[richrf]

Hi,

My wife and I are 63 and retired. We are selling our condos in Chicago and moving to Metro NY (I grew up in Brooklyn) to be near family. We are trying to decide between White Plains and Stamford. White Plains seems to have more "character" but Stamford seems to have a better inventory of rentals and condos. Any advice regarding cost and quality of living would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[CT_Native]

I'd pick Stamford -- they both are big commuter satellites of NYC, but Stamford has better housing options. It's right on the water too, if you two want that kind of view. Relatively mundane shopping/dining exist within the city itself, but the good stuff is saved for the city anyway. Both have good transit access (both into Grand Central). I couldn't say, since I've never lived there, but I'd expect Stamford to be more lively at night compared to White Plains. Best of luck!

[Jjury15]

White Plains is obviously closer to the city, so if you plan on going into Manhattan or anywhere else, I'd suggest White Plains. Stamford may seem to be more lively, but young people are moving out in droves from Stamford and it's really only happening for 30 year olds who can't let go of their youth and party like they're reckless and 15. It's for a teen population in the summers, at best. White Plains seems overall decent, but can get very busy. Stamford can too, but around 7, traffic cools down. Around 10am-1pm, Stamford isn't that bad traffic wise either.

Stamford also does have more housing options, but is stupid expensive for anything sort of decent, unless you find a deal. Good thing a lot of places are up for sale if you want a house and not an apartment! I would say Stamford has a better situation for a family - not so much if you're single. So you should be just fine finding a small little place. I'd suggest Stamford. There's a big older population here, too, so you'd be right at home.

[richrf]

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts. Anymore would be greatly appreciated.

[CTartist&musician]

I was born and raised in Stamford and lived there for over 30 years until a bought a home in Trumbull. I may be biased but I would say Stamford. It seems like you have lived in cities and like things more lively with more activities than being in small town. Of course you know that Stamford is on the water and there are more things to do in your retirement living in a coastal city or town.

This is a bit of a coincidence but mom's family was from Brooklyn (near Ebbets Field) a few generations back. They all starting moving to Stamford in the early 1900's and liked it. It seems like almost all of the Brooklyn relatives moved to Stamford. I am guessing it gave then the sense of being near the water and also having a lively community similar to Brooklyn but a little more laid back. There is lots of good Italian food in Stamford.

It seems like you like condos. There are really nice condos on Bedford Street but on occasion they also have rentals. Quite a few of my relatives moved there in retirement after they sold their homes. They are called Chesterfield. They are in a very good area and near shopping. There are also lots of other choices in Stamford in the high rise buildings too.

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[richrf]

Many thanks for your in-depth reply. Much appreciated.

[7 Wishes]

If you decide to own instead of rent taxes could be a factor. Property taxes are lower in Stamford than White Plains, though in Stamford (as in all of CT) you pay a separate property tax on your car, that like your home property tax varies based on your town/city mill rate, depending on the car(s) you own it can be hundreds per year or more (NY actually has a tax like this, but it's much lower and based on the size of your car only, not where you live and you're only charged it every two years tacked on to your registration renewal....a lot of people don't know about that but it's there on your bill). So overall, your property taxes would still be less in Stamford, but some find that annual "car tax" to be pretty annoying.

Despite what was said earlier, Stamford is really not that much farther from Manhattan/Grand Central than White Plains is, it's about 30 miles away vs. about 25 for White Plains. Either way, good luck!

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Jjury15

Stamford may seem to be more lively, but young people are moving out in droves from Stamford

Source?

OP, I like Stamford a lot better as a city. It's just nicer. IMO White Plains doesn't have more character, just the opposite with all the urban malls and chains. There are a lot of other nice towns in Westchester and Fairfield counties though, if that's a consideration.

Why are you limiting yourself to those 2 cities? Where is family and how close do you need to be to them? The further out you go, the more affordable things will get and generally a quality of life improvement overall.

[erjunkee]

Originally Posted by Jjury15

Stamford may seem to be more lively, but young people are moving out in droves from Stamford and it's really only happening for 30 year olds who can't let go of their youth and party like they're reckless and 15. It's for a teen population in the summers, at best.

I have lived in Stamford (downtown Stamford, no less) for over 3 years.

Where exactly do you or have you personally seen this happening?

I haven't.

OP, ignore this jaded and clearly biased viewpoint.

[richrf]

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice and info!

My brothers live in Brooklyn. My son in LIC. My wife's family is in Queens and Long Island.

Mainly, having lived in Brooklyn and Chicago ourb whole lives, we feel we would miss the semi-urban feel if we didn't live in a small city. We did stop off in Danbury, Darian, and other small towns when we visited last, but felt they weren't quite what we were looking for.