[Hazelsky]

Thanks, Jesse_f, for putting that in black and white. We know the taxes are higher, but seeing it laid out like that makes it much clearer. Not something to be easily ignored...

[jesse_f]

No worries, hope I wasn't being a buzzkill. I'd also suggest spending some time with a local broker in each area as well. I think there's a lot off differentiation among Westchester towns that you may not pick up on from RE listings, etc. For ex, we LOVED Pleasantville, until we found out that there's no school bus service, so you'll probably want to be pretty close to the schools (they're all in the same area, right off the downtown). Obviously those homes carry a nice premium over non-walking distance areas. River towns are great (and hugely popular now), but you'll want to make sure you have an SUV if you plan on driving down those hills in the winter. Anyway, take your time and find the area first, then the home. That's the best advice I can give. Good luck.

[Hazelsky]

No, not at all!

Now that we've done a preliminary visit to many towns, we are going to revisit with a broker. I agree you can't really learn the nuances of each town on your own.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Hazelsky

Meglion- A friend who grew up in Westin suggested we look at Southport. We got her message just as we were heading home. We are going to check it out next time.

Southport is a section of the Town of Fairfield. There is an unbelieably quaint and charming village on a small harbor off Long Island Sound. The homes in the village are pretty much all over 100 years old and command high prices. Still it is beautiful and may be an option. There are some parts of Southport outside the village as well but they are not as charming (heck, Mystic Seaport is not as charming) or are on or near I-95. Take a look. Jay

[Stylo]

The actual homes on the harbor in Southport are all generally in excess of $5 million. It's a very exclusive area. There are some condos/townhouses near Route 1 in Southport that are somewhat reasonable in price.

[Henry10]

I know this is a CT forum, but I would encourage OP to also look in NJ. Several towns are great in that price range and commuting time. For example, Westfield, Summit, etc.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Henry10

I know this is a CT forum, but I would encourage OP to also look in NJ. Several towns are great in that price range and commuting time. For example, Westfield, Summit, etc.

Crossing the Tappan Zee at rush hour though?

[Hazelsky]

As for NJ, my husband would really prefer to commute into Grand Central vs Penn Station since his office is at 57th and Park. That being said, we will probably check out NJ in the next week or so. People have suggested Montclair, Maplewood, Ridgewood, Millburn, Glen Ridge and Summit. I'm sure there are many other towns, we are just not familiar with the area.

[Henry10]

The problem with CT is that for CT towns comparable with Ramsey, Westfield, Summit -- these CT town are probably another 20-30 minutes away. Many people who work where your husband works, they commute to Penn Station and probably more to Port Authority by bus. Even at Grand Central, your husband still has to get on the subway. If I ever moved to the suburbs again, I would consider closer towns, like Forest Hills for example. For a 700k house you would pay a lot less taxes, still be in a nice school zone, and 20 minutes subway ride to Lex and 63rd or 51st.

[jesse_f]

Originally Posted by Hazelsky

As for NJ, my husband would really prefer to commute into Grand Central vs Penn Station since his office is at 57th and Park. That being said, we will probably check out NJ in the next week or so. People have suggested Montclair, Maplewood, Ridgewood, Millburn, Glen Ridge and Summit. I'm sure there are many other towns, we are just not familiar with the area.

To be honest, Montclair, Maplewood, and Nutley came time mind as well as towns that seem to fit your needs, but I didn't want add to an already confusing decision.