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My husband is considering a job offer in Wilton CT. If he accepts, we will be moving in the next three months. We have been living in the south for the last seven years, and have no family or friends in CT. (Although we do have family in both Boston and NY.)
We have three young children, so a solid public school system and family community is essential. Smaller city with access to culture and outdoor activities a plus. House price 900k and below.
Any recommendations - just somewhere to start our search (as we know nothing about the area!) - would be greatly appreciated.
My husband is considering a job offer in Wilton CT. If he accepts, we will be moving in the next three months. We have been living in the south for the last seven years, and have no family or friends in CT. (Although we do have family in both Boston and NY.)
We have three young children, so a solid public school system and family community is essential. Smaller city with access to culture and outdoor activities a plus. House price 900k and below.
Any recommendations - just somewhere to start our search (as we know nothing about the area!) - would be greatly appreciated.
Warmest thanks!
Wilton itself is a great town w/ top notch schools, but it's a town, not a small city at all. Ridgefield is right next door to the north -- also top notch schools, with a proper downtown -- lots of restaurants and shops, sidewalks to stroll, beautiful town park and other amenities. But it too is a town. Nearest small city to Ridgefield would be Danbury where you will find larger box & chain stores, shopping mall, etc. I'm not suggesting at all that you look there because Danbury does not remotely meet your other criteria -- I'm just mentioning it so that you know that there is a small city nearby for shopping (Read: not culture, shopping only) Another nearby town would be New Canaan, but your budget won't get you much, if anything at all. If it were me I'd look at Ridgefield first, then Wilton. I think you'll get more bang for your buck in Ridgefield too. You won't get a brand new, 3000 sf+ house w/ all the bells and whistles, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a nicely appointed slightly older (20+ year) home on a decent size lot in a very nice neighborhood. (Keep in mind that I haven't been following the real estate market closely for some time now, so I could be way off on my assessment -- if I am, I'm sure others will chime in soon.) Good luck!
If you can afford it, I would start with Wilton. I think it's a great location to work, because you will be within reasonable commuting distances from a lot of nice places, including more affordable places to the north.
All the towns (as opposed to cities) have good school districts. It's really more about the culture/feel of the town and how much you like it, as opposed to other towns.
I'd agree with the others that Wilton would be the first place to look. Then probably Weston and Ridgefield. You won't get much of a 4Br. house in New Canaan for your budget, so i wouldn't suggest it.
You won't get much of a 4Br. house in New Canaan for your budget, so i wouldn't suggest it.
Totally missed that there are three children and that a 4 bedroom would likely be what you're looking for. Yes, absolutely forget New Canaan/scratch it off the list -- you won't find anything there. Stratford's suggestion on Weston is also a good one. Wilton, Ridgefield, Weston -- even Redding although it's a small sleepy town, would all be great choices.
You might like Fairfield. You'll have no problem finding a nice four bedroom in your budget. In Westport you could find a nice home as well. Westport borders Wilton to the south. Both Westport and Fairfield have excellent schools. Westport is a bit more upscale, and Fairfield has a wide range of shopping, family/youth activities and restaurants. Both are beach towns, which Wilton does not have. Wilton is quieter and more rural than either Fairfield or Westport.
I really think you can't go wrong with Wilton, Fairfield or Westport-- or even Ridgefield.. All are lovely towns with strong schools, but each is also somewhat unique and character. Come visit and see what feels "right" to you.
Are you receiving a relo package from the new employer? If so, they should provide you with someone who will give you an overview of the area and lots of information.
They are not rural, but they have very few businesses.
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