Plains. Still it is a long drive.

Have you considered Wilton? Beautiful town with great schools that is just as close as Ridgefield.

Personally though I would consider Westchester County or buying what would be a very modest home in Greenwich. Jay

[Lintu]

I agree with Jay - to commute to White Plains, I'd go with Westchester County, NY or Greenwich, CT.

[marketa]

Ridgefield ranks the highest on my list. It has a town/community spirit, but properties are usually big enough to give you a lot of privacy. Their school system is one of the best. The commute to either Stamford or White Plains is acceptable, although not short, and it allows you to drive out to either I-95 or 684. For your budget you can definitely find a nice house in Ridgefield. Bethel and Newtown are way to far to commute from, in my opinion. Fairfield would be an OK option if your husband works in Stamford (he could drive or take the train), but it would be inconvenient to drive to White Plains from there.

[Stylo]

If White Plains, my vote is for Ridgefield.

Bethel is great too, my personal favorite in the area and a tad more down to earth than Ridgefield - but it is probably a ~15 minute longer commute.

Ridgefield also allows you to bypass the traffic at the 84/684 interchange.

[elle423]

Ridgefield.
I would guess 40 minutes to white plains, 40-45 minutes to downtown Stamford -- both very doable commutes. Or like Jay suggests, Greenwich -- shorter commute, but less house for your money.

[blakesq]

My m-i-l and I drove to White Plains from Fairfield, CT at 11 am a month ago, it took right at 45 minutes.

By the way, my current commute is 7 minutes, and i LOVE IT.

Originally Posted by elle423

Ridgefield.
I would guess 40 minutes to white plains, 40-45 minutes to downtown Stamford -- both very doable commutes. Or like Jay suggests, Greenwich -- shorter commute, but less house for your money.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by blakesq

My m-i-l and I drove to White Plains from Fairfield, CT at 11 am a month ago, it took right at 45 minutes.

By the way, my current commute is 7 minutes, and i LOVE IT.

Try that same drive at 8AM on a rainy/snowy day.