[nish2006]

Hi, we're relocating to Fairfield County CT from New Jersey, and my office commute + budget allow us to look for homes in the Stratford/Trumbull/Monroe area (there's not much available for my budget of 550-600K around Fairfield or even Norwalk). Would anyone be able to give me some comparisons between these three towns, especially as places to live, quality of elementary schools, neighborhoods, re-sale value of housing, etc? The best quality homes we've seen are in Stratford (Oronoque area) but with huge property taxes. On the other hand, the nicest town appears to be Trumbull. Dazed & confused !!!

Cheers
Nish

[jdhall1]

Depending on how far that you want to commute, Danbury might be an option. It is not along the I-95 corridor and is considerably more affordable than towns such as Fairfield and Norwalk with less traffic getting around town. It is about 45 minutes to Norwalk and Stratford. For that amount of money, you should find many options that are nier and larger than what you get on the coast. Taxes in that price range would be between $4200 and $5500 a year. You can find a 4 bed, 2 1/2 bath colonial with about 2800 square feet on an acre that is about 20 years old on a quiet culdasac for that amount of an investment.

There are 12 elementary schools, including a brand new maget school affiated with the local university. If you live on the wesat side of town, your childern will attend either Mill Ridge or King Street schools. Each of them has 2 seperate schools (K-2, 3-5) and are considered to be the more progessive schools in the district. The middle and high schools have been expanded and upgraded in recent years.

[nish2006]

Thanks, jdhall. I work in Wilton, and had looked at Danbury some time ago. The commute along Route 7 turns me off (almost an hour some days), which is why I switched to Stratford/Trumbull - commuting via the Meritt is faster. Would you know which town (Stratford or Trumbull) is rated better to live in?

[kimct]

I grew up in Trumbull and currently reside in Fairfield. I will send you a pm.

[jdhall1]

Nish2006,
I completly understand the RT7 mess. My grandparents had their home taken in the early 1970s by the state since an offramp was going to be running through their frontyard. And we all know what happened with that! However, there are several backroad options to get you into Wilton (Old Ridgebury Road to Ridgebury rd to 116 south to 35 South (Main Street Ridgefield) to 33 south).
If I had to choose between Stratford/Trumbull, I would choose Trumbull. Their schools have a better reputation and there are more shopping options in Trumbull.

[nish2006]

jdhall,

Thanks for the info about backroads, I'll remember that.

[nish2006]

Hi, we've been looking at homes in Stratford,Monroe & Trumbull lately and the best value for money (around 600K) is clearly North Stratford, though I'd choose Trumbull in a flash if we could afford the prices!

Could anyone who knows Stratford tell me more about the area? I realize the town is rated a little below its neighbors because of its proximity to Bridgeport (and also has high taxes), but are the schools any good around Oronoque, is it a good place to live and have home prices there appreciated in recent years ? Many thanks.

[kenfried]

you should also consider some parts of Shelton, and Newtown.

[nish2006]

Thanks, kenfried. I hadn't considered those since I work in Wilton, and the commute along the Merritt from Stratford/Trumbull seemed convenient.Will take a look, though.

[Jeff Miller]

near the Shelton/Trumbull line is nice.