[dt817]

hello,
I need some help figuring out which town in Fairfield is right for my family. I would love to be in a community with sidewalks and a nice town center with good shopping/restaurants, great schools, minimal attitude and a laid back and relaxed feel. From what we've heard, Greenwich and Westport two good possibilities. I've heard that there is a reputation for snobbiness in Greenwich and possibly Westport. Is it difficult to meet nice people in these towns? Any suggestions?

thanks.

[JayCT]

Greenwich and Westport are among the most desirable towns to live in in the country. There are many different areas to live and a lot of different housing options. But be aware these are also two of the pricest places to live and with that comes some people with attitude. you will find that in just about any upscale suburb of a major city. If you are looking for a more down-to-earth town, try Fairfield. It is more diverse and less expensive. Jay

[skytrekker]

Both towns certainly offer all the attributes you describe. Both also offer a certain attitude that you may not desire- Greenwich will be worse then Westport.

To be fair the long time residents or 'townies' in both places can be most pleasant, and while aloof and somewhat ethereally detached are not overly snobby.

Jay's advice is on the mark regarding Fairfield.

[David K]

As a resident of Westport for the past 15 years, I can say that there are some great people here. Also some of the best public schools in the country, one of the greatest beaches in the state, and a fabulous downtown, great for pedestrians. While you will always find people with "attitudes" in most affluent towns, I think most people will agree that there's more of a "mix" in Westport. In addition to Wall St. tycoons, lawyers and doctors, Westport also has cartoonists, actors (Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward), musicians (Michael Bolton), advertising creatives, entertainment moguls (Harvey Weinstein/Miramax Films), and TV entertainers (Phil Donahue). On another note, if you're looking at homes, your dollar will go much farther in Westport. Feel free to send me a direct email for more if you'd like. Best of luck.

[HelloSam]

I lived in Greenwich for years and generally resented feeling underdressed every time I went to run an errand or shop on the Avenue. Westport's downtown gives me the same heebie jeebies. I second the recommendation of Fairfield as a more down to earth alternative. Southport (an area of Fairfield) is just as pricey as Westport and Greenwich, and has just as much to offer - and a gorgeous village with a beachy vibe.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by HelloSam

I lived in Greenwich for years and generally resented feeling underdressed every time I went to run an errand or shop on the Avenue. Westport's downtown gives me the same heebie jeebies. I second the recommendation of Fairfield as a more down to earth alternative. Southport (an area of Fairfield) is just as pricey as Westport and Greenwich, and has just as much to offer - and a gorgeous village with a beachy vibe.

I do not think I would say that Southport has a "beachy vibe". It is more of a traditional New England seaside village. Lots of stunning historic old homes and buildings set on quant lanes with lush landscaping. Very beautiful and while not quite as expensive as Greenwich, it is pretty pricey. It is beautiful to just drive or walk through. Jay

[Rockinkiwi]

I grew up in central Greenwich, and know that the town has its reputation for snobbery. However what gets me about Greenwich is that not all of the town is like that. In fact, most of the kids I went to school with weren't from wealthy families. However if you're heart is set on Greenwich, I'd suggest you look at the different sections of it, rather than the town as a whole. You have Byram, Central Greenwich, Glenville, Cos Cob, Riverside & Old Greenwich (I may be missing one). Byram and Central Greenwich are closer to the New York border, and although they do have their share of pricey housing, you'll find the people there to be a bit more "blue collar" and more down-to-earth than some of the other sections of town.

However, I do have to say that over the years, Greenwich certainly has changed. The town's main street, Greenwich Avenue, (know to us locals as "The Ave") isn't even worth shopping at unless you're going to CVS because about 70-75% of the stores are high-end. For example, the Woolworth's was replaced by a Saks Fifth Avenue when Woolworth's went out of business. Talk about one extreme to the other! LOL Most of the people I know in Greenwich drive to Port Chester, Stamford or Norwalk for their shopping.

It is a beautiful town, great school system, great beaches (remember, residents only!), wonderful historical attractions, and lovely parks. However the direction the town is headed in is changing. Certainly Greenwich Avenue is attracting more of the "yuppie" type class of people. However, if you can afford to live there and enjoy that type of lifestyle, I'd suggest Greenwich in a heartbeat. Otherwise, I also agree with Jay that maybe Fairfield is a better place for you. :-)

[andthentherewere3]

Originally Posted by dt817

hello,
I need some help figuring out which town in Fairfield is right for my family. I would love to be in a community with sidewalks and a nice town center with good shopping/restaurants, great schools, minimal attitude and a laid back and relaxed feel. From what we've heard, Greenwich and Westport two good possibilities. I've heard that there is a reputation for snobbiness in Greenwich and possibly Westport. Is it difficult to meet nice people in these towns? Any suggestions?

thanks.

If you are concerned about snobbiness, you might consider Fairfield or Ridgefield instead of Greenwich or Westport. Both towns have "a nice town center with good shopping/restaurants, great schools, minimal attitude and a laid back and relaxed feel".

[IraqVetnowaMomma]

I think for what you described Ridgefield would be a great option. Great community vibe, beautiful center, less snob.

[dt817]

Althought we've never lived in Greenwich, we have been there many times and never really felt under dressed. Regardless, we will consider Fairfield and Ridgefield too. One important factor that I did forget to mention is that we want to be as close to NYC as possible. I'll need to check on that. Thanks for the advice.