[PaTransplant823]

Hey everyone,

I just got an awesome job in Stamford and will be moving to Connecticut. I am originally from a small town in Pennsylvania and can't seem to find any place within my budget (also, I don't know anything about any of the areas.)

I want to stay within $1,000-$1,300 with utilities included.

What are some areas or specific places I should be looking at?

What are safe areas?

Any info you could supply would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

-Matt

[Stylo]

Is your work near the train station?

[SouthernGuy1]

With that budget, y'all should consider Norwalk. While not as nice as Fairfield or Stamford, it would be hard to find an apartment in that price range with utilities included.

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by SouthernGuy1

With that budget, y'all should consider Norwalk. While not as nice as Fairfield or Stamford, it would be hard to find an apartment in that price range with utilities included.

East Norwalk

[nep321]

Last year I also got an "awesome job in Stamford, CT" and had to look for an apartment within reasonable commuting distance. I'm sorry to say this, but finding a safe, nice 1 bd apartment for no more than $1,300 is going to be virtually impossible, especially at this time of year.

Currently, I am renting a 700 sq ft 1 bd unit (washer & dryer included) for $1,550, but they increased the rent up to $1,600 starting next month. And guess what? I live in semi-ghetto Norwalk! NONE of the "modern" apartment complexes in any of these cities and towns even have any 1 bd units for less than about $1,700 minimum. I can't even afford that and I make decent income.

So, I'm sorry to say, but you're going to have to increase your budget to at LEAST $1,400 or so and maybe you can find something in a decent multi-family home or something like that. It won't be anything to brag about, however. Either that, or find a roommate if you can handle that (I sure can't).

If you don't mind having up to an hour commute, your choices become much better, and we can take the conversation there.

But just be warned....this is a VERY expensive place to live. And Norwalk isn't even that nice. In fact, the Shop Rite grocery store here now has a security guard at the entrance. Can you believe that? I'm paying $1,550+ a month for a modest 1 bd apartment on a busy noisy road and have to see a frekin' security guard just to go to one of the grocery stores here.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by SouthernGuy1

With that budget, y'all should consider Norwalk. While not as nice as Fairfield or Stamford, it would be hard to find an apartment in that price range with utilities included.

Finding anything safe and good in Norwalk for no more than $1,300 in Norwalk even, is going to be a great challenge. Mark my words.

[BPt111]

You might want checkout Stratford and Milford

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by BPt111

You might want checkout Stratford and Milford

Or consider sharing a place. Jay

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by BPt111

You might want checkout Stratford and Milford

I'm thinking more Stratford than Milford. Seems to be a lot more affordable to rent these days in Stratford. But only if a train commute is possible. You also have to consider monthly train costs.

[nep321]

OP, I agree with others that Stratford may be an option (if you wish to live alone). You could find something decent there for $1,200. Your commute would be about 30 minutes (50 minutes with traffic heading home in the evening). Mornings aren't that bad, however, and you should be able to make it to work in about 40 minutes. There's always the train also.

I've also been browsing for apartments on Craigslist around lower FFC, with a max budget of around $1,675. It is downright depressing. I don't even want to talk about it. But starting next month I'm going on month to month for $1,750 in hopes of leaving FFC altogether. Biggest mistake of my life. Biggest downgrade in quality of life in my life. I feel like my life was put on "hold" ever since I moved here, and I need to rise from the dead again. Suffocated in high cost of living, wealthy families, ultra congestion and getting honked at every week while driving.