Stamford/Stratford commute (Bridgeport, Fairfield: homes, rental, job)

[sevdie]

Okay

I am already planning to be in Stamford at the end of March and now I have a job interview set up for that time. How is the commute between Stratford and Stamford? Is Stratford a town worth living in to avoid the commute (safe, nicer neighborhoods, etc.)?

[CTlibrarian]

Is your interview in Stratford? If you choose to live in Stamford and take a job in Stratford, you would have a "reverse" commute, going in the opposite direction of most of the traffic. I would say you would be looking at probably 40-45 minutes.

As far as a place to live, Stratford is a very nice town. It is much smaller than Stamford and has less to offer in the way of restaurants, shopping, culture, etc. It is a family friendly town with good neighborhoods and schools. Cost of living will be less in Stratford but there will be fewer rental options.

[JayCT]

Stratford is about 25 miles north of Stamford (it is actually east of Stamford, but I-95 is considered a north/south highway and is signed as such). It would take about 30 minutes to drive without traffic. With traffic it could take an hour or more.

I strongly recommend taking a Metro-North commuter train. Depending on the train you catch the trip would be anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The trains run often during rush hour and let you off at the edge of downtown Stamford. If you work downtown you could walk to your office or catch a bus. Many office buildings in Stamford offer a shuttle to and from the station.

Stratford is a nice middle-class town. By Fairfield county standards it is affordable with many nice homes and neighborhoods. The schools are good but there are a few areas to be careful of (generally south and west along the Bridgeport town line). these areas are not unsafe but do have some issues that people may not like. I hope this helps, Jay

[sevdie]

Originally Posted by CTlibrarian

Is your interview in Stratford? If you choose to live in Stamford and take a job in Stratford, you would have a "reverse" commute, going in the opposite direction of most of the traffic. I would say you would be looking at probably 40-45 minutes.

As far as a place to live, Stratford is a very nice town. It is much smaller than Stamford and has less to offer in the way of restaurants, shopping, culture, etc. It is a family friendly town with good neighborhoods and schools. Cost of living will be less in Stratford but there will be fewer rental options.

Yes, the job is in Stratford. Am interested in Stamford at this point, but I will go to the jobinterview and see what my options are.

[sevdie]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Stratford is about 25 miles north of Stamford (it is actually east of Stamford, but I-95 is considered a north/south highway and is signed as such). It would take about 30 minutes to drive without traffic. With traffic it could take an hour or more.

I strongly recommend taking a Metro-North commuter train. Depending on the train you catch the trip would be anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The trains run often during rush hour and let you off at the edge of downtown Stamford. If you work downtown you could walk to your office or catch a bus. Many office buildings in Stamford offer a shuttle to and from the station.

Stratford is a nice middle-class town. By Fairfield county standards it is affordable with many nice homes and neighborhoods. The schools are good but there are a few areas to be careful of (generally south and west along the Bridgeport town line). these areas are not unsafe but do have some issues that people may not like. I hope this helps, Jay

Yes, it does help. I will keep all of this in mind.