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Old 03-04-2008, 09:28 AM
 
1 posts, read 3,972 times
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My husband, two kids (ages 3.5 and 2 months) and I are moving from NYC to Connecticut. I'll be working in New Haven and my husband will be working in NYC. We're looking for a nice town (not rural area) about an hour from NYC and 45 minutes from New Haven. We'd love to live some where with sidewalks (not rural or just development communities), great public schools, great pediatricians, good day care centers, parks etc (family friendly). We can only spend about $400,000 on a house, and ideally we'd want a house close (10 min. drive) to a metro north train station but also four bedrooms, wood floors, back yard, and in good condition. Westport seems about the right distance, but some of the other postings on this site suggest it's upscale, so I fear we couldn't afford a very nice house in the area. We're from Ohio and Long Island originally, so we know very little about Connecticut -- Any suggestions would be most appreciated!!!
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Old 03-04-2008, 09:52 AM
 
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At that price range, you wouldn't be able to purchase a house in many towns in Fairfield County including Westport. You may be able to find a small house (under 1500 sq. ft.) in Fairfield. The commute to NYC is a little over an hour. The schools are very good and Fairfield is family friendly.

You also may be able to find a small house in Stamford or Norwalk, but the schools are not great in these cities.
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Old 03-04-2008, 10:03 AM
 
Location: Connecticut
34,634 posts, read 56,360,262 times
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I doubt you will find a home in westport for $400k. Westport is a very expensive town. You might try Fairfield. It is a very nice upscale town with a wide range of housing options from Modest apartments to mansions. It has a great downtown with lots of shops,restaurants and entertainment options. There are great parks and beaches as well as a lot of family activities. The schools are excellent. there are 2 train stations (Fairfield Center and Southport) and a third will start construciton later this year. You could find a modest home there for $400k, but I am not sure if it will get you the home you are looking for.

If not, consider towns further from New York. Stratford and Milford are more affordable. They have very good schools and many of the same amenities as Fairfield. Good luck, Jay
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Old 03-04-2008, 05:29 PM
 
Location: Danbury CT covering all of Fairfield County
2,619 posts, read 7,384,772 times
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I would think Bethel would be a good fit.As a realtor, I can't discuss schools though. There is a walkable downtown. There are plenty of homes in your price range. The train station is a little bit further, about 15 minutes in Brewster NY. Good luck!
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Old 03-04-2008, 08:29 PM
 
Location: Brooklyn, NY
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I'd recommend that you look in Stamford first--where you'll most likely find a smaller home in a not-as-desirable area for around $400k--just remember prices are dropping right now and owners are negotiable. Even though Stamford may be too large for what you are looking for--use it as a gauge. After Stamford, try Fairfield or Stratford. Stratford will be the cheapest by far, with prices around $200k for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Fairfield will be possible to find a home around $400k. Best of luck.
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Old 03-04-2008, 08:39 PM
 
Location: Wilton, CT
95 posts, read 445,377 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjbradleynyc View Post
I'd recommend that you look in Stamford first--where you'll most likely find a smaller home in a not-as-desirable area for around $400k--just remember prices are dropping right now and owners are negotiable. Even though Stamford may be too large for what you are looking for--use it as a gauge. After Stamford, try Fairfield or Stratford. Stratford will be the cheapest by far, with prices around $200k for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Fairfield will be possible to find a home around $400k. Best of luck.
Not a bad thought about Stamford. Neighborhoods like Springdale or Glenbrook, even though in Stamford, have a bit of a small town feel and are on the New Canaan spur of Metro North.
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Old 03-05-2008, 01:04 AM
 
1,316 posts, read 3,888,985 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NY2CT View Post
At that price range, you wouldn't be able to purchase a house in many towns in Fairfield County including Westport. You may be able to find a small house (under 1500 sq. ft.) in Fairfield. The commute to NYC is a little over an hour. The schools are very good and Fairfield is family friendly.

You also may be able to find a small house in Stamford or Norwalk, but the schools are not great in these cities.

that price is barely a condo...bridgeport maybe, stratford, milford, ornge
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Old 03-05-2008, 11:25 AM
 
94 posts, read 418,070 times
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Originally Posted by 12buttons View Post
that price is barely a condo...bridgeport maybe, stratford, milford, ornge
There are houses listed for under $400K in Fairfield, but they're very small. If schools and the commute to NYC are most important, she should look there.
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Old 03-05-2008, 12:33 PM
 
Location: Danbury CT covering all of Fairfield County
2,619 posts, read 7,384,772 times
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The Greater Danbury area is still Fairfield County. There are plenty of homes around $400,000.
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Old 03-07-2008, 06:54 AM
 
640 posts, read 2,001,921 times
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Try Milford or Stratford
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