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The rule of thumb on re-locating to FFC: Unless you have the opportunity of a lifetime in Stamford or NYC, STAY AWAY.
The congestion alone makes it unlivable. Yes, I realize NoVa is one of the most congested areas in the US..but at least they're doing something about it. For example, the HOT lanes on the Beltway, the complete rebuild of the Springfield interchange, the upcoming HOT lanes on I-95, etc. If you can carpool or are willing to pay a toll, you can have a congestion-free commute. That is just not possible in FFC, and is highly unlikely to change within our lifetime. Moreover, the completion of the silver-line will further relieve traffic and provide a real mass-transit option for the region. The mass-transit option in FFC (Metro North) is a complete joke..and, similar to our freeway system, suffers from a highly outdated infrastructure that is quite unlikely to be upgraded within our lifetime.
The housing stock is also much nicer in NoVa--mostly newer builds and nice subdivisions. Get ready to pay at least half a million dollars for a 1200 sq. ft home that lacks any modern amenities whatsoever. People here tend to confuse 'outdated' with 'charming'.
OP if you must live in CT, I recommend Stamford if you don't mind sucking up the relaxing setting, or Westport and Fairfield if you don't mind paying more for rent.
OP you might also want to consider Mamaroneck, NY. Its closer to Fairfield then Tarrytown and a little more upscale. But at the same time it will be more expensive, but it wouldn't be hard to find something within your budget there. Its convenient and relaxed. An added plus is the schools there are great even though its not a priority yet but when your kids get older you will find great schools.
Mamaroneck is about 30 miles from Fairfield and 25 miles from NYC. You could probably make it to both in 30-45 min depending on traffic, but again you to Fairfield your commuting against traffic, and to NYC there are tons of options so one option is bound to have okay traffic.
So consider Mamaroneck as well. Another option is if you want a little cheaper you could move to Port Chester, NY which is the next town up from Mamaroneck and then when your kids get older you can move to Mamaroneck after that. Port Chester is cheaper but schools aren't as good. Port Chester is kind of and urban-suburban town.
An expensive option, and not a particularly great commute (even though it's a reverse commute). Lots of congestion around the state line in the AM....and I-95 south is a complete parking lot in BOTH directions coming out of downtown Stamford in the afternoon..sometimes all the way back to the state line.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danny K
OP if you must live in CT, I recommend Stamford if you don't mind sucking up the relaxing setting, or Westport and Fairfield if you don't mind paying more for rent.
OP you might also want to consider Mamaroneck, NY. Its closer to Fairfield then Tarrytown and a little more upscale. But at the same time it will be more expensive, but it wouldn't be hard to find something within your budget there. Its convenient and relaxed. An added plus is the schools there are great even though its not a priority yet but when your kids get older you will find great schools.
Mamaroneck is about 30 miles from Fairfield and 25 miles from NYC. You could probably make it to both in 30-45 min depending on traffic, but again you to Fairfield your commuting against traffic, and to NYC there are tons of options so one option is bound to have okay traffic.
So consider Mamaroneck as well. Another option is if you want a little cheaper you could move to Port Chester, NY which is the next town up from Mamaroneck and then when your kids get older you can move to Mamaroneck after that. Port Chester is cheaper but schools aren't as good. Port Chester is kind of and urban-suburban town.
An expensive option, and not a particularly great commute (even though it's a reverse commute). Lots of congestion around the state line in the AM....and I-95 south is a complete parking lot in BOTH directions coming out of downtown Stamford in the afternoon..sometimes all the way back to the state line.
There's also the Merritt Pkwy as well, plus I-95 can be avoided with both commutes. The Merritt is not congested if your going against traffic. As I said for the commute to NYC there are several options. Its true that Mamaroneck can be an expensive option but its not more expensive then Westport or Fairfield. Your right about Stamford, but you must go through Stamford if your commuting from Norwalk or anywhere farther north. And again there is also the train option for Stamford and Mamaroneck. If its too expensive the OP can also look at Port Chester for the first years and move to a better school district when the kids get older.
The rule of thumb on re-locating to FFC: Unless you have the opportunity of a lifetime in Stamford or NYC, STAY AWAY.
The congestion alone makes it unlivable. Yes, I realize NoVa is one of the most congested areas in the US..but at least they're doing something about it. For example, the HOT lanes on the Beltway, the complete rebuild of the Springfield interchange, the upcoming HOT lanes on I-95, etc. If you can carpool or are willing to pay a toll, you can have a congestion-free commute. That is just not possible in FFC, and is highly unlikely to change within our lifetime. Moreover, the completion of the silver-line will further relieve traffic and provide a real mass-transit option for the region. The mass-transit option in FFC (Metro North) is a complete joke..and, similar to our freeway system, suffers from a highly outdated infrastructure that is quite unlikely to be upgraded within our lifetime.
The housing stock is also much nicer in NoVa--mostly newer builds and nice subdivisions. Get ready to pay at least half a million dollars for a 1200 sq. ft home that lacks any modern amenities whatsoever. People here tend to confuse 'outdated' with 'charming'.
Outdated can be charming. Idk if the price is always warranted but those cheaply made new homes in cookie-cutter subdivisions .. *puke*
I am from VA, central, and went to college and grad school in VA. Worked after in NOVA. Now in lower FC with kids, husband commute to NYC. I think many parts of CT are beautiful, and the beaches are lovely to look at, but I really pine for VA - the schools, the friends, the familiarity, the openness and kindness that is harder to undercover here. Its cold. Cold in every measure of the word. The schools are competitive - its a rat race from K on... the foreign language, that sport, this after school, etc. The commute is horrible, I rarely see my significant other. There are places that are nice, people are nice... but as a system, as a whole... it has not worked for us. Defiantly try things on, spend some time...
I am from VA, central, and went to college and grad school in VA. Worked after in NOVA. Now in lower FC with kids, husband commute to NYC. I think many parts of CT are beautiful, and the beaches are lovely to look at, but I really pine for VA - the schools, the friends, the familiarity, the openness and kindness that is harder to undercover here. Its cold. Cold in every measure of the word. The schools are competitive - its a rat race from K on... the foreign language, that sport, this after school, etc. The commute is horrible, I rarely see my significant other. There are places that are nice, people are nice... but as a system, as a whole... it has not worked for us. Defiantly try things on, spend some time...
Based on your name, I would say Darien CT. I don't see what the big deal in this day and age of Facebook and a trend away from anonymous posting.
My name doesn't have any hints...
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