Need help with relocating (Bridgeport, New Haven: condo, travel, work)

[sholzy]

Hello,

I am planning to move from Atlanta to NY within the next few months for work. I have been doing some research about where to live in the tri-state area and I ran across this site. I wish I knew about it months ago

My question is where would be the best place in the tri-state area for us to move to if working in NY? I am self employed so work could be in any of the Investment banks in NY.

My requirements are:
Good non-private schools (I have a baby under a year old)
Decent commute from NY City (60 -90 mins)
Surburbian feel (I currently live in one of the suburbs in ATL - Alpharetta)
House prices not more than $350K (preferably 3 bed 2.5 bath)
Safe and diverse neighbourhood
Access to stores

I'm sure you've heard this question over and over, but I couldn't find a post that had all of my questions in it. I am sorry if this is a re-post.

Merry Christmas

--Kathy

[skytrekker]

A home price Sholzy at 350K within 60 minutes of mid town Manhattan will be almost impossible to find- at the one hour time frame you might find a Condo in that price range. 1-2 bedrooms 750-1000 square feet in Stamford for 300K. At 90 minutes you will have some more options.

Norwalk might be possible at 75 minutes from NY- a smaller older home in a decent area will still run from 350- 370K. Bridgeport will be cheapest, but the city has issues with its schools, and has more of an 'urban feel', then you desire.

Fairfield is a fine town- and you might find a small home for around 375-400K- Milford in western New Haven county- about 90 minutes from New York- the far end of your time and distance criteria, is a nice shoreline town as Fairfield- albeit a bit cheaper, with a nice downtown and good schools.

Median home prices in Coastal CT west of New Haven into Fairfield county will be about 125-180%+ higher then metro Atlanta on average.

Have A Merry Christmas!

[Mick266]

Kathy,

I agree with skytrekker the price range will be tough. I would suggest Southern Orange County, NY. (Monroe, Woodbury, Blooming Grove, Harriman, Chester, Washingtonville) The median home price around here is about 325,000. THe Monroe-Woodbury School district is highly rated. The commute to NYC is about 1 hr. It is growing more diverse everyday. I think Orange County is a good option for you.

[jumper]

Kathy-
I have a son who lives in Alpharetta..on Deerfield Point...do you know where that is?..he's with CNN..
Your search will not be easy in CT as housing here is very expensive..If CT is your first choice, a condo might be your best option...you can contact me privately if you wish..
Merry Christmas!

[westchester]

your ONLY chance,,, Sorry Good Luck................

[Cruikshl]

Originally Posted by sholzy

Hello,

I am planning to move from Atlanta to NY within the next few months for work. I have been doing some research about where to live in the tri-state area and I ran across this site. I wish I knew about it months ago

My question is where would be the best place in the tri-state area for us to move to if working in NY? I am self employed so work could be in any of the Investment banks in NY.

My requirements are:
Good non-private schools (I have a baby under a year old)
Decent commute from NY City (60 -90 mins)
Surburbian feel (I currently live in one of the suburbs in ATL - Alpharetta)
House prices not more than $350K (preferably 3 bed 2.5 bath)
Safe and diverse neighbourhood
Access to stores

I'm sure you've heard this question over and over, but I couldn't find a post that had all of my questions in it. I am sorry if this is a re-post.

Merry Christmas

--Kathy

Hey Kathy we just moved up from Newnan in August...get ready for a BIG change. We bought in Woodbury and love the feel of the town. Looks just like the pictures you see of the northeast. There are no neighborhoods like other parts of the country. Good luck! Email me if you want

[sholzy]

Thank you so much to everyone for their responses. It seems like Orange County will be my best bet. I'll go and have a look round in that forum to see if I can have a better feel of the neighbourhoods there.

This seems like it's going to be quite a quest looking for the right town/neighbourhood.

This is a great forum.

Happy New year to everybody.

--Kathy

[JayCT]

Kathy - You could find a modest single-family home in Fairfield for this price. When I say modest I mean a small cape with 3 bedrooms and one bath on a small lot. Fairfield is a little more than an hour from Manhattan by train. The schools there are excellent and there is a wide variety of shopping, family activities and restaurants. Good luck, Jay

[sholzy]

Jay - Thanks so much for the info. I've been browsing in the NY forum for a while and I'm not really sure if I want to give up on CT at the moment.

It seems like the travelling time is comparable living in Woodbury, NY vs Fairfield, CT. I really love all I've read about CT. I might need to downside from a house to a condo jsut to get into CT.

I wonder if anyone has done a comparison between Woodbury and Fairfield? If you know where I can get this type of comparison information please let me know. I'll be so grateful.

In the meantime I'll keep on looking.

Kindest Regards,

--Kathy

[JayCT]

The best way to compare is to go to Realtor.com and get an idea of what is available in your price range. Generally taxes are usuallly less here in CT. Good luck, Jay