Moving from Chapel Hill to Fairfield County, CT (Bridgeport, Stamford: apartments, job)

[mfgheel]

Sorry for the "reverse post," but I figured I'd get more responses here than on the CT board. I've lived in Chapel Hill/Carrboro for the last 23 years, and I'm moving to CT for a job in Westport. Can anybody suggest a town in Fairfield County that has an eclectic, diverse feel similar to Chapel Hill/Carrboro? The closest thing I've been able to find is South Norwalk. Greenwich and Westport seemed too snobby, and Stamford too generic and commercial. Thanks!

[Jdatlas]

My husband grew up in Norwalk/Westport and he agrees that the closest you will find to Chapel Hill is probably SoNo.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by mfgheel

Sorry for the "reverse post," but I figured I'd get more responses here than on the CT board. I've lived in Chapel Hill/Carrboro for the last 23 years, and I'm moving to CT for a job in Westport. Can anybody suggest a town in Fairfield County that has an eclectic, diverse feel similar to Chapel Hill/Carrboro? The closest thing I've been able to find is South Norwalk. Greenwich and Westport seemed too snobby, and Stamford too generic and commercial. Thanks!

My sister lives in downtown Norwalk (in fact she has for the last 20 years or so) and works in Stamford. We grew up in Wilton. My brother and his family live in Milford (definitely don't recommend that area). I can't think of too many areas that I would consider eclectic or similar to CH/Carrboro. Most of that part of CT you might find snobby. I would definitely consider Norwalk, especially if schools aren't your first priority. Ridgefield might be another possibility--seems to have less of a snobby feel, at least when we lived there.

[autumngal]

Moved from the NC forums.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by sls76

My sister lives in downtown Norwalk (in fact she has for the last 20 years or so) and works in Stamford. We grew up in Wilton. My brother and his family live in Milford (definitely don't recommend that area). I can't think of too many areas that I would consider eclectic or similar to CH/Carrboro. Most of that part of CT you might find snobby. I would definitely consider Norwalk, especially if schools aren't your first priority. Ridgefield might be another possibility--seems to have less of a snobby feel, at least when we lived there.

I'm not sure why you wouldn't recommend living in Milford. It's a great shoreline town, excellent schools, very safe, nice neighborhoods (none that I wouldn't consider living in). It's a middle to upper class suburban town - hardly a town people "don't recommend." It's now becoming a bedroom community of NYC.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

I'm not sure why you wouldn't recommend living in Milford. It's a great shoreline town, excellent schools, very safe, nice neighborhoods (none that I wouldn't consider living in). It's a middle to upper class suburban town - hardly a town people "don't recommend." It's now becoming a bedroom community of NYC.

Probably because it is not the least bit "eclectic". It's a nice community more suited for: Husband, Wife, 2.4 kids, dog, etc.

[JayCT]

I do not know what Chapel Hill is like but you might want to consider the Black rock section of Bridgeport. It is a diverse area with a lot of small shops and restaurants and has some nice affordable apartments. Jay

[sls76]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

I'm not sure why you wouldn't recommend living in Milford. It's a great shoreline town, excellent schools, very safe, nice neighborhoods (none that I wouldn't consider living in). It's a middle to upper class suburban town - hardly a town people "don't recommend." It's now becoming a bedroom community of NYC.

To me much of it lacks charm and I think "excellent" referring to the schools is an exaggeration. The OP would IMO be very disappointed with Milford after living in CH/Carrboro plus the commute would be less than ideal.

ETA: This post was originally on the Raleigh forum, so I didn't mean to offend anyone--just giving my honest opinion. The OP probably wouldn't want to live in the town I live in (Cary, NC) either.

[mfgheel]

Thanks for the advice, everybody. Are the areas surrounding downtown South Norwalk really sketchy? Would you feel uncomfortable walking around at night?

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by sls76

To me much of it lacks charm and I think "excellent" referring to the schools is an exaggeration. The OP would IMO be very disappointed with Milford after living in CH/Carrboro plus the commute would be less than ideal.

ETA: This post was originally on the Raleigh forum, so I didn't mean to offend anyone--just giving my honest opinion. The OP probably wouldn't want to live in the town I live in (Cary, NC) either.

Milford, away from Route 1, has lots of charm. Downtown, along the beaches, etc.

Also when compared nationally, Milford schools are excellent. When comparing the district with CT, they are average.

I agree that the commute will be a headache going south along I-95 during rush hour.