Stamford/Norwalk: Benefits of Aprt complex vs. cheaper house? (Naugatuck: apartment complexes, rentals)

mozillameister · 02-18-2018, 02:50 PM

Know I have another thread opened but this is a slightly different topic and didn't want to confuse it by posting it in the same thread...

I'm relocating to CT for a new job in Stamford. Looking at moving to Norwalk or Stamford. There's a lot of apartment complexes for rent, but they seem more expensive than individual house rentals (Studios, 1BR). I'm also attending grad school next year and saving up is important.

I'm pretty basic on apartment needs. Basically, needs to be not loud (no roommates) and safe. What I am picky about is the experience of living: to meet people in my age bracket, both for friends and dating.

Do apartment complexes make it:

- Easier to meet people in my age bracket (24-30)?

- Is one easier for dating than another?

Those are the main criteria I would think for a complex unless there's others I haven't thought of. Would the differences be worth the $500+/mo premium? House apartments 10 min from downtown are 1100-1200/mo while good downtown apartments are 1600-1800.

I lived in CT briefly in Naugatuck 5 years ago for a job, but it was an awful experience. Partly because my apt was an attic and my job was awful, but mostly because I had no social life. This time around, if I do move, I want to make sure I can make new friends as it would be difficult for my NYC friends to visit (I'd prob go down 1/4 weekends and stay at their place).

Looking for $1800/mo MAX (75 Tresser in Stamford is my high max since it's a 7 min walk to work).

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

JayCT · 02-18-2018, 03:17 PM

I am not sure why you think a single family house rental is less expensive. The only way I see that is possible is if you rent one in a sketchy area or way further away. I would also say your chances of meeting people would be greater in an apartment. You do have more privacy, but you also are more likely to be isolated.

Also the reason those apartments are pricey is location. If you want to be near work, transportation and entertainment you are going to have to pay for it. In Connecticut you get what you pay for and if something is cheap, there is usually a good reason. Only you can decide if it is worth it or not. Jay

mozillameister · 02-18-2018, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayCT

I am not sure why you think a single family house rental is less expensive. The only way I see that is possible is if you rent one in a sketchy area or way further away. I would also say your chances of meeting people would be greater in an apartment. You do have more privacy, but you also are more likely to be isolated.

Also the reason those apartments are pricey is location. If you want to be near work, transportation and entertainment you are going to have to pay for it. In Connecticut you get what you pay for and if something is cheap, there is usually a good reason. Only you can decide if it is worth it or not. Jay

Nah you misunderstand me. I meant a 1BR in a house or similar about 10 min north. Like independent listings from realtors on multi floor houses. I was wondering if living in an apartment is a prereq to having a decent social life? Do people in apartments meet each other in lounges or is it nothing like dorm life and most ppl really just tend to their own schtick (and those lounges get barely used)? How do most people in their 20's meet others in Stamford or Norwalk?

I've never lived in a loft or any kind of fancy sort of housing. The closest thing was in college apartments. My apartments post degree are either sketch or just older pre-war buildings (most of NYC). These fancy apartments all have gyms, pool tables, lounges, etc...like dorms. Was wondering if people meet each other akin to college or it's just for show and Marketing.

SeaDoo342 · 02-18-2018, 06:31 PM

In the days of Tinder and Bumble, I wouldn't worry about all that..... the vast majority of people today meet their other half on dating apps...

Find a place you like and go for it..

mozillameister · 02-18-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaDoo342

In the days of Tinder and Bumble, I wouldn't worry about all that..... the vast majority of people today meet their other half on dating apps...

Find a place you like and go for it..

Nah, dating apps are a crapshoot in my experience. I've literally gone on 1 date from online with countless hours spent. Too many dropoff points. Also if you're a dude and you're not super attractive, Bumble is the biggest fail of an app in the world by design. It's like eugenics. You're weeded out since only one party holds the power...and it's not you. Like reverse sexism.

Most dates I've found via randomness. Walking around parks, chatting in coffee shops, etc. Kinds of things that probably only work in a city like New York or in college.

RiskReturn · 02-18-2018, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaDoo342

In the days of Tinder and Bumble, I wouldn't worry about all that..... the vast majority of people today meet their other half on dating apps...

Find a place you like and go for it..

Have to agree with OP here...I wouldn't recommend tinder or bumble unless you are very attractive, or have very flattering pictures of yourself. It's mostly about the first impression on these apps and women are very discerning- regardless of how good or bad they look themselves. Most people I know aren't meeting their SOs from these apps. hook-ups? sure. but usually not SOs.

another consideration: do you really want to date a chick that's active on tinder or bumble? how many guys do you think she's been with? sorry, but I am pretty traditionalist in this matter.

just my thoughts.

kidyankee764 · 02-19-2018, 08:52 AM

Two of my guy friends have met their now wives on Tinder. It works.

mozillameister · 02-19-2018, 01:08 PM

Think this thread got off track lol. Guess I'm asking is, if my main goal is meeting people (friends and dating), is it worth a $500/mo premium for one of these trendy apartments, or would a cheaper house listing suffice since no one really meets through these apartments (and the amenities get completely unused)?

JayCT · 02-19-2018, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mozillameister

Think this thread got off track lol. Guess I'm asking is, if my main goal is meeting people (friends and dating), is it worth a $500/mo premium for one of these trendy apartments, or would a cheaper house listing suffice since no one really meets through these apartments (and the amenities get completely unused)?

Sorry but this happens a lot on this forum. No harm intended.

Only you can answer this question. To me though, if you want to meet people and be near your job and things to do, it is worth it as long as you can afford it. You are only young once so enjoy it while you can. Make sure you are saving for retirement and not carrying massive debts like credit cards and student loans though. JMHO, Jay

kidyankee764 · 02-19-2018, 02:08 PM

I find the “luxury” apartment buildings to be overpriced and shoddy. They often have paper thin walls and amenities that are subpar, at best. That said, they are trendy and very popular. If you’re okay with spending 2k+ for a place, go for it. Otherwise, you can probably get a non “luxury” unit with similar square footage for several hundred less in other neighborhoods. Only you can make that decision.