[Hazelsky]

Hi there,

We are looking to make the move out of NYC in the next couple of months. We have explored Westchester and are now looking at CT. We are not familiar with CT at all so we're hoping to get some advice here

We are a young family with two children ages 3 and 1. We're looking to spend about $700,000 or rent for $3500, which I understand doesn't go far in many parts of CT. My husband is willing to commute up to 1.25 hours since his hours are somewhat flexible. We prefer older homes, not afraid of major renovations, smaller lot is fine, would love a walkable downtown area and schools are a priority.

Advice on where to start looking would be much appreciated!

Thanks so much!

[sngo]

Fairfield looks like your only choice. Fairfield price goes up a lot recently probably because it's the only good school affordable town commutable to nyc under 1.25 hour

If you rent, you could look into greenwich, ct.

[Stylo]

Where does he work? Fairfield is probably a good idea.

[oberon_1]

I don't know why is Fairfield the only option. There are so many places. What about Wesport?

[sngo]

Originally Posted by oberon_1

I don't know why is Fairfield the only option. There are so many places. What about Wesport?

I don't think 700k would be a comfortable budget in westport, however OP could try, especially look for fix-upper since you don't mind major renovation.

[Stylo]

I would say Ridgefield and Fairfield with that budget and needs are the only towns that truly meet the requirements. In Ridgefield, commute via Katonah station.

$700k doesn't get you much in Westport, but if the OP is willing to sacrifice it does get you a basic home. It's not exactly a "low key" town though. Fairfield is more down to earth.

[SeaDoo342]

Originally Posted by Stylo

I would say Ridgefield and Fairfield with that budget and needs are the only towns that truly meet the requirements. In Ridgefield, commute via Katonah station.

$700k doesn't get you much in Westport, but if the OP is willing to sacrifice it does get you a basic home. It's not exactly a "low key" town though. Fairfield is more down to earth.

It's low key compared to NYC.

[jesse_f]

Definitely Fairfield, maybe Norwalk (maybe not b/c of the schools). Westport is out of budget @ $700k and certainly isn't "low key". I moved to Fairfield from Brooklyn a year and a half ago, happy to discuss pros and cons if you want to PM me.

[JayCT]

It really depends what you want in a home verses how far from the city you want to be. The closer to New York, generally the more expensive it is for towns with good schools.

You could start in Wilton which is a beautiful town just north of Norwalk. The only problem is that train service directly from Wilton is limited. Many use South Norwalk station becuase there is a lot more trains there. You also could look into what is available in Weston and Westport. Both of these towns are pricey but you may be able to find a modest home there. And then finally there is Fairfield. It is a great town with good schools and a lot of family activites. It is about the outer limit of a commute into Manhattan. Your $700,000 will go a lot further here than lower Fairfield County towns. Good luck, Jay

[Hazelsky]

Thanks for all of the feedback! We could do up to $850,000, but want to start on the lower range at first. Not sure if that extra budget gets you much more in CT or not...