[texags02]

How's the commute in and out each day? I know its about 44 minutes, but I've from a state where everyone drives, so when you have a 45 minute commute to work, that's a decent hike. It seems to me that a similar commute on a train wouldn't be bad because it's pretty mindless-a place where you can get your morning reading done, etc. My fiance and I are both moving up that way for jobs in NYC (Midtown), and are trying to figure out if we want to live in the City, or outside of it in a place like Stamford. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by texags02

How's the commute in and out each day? I know its about 44 minutes, but I've from a state where everyone drives, so when you have a 45 minute commute to work, that's a decent hike. It seems to me that a similar commute on a train wouldn't be bad because it's pretty mindless-a place where you can get your morning reading done, etc. My fiance and I are both moving up that way for jobs in NYC (Midtown), and are trying to figure out if we want to live in the City, or outside of it in a place like Stamford. Any thoughts are appreciated.

If you're used to suburban life and don't mind that mindless commute, Stamford is a very nice city. On the train you can read, nap, work on your laptop or look out the window. It goes by pretty fast.

If you don't mind giving up your car and living in Manhattan, then it's a great experience. Depending on where you would work/live in the city, your subway or walking commute can be the same as the trip from Stamford to Grand Central.

[nhctguy]

Depending on which trains you take, you may end up standing a few times during the commute. Metro North is very very popular with SW CT commuters and the trains are usually pretty crowded Mon-Fri. Many folks do exit in Stamford but believe me, there are still quite a few that stay on the train into NYC.

[texags02]

Any others out there? We're moving to the Northeast from Texas for jobs in NYC, and are trying to decide if we want to live in the City first, or just look in Stamford where we can get a lot more space for our money. That's why I wanted some opinions of people who do it everyday. If it's horrible, that's important to know. If it's not bad, then that's also important. We have a black lab that's very very active, and the thought of him being home all day in the apartment bothers me somewhat-that's another reason we're considering Stamford.

Also, how late does MetroNorth run? Weekdays? Weekends?

[Viralmd]

You can check schedules here: MTA Metro-North

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by texags02

Any others out there? We're moving to the Northeast from Texas for jobs in NYC, and are trying to decide if we want to live in the City first, or just look in Stamford where we can get a lot more space for our money. That's why I wanted some opinions of people who do it everyday. If it's horrible, that's important to know. If it's not bad, then that's also important. We have a black lab that's very very active, and the thought of him being home all day in the apartment bothers me somewhat-that's another reason we're considering Stamford.

Also, how late does MetroNorth run? Weekdays? Weekends?

I commuted from Stamford to NYC for about 2 1/2 years. It was exciting to have that chunk of time each day to read and relax. The time zips by, but it's just enough to get some things done. Driving is a different story. If you leave super early from Stamford (before 6:30am)--you'll encounter very very little traffic. Coming home, it's always hit or miss--but usually hit--coming from the city back to Stamford. Traffic can be AWFUL. It has taken me up to 2 hours at times to get back to Stamford! Definitely take the train, it's super easy and your most efficient bet for sure.

Are you looking to buy or rent?

[texags02]

We're looking to rent first. We'd like a townhome, or possibly a small single family home with a yard, even it it's small. Could we get something like that for $3,000 or less?

[Anaid]

On the dog thing, I've often thought dogs in the city live pretty good lives- they get lots of walks and they have dog parks all over the city. Better than sitting in a house or yard alone all day. And remember, you can't leave them outside all day in the winter while you are at work, so the dog would be kept inside all that time plus commute time. (I wouldn't leave my dog outside all day period, but maybe I'm a little overprotective.)

Also, if you want to go out to dinner in the city after work, you can't because you have to get home to the dog (an all-too-familiar refrain from my commuting life.)

Just my dog-crazy 2 cents!

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by texags02

We're looking to rent first. We'd like a townhome, or possibly a small single family home with a yard, even it it's small. Could we get something like that for $3,000 or less?

Yeah, definitely. I sent a link to you as a private message.

[texags02]

MetroNorth does run really late, doesn't it? "Late" meaning that I can take it back up to Stamford late in the evening.