[sevdie]

My husband and I are on our way to Stamford to check out the city. We will be there the last week of March for a few days. It sounds like just what we're looking for on paper, but want to check out Milford as well while we are there if there is a big difference in the cost of living. We want to mix business with pleasure while we are there and I am sure the downtown and beach will take care of the pleasure end of things, but we also want to look into jobs, look at some small house rentals or apartment rentals, figure out the commute between Milford and Stamford (if we decide to live in Milford) and visit UConn. We also booked both the CourtYard by Marriot and the Holiday Inn since we didn't know which area was better to stay in.

Any thoughts? Opinions? Advice? Recomendations? All help is welcomed and appreciated. Feel free to PM me with any recommendations or links if they are not allowed on the forum. Thanks in advance.

[StuWelk]

Commute from Milford to Stamford? Can be quite rough if you do it during the traditional "rush" hour. Stamford is certainly more expensive but many of us opt to pay more to not have to commute. PLus it's that much closer to NYC and all that that offers. I've been here 11 years...would be happy to answer any questions.

[sevdie]

Thanks I appreciate that. It;s just the two of us and we would like to rent a small 1 or 2 bedroom...preferably a house because we want two dogs and we want to live in a nicer neighborhood that is safe. If you could reccommend (or PM) me and rentals for apts or houses that would be very helpful.

[brattpowered]

Stay at the Courtyard! It is a newer hotel and right in the middle of all of the developing downtown excitement. You could stay there and walk to the nightlife and downtown stores, but at the Holiday Inn you would have to drive since it's in a part of town that has a lot of office buildings and parking garages--but no street life. Good luck on your visit!

[sevdie]

I am very excited. Thanks. I will take your advice and stay at the marriot.

[JViello]

The beach in March? I don't know...it may just be you and the seaweed. lol

Don't expect much for "beach life" in March here. Just a heads up.

We are in our "ugly" season right now, just so you know. They call it "Spring cleaning" for a reason. By April everything is cleaned up from the Winter and blooming.

[sevdie]

Ha! Guess, I deserved that one, J. Duly noted

[bg23516]

If you are looking for a small house, and have 2 dogs, an idea might be in North Stamford. There are many large estates or properties that also have a guest cottage / carriage house on them. Most are 800-1500 sqft, 1 or 2 br, 1 bath, and are quite charming. They are much quieter than living downtown, as you are usually tucked away on a large piece of private property. We've been in one for 4+ years now, and absolutely love it.

You can usually see these on the MLS, but Craigslist and some local agents will have private listings as well.

[jjbradleynyc]

I'd definitely recommend the Courtyard by Marriott!! Like someone said, it's right in the smack dab middle of downtown Stamford. The Trump Tower is going up a block away, Target is next door, UConn campus is across the street, and there is a lot of bars, restaurants within feet of the hotel. It's a wonderful area!! As for living here, you may want to look at Springdale or Glenbrook--these neighborhoods are quaint and charming with somewhat less expensive rentals/sales. Good luck!

[sevdie]

This has been a lot of help. Thanks so much. If anyone has any other thoughts please share them.