[citychik]

Hello all,
Hubby and I live in NYC and the plan is to start looking for a house in CT next year or so. We are in our late 40's, no kids, and in college now (both of us are changing careers). We intend to stay in our rent-stabilized Manhattan apartment as long as we can, but want a house with a yard too. So the thought is to find a place for weekends & holidays, and commute to NYC for the week. Eventually we would live in CT full-time.

Being New Yorkers, we don't have a car, so buying a house means we have to buy a car, too. Hubby has free parking at work, so he would drive into the city on Mondays, and head back to CT on Fri evening. My schedule is more flexible, so I might ride in with him or take the train back & forth when I need to. So distance to the NYC trains or a way to get to the trains without a car (buses?) is a key factor.

We're kind of weird, I guess, because we want to get away from the frantic pace of the city but not be isolated or in a cabin in the sticks. So... a getaway from noise and crowds, but not a totally rural one. I've lived my whole life without a car (first NJ, then NY) and am used to relying on public transportation, so I dislike the idea of living in a place that requires a car for everything you need (although we would drive some distance for a show or event). I'd love to live somewhere I could walk, bike, or scooter into a town center for shopping. I'd consider WalMart or Target a last resort!

We're also really into museums, history, and the arts, so would love a place where music and dance events are in fairly close proximity. Schools are not important to us personally, but we know that the areas with better schools tend to be better overall. I want a house where my neighbors are not close enough to see right inside my windows, where I could walk in the yard in my underwear (so to speak), but also in a community where people are involved or at least have a central place to meet or shop. We like college towns but don't want to be the only old fogies around - I've read that lots of people in their 50s and above are retiring to college towns for a progressive vibe these days, so maybe there's somewhere like that for us in CT.

Finally we're not made of money, and know that we'd still have the expense of the NYC apt. and commuting for the first few years. We've been to CT only a few times and loved every place we've been: Litchfield County, also Lake McDonough area, Stonington and Pawcatuck area (my husband knew someone who commuted from Stonington to NYC but I thought that might be too far). Wondering if there are any places you folks would suggest that we start looking (in about a year) where we might find a 2-br house for $300k or less. Thanks!

Diane

[skytrekker]

Citychic

To find a 2 bedroom house within reasonable commuting distance of NYC is next to impossible at the price of 300K. I am talking about a maximum of 1.5 hours one direction, or 3 hours a day. At that price you could find a 2 bedroom condo. You would have to into central CT -Middletown, Bristol, Newington and the Hartford area, to find a home around 200-250K with 2 bedrooms and a small yard as you desire.

[citychik]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Citychic

To find a 2 bedroom house within reasonable commuting distance of NYC is next to impossible at the price of 300K. I am talking about a maximum of 1.5 hours one direction, or 3 hours a day. At that price you could find a 2 bedroom condo. You would have to into central CT -Middletown, Bristol, Newington and the Hartford area, to find a home around 200-250K with 2 bedrooms and a small yard as you desire.

2 to 2.5 hours each way is also fine with us. New Yorkers are used to long commutes -- and since it won't be a daily commute, a longer one is tolerable. Heck, it takes me 45 minutes from my apt. to school, and that's all inside the city!

[skytrekker]

Well in that time frame 2-3 hours You are looking at Milford, Hamden, North Haven (possibly Middletown) and perhaps Torrington in the Litchfield hills. Prices for a single family home will average (median) around 300-350K in all these places- with Torrington and Middletown lower. Good luck- check Realtor.com and peruse that site, putting in the data you require in these towns. Also consider Shelton, Derby, Seymour and Ansonia.

[citychik]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Well in that time frame 2-3 hours You are looking at Milford, Hamden, North Haven (possibly Middletown) and perhaps Torrington in the Litchfield hills. Prices for a single family home will average (median) around 300-350K in all these places- with Torrington and Middletown lower. Good luck- check Realtor.com and peruse that site, putting in the data you require in these towns. Also consider Shelton, Derby, Seymour and Ansonia.

I looked up these areas in Realtor.com and, except for Torrington, most properties seem small and close together. Two questions: What is Ansonia like? And what if the train were taken out of the equation and we just commute to NYC by car? Would that add some more towns to the list? (Okay, that's three questions!)

[davfar]

I don't know Ansonia that well, but I haven't heard the best things about it. The Naugatuck Valley towns (Ansonia being one) kind of have a bad rap. Just up Rte 8 though is Watertown which is a very nice town. I'm sure you could find something in your budget there. Thomaston also may be a good choice for you. Very nice towns with diverse housing choices. They also are close to the amenities and you could easily take rte 8 to the Merritt to get into the City.

Also...if you're brave... Northern Litchfield County has some affordable housing...(Canaan and North Canaan to be more specific). Long haul to the City, but for only twice a week it isn't bad. I know there are people there who make that trek. Might be worth checking out.

[Lintu]

You can get a 2 bedroom home for under 300k in Stratford, and the express train to NYC at 7:14 is only 1 hour and 20 minutes.

[momfromct]

Are you set on a house? Because I think an apartment in Stamford might suit your needs. I looked up 2 bed townhouses in Stamford, and some nice ones came up. And they have museums/theater, arts, shopping and restaurants and within walking distance. (and a Target) hahaha!